Meet Our 2025 Volunteers of the Year!

Teal and pink overlay on a mosaic of volunteers' faces. Text: Thank You, San José Public Library Volunteers.

The San José Public Library appreciates the tremendous contributions and efforts made by all our volunteers. Every year, each of our library locations and units selects an individual volunteer to recognize as their Volunteer of the Year. We are truly grateful that they chose to volunteer with our Library. Join us in congratulating the 2025 SJPL Volunteers of the Year.

Joseph Saperstein

Adult Literacy & ESL

Joseph is a dedicated ESL tutor who leads a beginning ESL class twice a week. His responsibilities include planning and teaching engaging lessons and differentiating his instruction to ensure accessibility for learners of all backgrounds. With his positivity and kindness, he creates a safe, supportive learning environment where students gain confidence and develop their language skills.

Beyond his role as an ESL instructor, Joseph goes above and beyond by volunteering during Hillview’s special programs and events. Whether leading craft activities or stepping in to support wherever help is needed, he shows up with a genuine smile and willingness to serve the community. For his meaningful and positive contributions, we are proud to recognize Joseph as the 2025 Adult Literacy Services and ESL Volunteer of the Year.

Get to know a little about Joseph:

My community…includes my neighbors here in San Jose, my church, as well as friends and family all over the world.
Libraries are...vibrant community spaces that are more important now than ever.
I volunteer...because I'm passionate about free public resources to help people become more connected in their city.

Jessica Li

Almaden

This year, Jessica Li served as the secretary of our Teens Reach service club at the Almaden Branch Library. What made her special was how she overcame roadblocks that would have otherwise stumped others. First, the volunteer who said she would help with our local Almaden teen website never showed up. Second, the website software we were using, Wix, stopped providing free service to small groups like ours. The purpose of using Wix for teens was to provide a landing page for them to see what’s going on and to post opportunities for teens without having to search through emails. Jessica’s solution was to use Google Sites and create an Instagram account to promote Teens Reach. She also recruited teens to help her set up Google Sites and Instagram. Not only that, but she also participated in our Teen Incubator to create three separate lessons for after-school STEaM workshops: Strawberry DNA, Static Snow Globes, and Density Differences. She enriched the lives of children and teens in the neighborhood with her ideas and spirit. She has been an asset to our Teens Reach group.

Get to know a little about Jessica:

My fondest memory...is going to Half Moon Bay and seeing the ocean for the 1st time.
Libraries are...a great place for learning and engaging in the community.
My favorite book, movie, or song...Brave New World.

Vasanthi Jeyakumar

Alum Rock

Vasanthi is our Sanskrit instructor and a Homework Club coach. She brings her dedication and teaching experience to help children learn a new language or further develop their math, science, and reading skills. I was so excited when I saw on her application that she has teaching experience. Homework Club requires the most volunteer support of any program I run, and the availability of volunteers tends to ebb and flow throughout the year. Vasanthi’s teaching experience and consistent support have been invaluable. We would have had to cancel the program last year if she had not volunteered, but with her support, we are thriving. She even helps encourage and advise the high school students who volunteer for Homework Club. She encourages and advises me, too, when I’m struggling with how to approach a challenge in supporting this program. And I still can’t believe we are able to offer free Sanskrit classes for children! The families that come have been so enthusiastic. I don’t know of anyone nearby who offers this service for free, and this incredible opportunity is available in the Alum Rock neighborhood thanks to Vasanthi’s generosity and devotion to teaching.

Get to know a little about Vansanthi:

My fondest memory...my time with my lovely daughter, especially when we both were alone in Bangalore for seven years. That time we used to go to the Pizza Hut, MacDonalds, and malls. Watching movies, our favorite television programs and cooking our favorite dishes, eating together. All happy, happy moments in my life.
My role model...my mom will be my first role model. She is eighty-eight now, and a very strong, powerful, very determined woman. Very firm, but very friendly. And she taught us how to be a good human being. Very compassionate. How to be very kind with others.
Libraries are...beyond books, libraries offer free access to cultural materials and other resources, help people learn critical thinking, media literacy, digital knowledge, and libraries provide access to information, support learning, and create community spaces. And teach people how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically.They also help communities address social issues and civic problems.

Michael Bradley

Alviso

Michael supports the planning and facilitation of the monthly Math Festival at the Alviso Branch Library. He sets up games for the program, helps participants learn the games, and provides additional assistance. Michael’s work with us as a volunteer has been a stellar example of someone who shows consistency and initiative. From the moment he started volunteering with us at Alviso, he caught on very quickly and was eventually able to run the Math Festival with little to no direction. In addition, he was very approachable for young participants who had questions or needed assistance. We’ve seen patrons return to the Math Festival, and they recognize Michael and the support he provides. Given Michael’s reliability, library staff at Alviso know they have less on their plate when he is here to run the Math Festival. With his help, we can focus on encouraging more patrons to join the Math Festival and serving customers in the branch.

Get to know a little about Michael:

As a child...I wanted to make the world a better place.
Libraries are...vibrant community spaces that are more important now than ever.
My favorite book, movie, or song...Book: Lord of the Rings. Song: "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones

Aneesha Janbandhu

Bascom

Since 2023, Aneesha Janbandhu has led Science Academy programs for children at Bascom Library. These programs have introduced children to concepts in biology and chemistry through fun and educational hands-on activities. Aneesha’s hard work in creating and presenting these popular STEM programs over the past two years has earned her recognition as Bascom Library’s Volunteer of the Year.

Get to know a little about Aneesha:

As a child...I loved working with my hands, anything hands-on, like Legos, puzzles, Play-Dough. I really liked building things myself and seeing the process from start to finish. For me the process is more rewarding than the actual completed Lego structure, whatever I was making. And it was just a way for me to engage with whatever was around me when I was little and explore how things worked, and take charge of things that I was able to make myself.
My community...is full of social life. There’s always an opportunity of meeting new people. You just have to put yourself out there and be willing to go out of your comfort zone and really talk to other people, and you can meet people like you and meet people unlike you.
If I wasn't volunteering, I'd be...because I'm passionate about free public resources to help people become more connected in their city.

Anav Apparaju

Berryessa

For nearly two years, Anav has led virtual coding courses for elementary and middle school students, including Basics of Java Programming, Intermediate Java Programming, and Basics of Python Programming.

Get to know a little about Anav:

I am most proud of...my recent drone build. There were many completely new things that I had to learn on my own, but the final product was an autonomous drone, something that is truly my own and that I’m proud of.
My favorite book, movie, or song...a favorite book of mine would be Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. It is the biography of Nathaniel Bowditch, a mathematician and seaman whose contributions to navigation revolutionized maritime trade.
I volunteer...because the staff would help me find students to teach. I had the skills and material needed to teach, but couldn’t find the audience without them. The library’s ability to reach potential students was exactly what I needed

Tashina Tucker

Biblioteca

Since 2018, Tashina has been a dedicated volunteer in the Citizenship Interview Prep Workshop, helping over a hundred community members prepare for their US Naturalization Interviews. She builds rapport with participants, guides them through the interview process, conducts mock interviews, and boosts their confidence. Many return to share their success stories, and Tashina’s impact extends to their families as well. Her continued commitment to the program has made a positive, lasting contribution to both the library and the community.

Get to know a little about Tashina:

My biggest challenge…was having my first daughter when I was 21 years old. My challenge was staying focused on my goals while understanding that my energy needed to shift more to mom duties, household expenses, and having to leave school. I always told myself that I would go back one day. Not losing sight of my goals when other things came up in life was my biggest challenge.
Libraries are...one of my favorite places.
I volunteer... because I like to connect with people. I like this role particularly because all you’re doing is sharing knowledge. The participants are going to do something they have never done before, but I have researched it or talked to other people who have experienced their naturalization interviews, so all I’m doing is sharing that knowledge with them.

Ron Lee

Calabazas

The Calabazas Branch is pleased to nominate Ron Lee for Volunteer of the Year. A longtime library neighbor, Ron’s journey began last spring when he discovered a passion for 3D printing through our design and printing class. He immediately offered his assistance, helping with classes and bringing participants' designs to life. Ron quickly mastered our library's two 3D printers and then shared his knowledge by training others and creating helpful how-to guides. Ron's contributions extend far beyond 3D printing. He shared his expertise as a fountain pen collector, enriching a teen-led class on fountain pens and handwriting. Leveraging his background in electrical and software engineering, he has also been involved in our robotics classes and projects like the "Living Frankenstein" and Musical Constellation. It's remarkable to realize that Ron has been volunteering with us for less than a year, as he has become an indispensable member of the Calabazas volunteer community. We deeply appreciate his dedication, infectious passion, diverse expertise, and the considerable time he devotes to our community.

Get to know a little about Ron:

My community...is where I thrive. I have been in Silicon Valley for over 50 yrs. The people, places and things are always changing and astoundingly fun!
Libraries are...wonderful places. It is amazing how they started out as repositories of books(which is not a bad thing) and turned in to amazing community resources. I am astounded by what goes on at the library every day. There is never a quiet moment.
I volunteer...to explore and have fun. I get to figure out new ways to use my skills and learn new things. It is also full of wonderful people.

Aysha Soszynski

Cambrian

Aysha dedicates two hours per week to supporting the library in two different roles. In her first hour, she takes on various Library Services tasks, including shelving picture books, easy readers, and board books, as well as shelf-reading and shifting picture books. During her second hour, she volunteers as our Monday Reading to Children facilitator. Aysha stands out for her reliability and her engaging, interactive reading style, regularly attracting an audience of about 15 or more attendees. Her fans are always eager for her return when she's absent. In addition to her reading, Aysha plays a crucial role in maintaining our large and highly utilized picture book collection. She ensures the area stays tidy and inviting each week through her shelf-reading, shelving, and shifting tasks. After her reading sessions, many of the children and families borrow picture books, further highlighting the impact of her work. Aysha's positive attitude and enthusiasm for reading are contagious, and she has also taken on a mentorship role, guiding new Reading to Children volunteers.

Get to know a little about Aysha :

As a child....I was saved by my Golden Retriever from a house fire!
I am most proud of...my 30 years of service as a veterinary technician.
I volunteer...in hopes of giving back as much as I’ve received from the library system.

Daniel Herrera

East San José Carnegie

Daniel volunteers weekly at the East San Jose Carnegie Library as a job interview coach. Job seekers can sign up to meet with him and develop their skills through mock interviews. Daniel has been a consistent volunteer for several years, and we frequently receive positive feedback from community members who have met with him. It's always rewarding to hear that his coaching has helped someone secure a job!

Get to know a little about Daniel:

My fondest memory...is of my first son being born. My second is coming in May!
Libraries are...essential to the community. The library provides many great resources to the community, not only books.
My favorite book, movie, or song...is 21 Balloons. It's an older book about a gentleman who travels the world. It got me into engineering, which is what I do for a living. I read the book to my son at night.

Jackie Zucker

Edenvale

Homework Club is a beloved program at Edenvale Branch, and it is volunteer-led. At the heart of it all is Jackie, who has served as our Homework Club Supervisor since 2023. As Supervisor, she helps new participants sign in, supports teen volunteers, and assists students with their homework. Her friendliness and patience create a warm, welcoming learning environment for all participants. Jackie also sets a great example for other volunteers, and our program continues to thrive thanks to their collective effort.

Get to know a little about Jackie:

I am most proud of...my nursing career. I have spent 35 years in women and children services. I loved every minute of it.
My role model...my mother. She was a beautiful, friendly, and loving mother. She was an excellent cook and a super housekeeper. Everyone loved her. Like most moms she was my biggest cheerleader.
My favorite book, movie, or song...Christmas is my favorite time of year. Miracle on 34th street (the 1939 version) is my all time favorite movie.

Mike Schini

Educational Park

Michael began volunteering as an instructor for Clases de Inglés para Hispanos—Nivel Cero in June 2024 at the Educational Park Branch Library. Since then, he has volunteered twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Mike, a retired accountant, found a great opportunity to share his skills by teaching English to Spanish-speaking students. He commutes more than 20 miles each day to teach at the library. To date, he has taught three groups of students. He plans his classes in advance and ensures that all students actively participate in writing, listening, and speaking exercises. By the end of the course, students gain more confidence in their English abilities—some transfer to higher-level classes at Evergreen Valley College, while others successfully interview for better job positions. Mike’s empathy, patience, and intercultural sensitivity are essential to his students’ success. He understands how challenging it is to learn a new language, as he himself speaks German, English, and Spanish and is currently learning French. Educational Park Library and its community are grateful to have Michael as a volunteer, and the staff unanimously agreed to nominate him as Volunteer of the Year for 2025!

Get to know a little about Mike:

As a child...I lived in Germany and only learned to speak English when we moved to Chicago, and I first attended school.
Libraries are...great for the community and provide a valuable service.
My favorite book, movie, or song...is Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Jodi Lee

Evergreen

Our Jodi has the ability to teleport! Alright, we don’t know this for certain, but here’s why we think she might. In our interview with her, she told us that if she could have any superpower, it would be just that. We suspect she can actually do it, though, given how incredibly productive she is! Jodi has been volunteering for over two years and has developed an impressive resume. She was a Reading Buddy, assisted with many book sales, and is currently the president of Teens Reach!

Get to know a little about Jodi:

My role model...my great aunt, Miu Tim Lee, I see myself in her. She is an artist and pushes me to be more artistic and to appreciate my creativity more. Art seems to be undervalued sometimes.
Libraries are...a place for everyone. Kids grow up here and come back as teenagers and then again as adults with their families.
I volunteer...it was an effort to get to know my community – so volunteering helps in that respect. I keep volunteering because I see how I impact people, and it is a very nice feeling.

Lizeth Arroyo

Hillview

Lizeth has been volunteering at Hillview for one year, and in that time, she has been an invaluable asset to our library. She has supported us at large events like Trunk or Treat and the Santa program, as well as providing assistance for smaller programs throughout the year. Additionally, she has volunteered through Teen Reach, contributing ideas for programs and fundraising. Lizeth has consistently planned and presented STEAM programs that our community has greatly appreciated. Throughout her time with us, she has been reliable, communicative, and dedicated. I know I can always count on her, and I am so grateful for the time she has volunteered with us.

Get to know a little about Lizeth:

I am most proud of...being independent, and proactive in looking for scholarships to pay for college, also laying a good foundation for my future even without having guidance from my parents. If I can accomplish this much now, in the future, with more experience, life skills, and confidence, I'd like to see what I can do.
Libraries are...an opportunity for individuals to gain more knowledge without having to worry about cost and also a way to spend their time efficiently and also a quiet place for people.
If I wasn't volunteering, I'd be...probably at home spending time with my family and my cat.

Rona Liang

Joyce Ellington

As a Friend of the Joyce Ellington Branch Library, Rona can often be found amidst boxes and stacks of book donations. She is an enthusiastic volunteer, dedicated to supporting the library. Rona frequently spends several hours sorting through donations and has taken a lead role in helping the Friends group partner with an online bookseller to enhance fundraising for library programs. With her delightful and friendly demeanor, Rona’s energetic and joyful presence is greatly appreciated. We are thrilled to honor her with the Volunteer of the Year Award and hope she continues volunteering with us for many years to come!

Get to know a little about Rona:

As a child...I grew up without a public library. I did not have an opportunity to borrow books from the library until I entered college. When my sons started to read, I took them to the San Jose Public Library every week. Libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy and a love for reading which I tried to pick up as an adult.
Libraries are...the local public library serves as a community hub where people can gather, interact and engage in various activities that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging and community. When I was planning my retirement, I listed the library volunteer as one of my retirement life activities. I felt very happy and honored when I got the opportunity to serve the neighborhood community.

King Library | Access Services – Konstanze Kait

Kostanze’s tasks include shelving Brandenburg items, children's room materials, boxing up donations, and working on special projects for Access. She comes in and immediately checks our announcement wall to remove any expired flyers, then heads downstairs to grab any new ones. She takes her time with each task to ensure it is accurate and complete. Kostanze has been a great asset to our department, and if we had an opening, we would hire her on the spot in a heartbeat. She always comes in with a smile and is eager to volunteer. She often stays longer than her scheduled time to finish any tasks that haven't been completed. Kostanze communicates well with all staff and is friendly with everyone. We look forward to Kostanze continuing to volunteer with us and encourage her to apply if we have openings.

Get to know a little about Konstanze:

My fondest memory...discovering the bookmobile when it came to Southern Germany. I fell in love with books as a kid.
My favorite book, movie, or song...I don't have a favorite but usually it's the last book I enjoyed. Barbara Kingsolver, the book is Demon Copperhead and Beloved by Tony Morrison, transformative book. On the lighter side, mysteries where there is a food connection, detective a chef in restaurant and then comes across a crime.I ABSOLUTELY LOVE COOKBOOKS!
I volunteer...because I wanted to do community-based work. I've always wanted to work for the community, always drawn to libraries and education. Being able to volunteer at the library was a way to contribute to an organization I admire.

King Library | California Room – Hope Berschler

Hope has taken on countless appointments covering a myriad of home video formats. Hope is an original volunteer from the first run of the Retro Tech program in 2019. She has elevated the California Room's Retro Tech Program with the idea of video tutorials to help future Retro Tech patrons.

Get to know a little about Hope:

I am most proud of...after a successful career in consumer marketing, I've been able to follow my passion for preserving the things people save- whether it's through my work in the California Room's Retro Tech Program, helping families rediscover memories, or my own efforts to rescue and rehome forgotten artifacts. There's something incredibly rewarding about bringing the past back to life and returning history to those who cherish it.
My community...is a diverse mix of curious minds, each contributing to a shared love of history, stories, and discovery. We are a group of people who connect through our collective interest in preserving and celebrating the past.
I volunteer...because I can, because I love history, and because the California Room is an incredible place to preserve and share it.

King Library | KPRR – Cliff Caroza

Cliff Caroza is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Public Reference and Resources Unit’s Volunteer of the Year! Cliff is one of our Tech Mentors and has been with us for over three years. He’s the people’s champ—always willing to help and always willing to do whatever it takes to assist community members with their tech needs. Cliff has helped hundreds of patrons and has truly embodied his role as a lead Tech Mentor for KPRR.

Get to know a little about Cliff:

My fondest memory...was going to Disney Land 8 times in one year with his lovely family. Cliff loves Disney Land.
I am most proud of...of how he got to where he is now. How he battled back through all the trials and tribulations. Now he’s a nurse, happily married to his wife, and has two wonderful kids. He’s a successful dad but not without having to persevere in life. This is especially true during his college years where he had to balance nursing school, college, work, and life, all at the same time.
I volunteer...because he gets to do something that’s not his typical nursing job. I can try out different skills and help people. I love how virtually no stress is involved. You don’t have to over-commit. I get to help people with their tech needs and be around technology.

King Library | Youth Services – Daniel Wan

Daniel Wan has made a positive and significant difference in the lives of students in our community through his Persuasive Writing series and by tutoring for Reading Comprehension through a Social Justice Lens. Daniel’s warm and caring demeanor, combined with his intelligence and well-developed curriculum, created an engaging program that left students saying, “What?! It’s over?!” after the ninth and final session. Thankfully, after offering his series in Fall 2024, he returned for a repeat in Spring 2025, and it was also met with resounding success.

Get to know a little about Daniel:

My first job...was as a swim instructor at my local swim club that I was going to since I was 7. I was a member of the swim team. I had been swimming there for 8-9 years and decided to sign up as a swim instructor teaching young kids, mostly in elementary school. These were 1-on-1 lessons. We did weekly reports for their parents. Those who were more advanced, we’d teach them advanced skills. It was a fun job. I worked with a lot of talented swimmers & teachers. Most of the other teachers were teens too. Teaching 1-on-1 was new to me, it was really rewarding.
I am most proud of... teaching this Persuasive Writing class. A lot of firsts. The biggest project I had ever done. I had never created my own curriculum before. It was for me spending a lot of time finding articles, learning how to work with multiple people instead of 1-on-1. It was hard – but, in a good way. I learned a lot. And, of course meeting the students and getting to know them & their favorite books- there were books similar to ones I read, and some new ones. I learned a lot about myself and the students.
My role model...was my sophomore year world literature teacher. He was the best teacher I’ve ever had, very intelligent, straightforward, blunt. A discussion based class – a lot of discussions. It was also very writing-heavy, an essay a week. Really helped my critical thinking skills. It was so helpful and valuable. I really look up to him and his teaching style – and the person he is – Mr. Clarke.

Hanmei Zhen

Mount Pleasant

Hanmei Zhen began volunteering with the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library in November 2024 as our Teen Book Reviewer. Hanmei’s duties as a Teen Book Reviewer are to encourage other teens to read books from our library catalog. She does this by sharing her thoughts and opinions on the books she is reading in her reviews. Reading Hanmei’s book reviews has always been both insightful and enjoyable. Hanmei takes her time analyzing the meanings and themes in each book she reviews, offering her own interpretation of the book’s summary. Hanmei is our first Teen Book Reviewer at the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library, and it is always refreshing to learn which new books teens are interested in and currently reading.

Get to know a little about Hanmei:

As a child...I enjoyed reading Rick Riordan that’s how I got into reading.
My biggest challenge...studying abroad in China to learn and speak Chinese for 6 months.
My favorite book, movie, or song...my favorite book is the House of Mango Street.

Nayan Pradhan

Pearl Avenue

Nayan has been highly engaged and consistent at Pearl for about six years. He was one of the first volunteers to host programs on Zoom during the pandemic, and he has continued with his ELL Conversation Club ever since. He is not only focused on helping his learners become more comfortable speaking English, but also on connecting them with community resources so they can feel more comfortable with the social aspects of the area.

Get to know a little about Nayan:

I am most proud of... I was awarded the Community Volunteer Award of the City of Roseville. I worked at 2 libraries, teaching ESL and classes for adults covering English, Science and Math. I especially wanted to reach out to those who really wanted to Learn.
Libraries are...providing a social support system, starting with young kids, by encouraging kids to read, by welcoming those who speak other languges, by providing different formats of information so that more folks can use it, by providing help for those trying to improve their education, their job situation, and by providing resources for the whole community. They are a force for good. They give people a place to volunteer to help kids to learn, and to help people improve their languages.
I volunteer...for the self-satisfaction of doing the English Language Learners’ Conversation Club – for being able to interact with and help people from many different countries, and all age levels. I like to make it easier for new immigrants to learn how to do grocery shopping, banking and how to find places to socialize more easily.

Melinda Gonzales

Rose Garden

Melinda has volunteered at the Rose Garden Branch Library since 2022. She has facilitated our English Language Learning Conversation Club for almost three years, helping hundreds of attendees expand their English skills. Melinda also counsels older adults through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program, assisting them with their Medicare questions and concerns. Melinda’s continued contributions to our community and her consistent kindness have led the Rose Garden Branch Library to nominate her as our Volunteer of the Year!

Get to know a little about Melinda:

I am most proud of...the fact that my three children are best friends. They get along so well.
My biggest challenge...is maintaining a positive outlook given the current state of the world.
If I wasn't volunteering, I'd be...[If I weren't volunteering,] my life would be less rich.

Keita Shank

Santa Teresa

Keita is one of our Library Service Volunteers. He shelves books for us and is particularly skilled at shelving juvenile fiction! He’s a very hard worker, and despite his age, he has volunteered with us for quite some time and feels like just another staff member!

Get to know a little about Keita:

My fondest memory...is working here is every Friday when the same guy asks me what new movies we have in stock. All the people here are very friendly and warm.
Libraries are... in my view, public libraries are cornerstones of a free society. They are meant to be bastions of freedom to pursue education and to share ideas.
My favorite book, movie, or song... my favorite book is Kindred by Octavia Butler.

Jimmy Do

Seven Trees

The Seven Trees Library is delighted to honor Jimmy Do as our Volunteer of the Year. Since 2016, Jimmy has been an invaluable asset to our community as our dedicated Computer Help volunteer. His unwavering reliability and dependability have made him a cornerstone of our library services. Whether assisting patrons with basic computer skills or troubleshooting complex technical issues, Jimmy consistently approaches each session with patience and expertise. His long-term commitment and consistent support have significantly enhanced digital literacy in our community, and we are profoundly grateful for his years of dedicated service!

Get to know a little about Jimmy:

I am most proud of...losing weight (and keeping it off). I stopped weighing myself after high school at 286lbs, but I must have peaked at at least 350.
My biggest challenge... is procrastination. Master procrastinator
My favorite book, movie, or song...my favorite movie is Lord of the Rings.

Andrew Huang

Tully Community

Andrew Huang has been volunteering at Tully since 2018. That year, he accompanied his older sister whenever she came to the library to volunteer, even though he was only in 5th grade. Nevertheless, his helpful nature prompted Andrew to assist with all the programs his sister was helping with including Abacus Club, Homework Club, and other weekly crafts and Lego Fun programs. From then, Andrew went on to volunteer regularly with us until the present time. In addition to our weekly programs, he also assisted with our Friends book sales and big holiday events. Andrew did not even take a break from volunteering in the summer; he came almost every week to help with our Summer Learning and Summer Lunch programs as well as tutoring program from Read Write Discover. He also got elected for Vice President of Teens Reach for 2024-25! So far, Andrew has logged 444 hours of volunteering, an impressive record that no other teen volunteer comes close to!

Get to know a little about Andrew:

I am most proud of...of my abacus skills, and I have won an abacus scholarship of $100 when I was in second grade.
My role model...is my dad. He taught me many things including how to solve math problems and how to drive a car. He inspired me to help others and give back to my community.
My favorite book, movie, or song...movie is Kung Fu Panda because I see a lot of myself in Po.

Ambika Palleti

Village Square

Ambika is our Teens Reach President. She was elected in the elections held last month. As a President, she is responsible for meeting with other officers before the Teens monthly scheduled meetings, going over the meeting's agenda,
brainstorming the activity part of the monthly meeting (selecting craft or game), along with the librarian. She with the other officers also leads the monthly Teens Meetings, make announcements about current and upcoming volunteering opportunities, and coordinate among her team members to organize and conduct fund raisers.
Ambika also volunteered as the Treasurer in the officers body before she got elected for the President and responsible to log of all fund raisers/transactions. She volunteered as a Summer Learning Ambassador and Tech Mentor. Ambika also assisted in various library programs and volunteered in decorating the library for holidays and seasonal decor.
Ambika is responsible and punctual. She is enthusiastic and passionate and has a great potential to work independently as well as a part of team member. Ambika is an active listener, organized, and respectful towards her peers and library staff.

Get to know a little about Ambika:

I am most proud of...breaking out my shell and trying new things such as starting to volunteer and building friendships.
Libraries are...places where a person could find opportunities to get connected with the community members. I started as a Teens Reach volunteer and over the period of time I developed public speaking and communication skills which enhance my confidence and would help me in my future goals.
I volunteer...because I love helping people and giving back to my community. Moreover, I found volunteering rewarding as I am able to reflect on myself; started as a volunteer and becoming the President of Teens Reach program at the library.

Lynn Lakkaraju

Vineland

Lynn has been volunteering with the Vineland Library for 2 years and has volunteered for 100 hours. Her main contribution has been running Vineland’s ELL Conversation Club, though she also helps out covering our other ELL programs, Beginning English and Grammar & Vocab Club, and volunteers with other organizations. Her enthusiasm for volunteering and learning is infectious and our program participants continue to come back each week.

Get to know a little about Lynn:

I am most proud of...myself for making a difference by leading an ESL/ELL class. It helps newcomers appreciate and learn everything about this country and state. I also learn so much from them as well. I think everyone should volunteer.
My favorite book, movie, or song...is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. It’s a touching memoir by a surgeon who died of lung cancer at 37. It explored the meaning of life any the irony of being someone in the position to save lives but couldn’t save his own. It motivates me to live a full life with no regrets!
I volunteer...Volunteering at the library was life changing for me really. It was rewarding and challenging at the same time. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve interacted with and from the staff!

Agnes Torres Al-Shibibi

West Valley

Agnes Torres Al-Shibibihas been a Reading Buddies volunteer at the West Valley Branch Library since July 2023. Reading Buddies meets bi-weekly at the West Valley Branch. Its goal is to help children become better readers. Volunteers sit with children one-on-one and listen to them read while supporting them with phonics, sight word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension. Agnes has been an exceptional Reading Buddies volunteer. She’s punctual, reliable, and brings a positive, friendly attitude to the library every time she volunteers. She’s conscientious when performing her duties, but she goes far beyond just doing a good job. Her ability to engage with and connect with children is remarkable. Her warm and friendly demeanor helps them feel comfortable and safe during the program. She’s supportive and encouraging, and has that unique ability to interact with children in a way that makes them feel seen, valued, and welcome. Agnes brings warmth, sensitivity, and kindness to all her interactions with children and parents at the program. The children who attend Reading Buddies love her, parents appreciate her service to their children, and our branch staff are so grateful to have such a dedicated volunteer serving our library patrons.

Get to know a little about Agnes:

I am most proud of...holding on to my Spanish. I'm grateful to my parents for the unspoken expectation that I always speak to them in Spanish at home.
My role model...is my mom. She was ahead of her time. She left her home in Puerto Rico to go to college in Kentucky. She was kind, funny, and brave when it mattered.
Libraries are...wonderful! They hold limitless possibilities.

Matt Doar

Willow Glen

Matt has a big heart and an admirable drive to help others. He enjoys meeting people of all ages and from all walks of life, whether they are the elderly, young ones, or individuals from diverse backgrounds. He is also a man of many talents, always ready to take on various roles wherever he's needed. As he’s said, “The secret is to do lots of different volunteer things, and then you always end up helping somebody.” Matt has been a Tech Assistant Volunteer at the Willow Glen Library since 2018. Over time, he has also taken on other roles, including assisting with coding programs, serving as an adult supervisor for teen-led programs, substituting for our Reading to Children program and Lego Fun program, and tutoring a learner in the Library’s Adult Literacy program.Thank you, Matt, for your dependability, your willingness to fill in where needed, and your sustained volunteering over many years.

Get to know a little about Matt:

As a child...I was a lot smaller! I was geeky... I read a lot... still do really. I played a lot of Legos, and I was the kind of kid that would randomly tell you facts because I thought they were interesting. It took me a while to get socially adept. Not my immediate family, but extended family would sometimes look at me and think... he’s a bit odd. But it’s okay to be different.
My community...I have a few... there’s a coffee shop off Bascom Ave with a bunch of people who hang out there that I go to most days. And there’s a community of women in the Las Madres and Montessori school that our children were in – they still get together weekly to hang out – and that’s been for over 15 years. The kids are all grown and may or may not know each other still, but the mums and a few dads still hang out.
I volunteer...I like to help people with their technical problems because I hope somebody in England will help my mother with her technical problems. And I think there’s a sense of community and being able to build a community that is very satisfying. But also there’s the personal – I get a rush from helping somebody... it’s selfish in that sense.

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