Daniel Ong started writing down their names last year, a wish list of writers he hoped to bring to the San Jose public libraries to share their stories.

When the institution received a California Cultural Crossroads grant — used to create diverse programming in libraries — Ong pulled that list out and began making some calls. The author series program, called VietREADS, was on.

“I happen to be the main selector of Vietnamese books and media for the San Jose Public Library system,” said Ong, a librarian at the Martin Luther King Jr. branch. “I know these authors. I’ve been buying their work throughout the years. Some of these authors, I hadn’t bought their work yet, but I’ve heard about them. They’ve been around for quite a number of years.”

For the next two months, a who’s who of the Vietnamese literary community will march through the doors of the facility, reading from their labor of love, answering questions, debating, engaging audiences. It started last weekend with Andrea Nguyễn, author of “Into the Vietnamese Kitchen,” and Wendy Döông, a law professor in Denver who wrote “Remembrance: Love, Life & Exile.”

“It was very interesting,” Nguyễn recalled of the crowd, which she described as “90 percent Vietnamese and...really into it. The roster of authors run the gamut and they’ve made a nice selection.”

Based on the feedback from local patrons after the first appearances, the crowd gave a thumbs-up to the choice of guests.

Andrea Nguyễn appeared at the Hillview location, where KimNhung Nguyễn is the branch manager and senior librarian. Sifting through the comment cards left by those who attended, the latter could tell that the first-time cookbook author, whose volume was highlighted in The New York Times, Saveur and a host of newspapers, and who did a detailed demo, as well as VietREADS were a hit.

“They loved it,” KimNhung Nguyễn said. “One of the comments on the survey said that it was a great service on the weekend for us as the working people in San Jose.” And on another: “More cooking classes on the weekend!”

The grant, about $20,000, KimNhung Nguyễn said, is focused on boosting the visibility and exposure of Vietnamese culture to the non-Vietnamese community in San Jose; raising interest, reinforcing the understanding and instilling the pride of the Vietnamese culture in Vietnamese youth; and increasing the knowledge of library programs and services to the Vietnamese community. To achieve those goals, staff members at the San Jose library already have helped to organize the Autumn Moon Festival, an art exhibit and Vietnamese storytelling, with some educational workshops completed and more still to come.

Despite playing a key role in bringing the authors to San Jose, it appeared Ong still was a bit amazed by what his co-workers achieved through the VietREADS feature of the grant.

“I do believe this is the largest gathering of Vietnamese authors ever since the fall of Sài Gòn,” he said.

Nguyễn said the Vietnamese pride over VietREADS was evident, as well as an appreciation from the non-Vietnamese who were there to learn and to immerse themselves in new information.

“I grew up in Laos,” she said. “I find if we are introduced to our culture and participate in it, it helps to know about your own culture. Increasing the interest in and pride in Vietnamese culture rings true to me. It’s very important children know that they are in a different culture but you are who you are.”

VietREADS Vietnamese authors series

March 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
Poet and political activist Nguyeãn Chí Thieän reads selections from his poetry, “The Flowers of Hell.” King Branch.

March 18, 2-3:30 p.m.
Andrea Nguyễn introduces the tastes of Vietnamese cuisine and signs her book “Into the Vietnamese Kitchen.” Tully Branch.

March 24, 2-4 p.m.
Author Kathy Trần reads selections from her five Vietnamese novels. Author Trình Đỗ talks about his experiences in Communist Việt Nam and introduces his book “Saigon to San Diego.” Hillview Branch.

April 7, 2-3:30 p.m.
Author Dao Strom reads from her latest short stories “The Gentle Order of Girls and Boys” and sings songs from her album “Send Me Home.” King Branch.

April 14, 2-3:30 p.m.
Author Andrew Lâm examines the history of Vietnamese-American migration and reads from his book “Perfume Dreams: Reflections on the Vietnamese Diaspora.” Tully Branch.

April 15, 2-3:30 p.m.
Linh Đinh reads from his many books of poems and stories such as “Blood and Soap” and “Fake House.” King Branch.

April 22, 2-3:30 p.m.
Andrea Nguyễn introduces the tastes of Vietnamese cuisine
and signs her book “Into the Vietnamese Kitchen.” Tully Branch.

April 28, 2-3:30 p.m.
Author Vinh Hoàng introduces his poetry and unique art creations. Tully Branch.

May 5, 2-3:30 p.m.
Author Nhã Ca introduces her latest book “Đường Tự Do
Saigon.”

Locations
Tully Community Branch Library
880 Tully Road, San Jose
(408) 808-3030

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose
(408) 808-2000

Hillview Branch Library
1600 Hopkins Drive, San Jose
(408) 808-3033