Libraries have always been part of Xuan's life.
"I grew up in upstate New York in a really small town. My mom would drive us two towns over to the 'good library.'" Xuan remembers. "They had this little kids' nook with an elevated platform, and I would just sit in the corner and read."
Her favorite book back then: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
"I had it memorized from a very young age, and people would be so wowed thinking I knew how to read," she says. "But I was just saying the words from memory."
Xuan's love of reading led her to volunteering. That was in 2024, and her first volunteer role was assisting JCPL's Kids and Families outreach team, delivering books to preschool classrooms across Jeffco. Xuan enjoyed getting to visit classrooms each month and witness the interactions between teachers and students.
"Teachers are the best heroes," she says. "They would be talking kids down from meltdowns all over the place — they are so good at what they do."
At the end of the school year, Xuan transitioned to a role behind the scenes at Wheat Ridge Library. While Wheat Ridge is closed, Xuan tidies up the kids' area, sanitizing and organizing all the toys and supplies. She loves giving back to the neighborhood library she visits as a patron.
"I like getting to walk to the library when I volunteer, and all the staff here are so sweet!" she says with a smile.
The staff at Wheat Ridge appreciates Xuan's positive attitude and willingness to help with anything.
"Volunteer means you want to be here, and Xuan definitely shows that. Her good mood is contagious," Wheat Ridge Library Supervisor Stephen says. "Sometimes when we are having a tough day, and Xuan shows up eager to help and with a great attitude, it just turns everything around."
Xuan's friendly, inquisitive and helpful personality also serves her well in her job as a flight attendant.
"I like to learn about other cultures," she explains. "One of my degrees is in anthropology, and I incorporate that into my work. I can be kind of a homebody, but my job forces me out with people, which I enjoy. I like all the different kinds of people I get to meet. And I love to travel, that's really why I got into my job."
When Xuan isn't traveling for work, daily walks with her Bernese Mountain dog, Homer, are one of her great joys. During the summer, she always plans a backpacking trip to celebrate her birthday and spend even more time outside.
"Honestly, summer is hardest for me because I hate the heat, and Homer also hates the heat," Xuan says with a laugh. "I'm adapting to his life more and more."
During the winter, Xuan and Homer snowshoe together. Last winter, she took up ice climbing and is looking forward to advancing her skills on another climbing trip this winter. She also loves yoga, embroidery and reading.
Xuan recently read Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and just completed a reread of Sapiens by Yuval N. Harari.
"Realistic fiction is what I prefer," she says. "I dabble in fantasy works, but realism is just more my thing. I mostly read novels, but I try to fit some nonfiction in here and there just to keep my brain stimulated."
Spending time at Wheat Ridge each week not only connects Xuan to her reading hobby and childhood memories — it also supports her personal values.
"I like giving back to something I really believe in," she says. "I want to be part of a community that is all about learning and education."
Thank you for your positivity, kindness and support for JCPL, Xuan!