Kiyo Ouchida-Sharif

A lifelong lover of books and libraries, Kiyo's first experience in library service came in high school as part of community restitution work done in the San Jose Public Library system. Since then, for over 20 years he has been a dedicated public servant working in a number of public and school libraries. Kiyo became deeply committed to fostering a love of learning in children while working as a Library Media Technician for the Berryessa Union School District, where he gained skills and experience in the development, promotion, operation and maintenance of elementary school libraries.

In the past five years, Kiyo has completed a bachelors of arts in English Literature from UC Santa Cruz, and a Masters in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, where his areas of study included Japanese and Latin literature, social organizing, critical theory, and the development of library programs for children and young adults.

Inspired by the experiences of his biracial family, with living memories of Japanese internment and the ongoing struggles of Palestinian refugees, Kiyo retains a strong sense of social justice and a deep and abiding commitment towards the dismantlement of systems of oppression, and the right of all humans to secure their well-being. These values are what lead him to accept a position as the first Librarian of The Primary School.

He also enjoys cats, tea, jazz, musical theatre and opera, movies, video games, anime, podcasts, golf, and of course, books!