Patty Wong, the current director of the Santa Clara City Library, has made significant strides in her career as the first Asian American president of the American Library Association (ALA). We sat down with her to discuss her connection to libraries and her experiences as one of the few Asian librarians in early public library systems.

Patty, a fourth-generation Chinese American from San Francisco, recalls her childhood spent immersed in the world of libraries. Her father grew up in Chinatown, and her mother was a library volunteer who often took Patty to the San Francisco Public Library to read and listen to stories. This early exposure fostered a lifelong bond between Patty and the library.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies from UC Berkeley in 1983, Patty went on to obtain her master’s degree in library science from the same institution the following year. She began her career at the Oakland Public Library, where she encountered a diverse Asian community that spoke various dialects, including Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Taiwanese. This rich cultural experience shaped her perspective as a librarian.

Throughout her career, which spans over 40 years, Patty has worked in six different library systems. Notably, in her last three roles, she became the first Asian American in those positions. “Being the first is exciting, but what’s even more important is laying the groundwork for future generations,” she said.

Patty emphasizes that her work in the library is not just a job, but a joy. She finds fulfillment in creating positive experiences for others and building connections within the community, inspiring people to embrace lifelong learning. “I’ve always known I wanted to be a librarian,” she shared.

As the director of the Santa Clara City Library, which includes three branches—Central Park Library, Mission Branch, and Northside Branch—Patty recognizes the community’s diverse cultural needs. She plans to recruit librarians from various backgrounds to ensure a welcoming environment for all residents. “We want many young people and families to feel at home when they enter the library and see familiar faces,” she noted.

Patty believes that people find a sense of belonging in different places. For most, home is the first, followed by school or work. She hopes that the local library will serve as a significant third place in the community. “Everything in the library is free, and we take pride in that. The library is open to everyone,” she said, reinforcing her vision of an inclusive space for all.