My name is Coco Yu, and I am a Chinese-Canadian living in the San Francisco Bay Area. My background is in PR and project management for non-profits, and I began the MLIS program at SJSU in early 2024 as a career change. I currently work as a Clerk at the Alameda County Library and enjoy every aspect of my job. I get especially excited when I can use my language skills to help members who speak little to no English to find what they need. I even made two buttons at our Makerspace that says “I speak Cantonese” and “I speak Mandarin” in the respective languages, and I wear them at all times during work. I am also interested in learning ASL because our library is visited by many members of the deaf community, and there is a need that is currently not being met.
This is my final class and semester in the program (yay!). I look forward to graduating, taking on more responsibilities at the library, and planning and leading programs in the near future.
When I am not at the library, I sew clothes for my two children or am busy driving them to gymnastics meets and soccer games. I also enjoy playing the guitar, learning languages, and hanging out with our cats. Cat tax below:
Chuckles
Welcome Coco! I find it fascinating that you know two languages and are looking to learn ASL. I wanted to learn sign language at one point in time when I was younger because I saw a fellow camper being an interpreter. I never did pursue it, so I hope you do! It’s a much needed service for many as you said your library gets visited by the deaf community. I also applaud you for sewing clothes for your children. I don’t have that talent, so I appreciate those that can.
Welcome to the class and I hope we all learn a great deal from this class on how to stay connected in a changing world.
First off, congratulations! How great that you are almost done! Hopefully your ePort is going well.
I love the Bay, my sister lives there, and I visit often with my family. I’ve never been to the Alameda County Libraries, so I’ll have to go next time I’m there. I am a Sunnyvale and San Jose library visitor when I need a fix as I’m in the area.
Oh, and Chuckles is ADORABLE!
Hi Coco! I also really enjoy being able to help patrons who are more comfortable speaking languages other than English. I’m fluent in Spanish and Cantonese so oftentimes, I can visibly see patrons’ relief when they find staff who can comprehend them. It’s definitely nice to see library systems hiring staff members who can reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Also, congrats on almost finishing the program! Looking forward to taking this course with you!
@cocoatthelibrary Your work at the library is very cool, especially the work you do with helping folks in their languages. I am glad you are enjoying PL work. Thanks for the cat tax photo! Such a sweet face. Welcome to #hyperlib!