I attended last week’s WCA-TV Library Trustee Candidate Forum, and I continue to be impressed with Mr. Xin Peng. In his few years here, I have never seen someone connect so many people so rapidly. He has been instrumental in Pride month, leads World in Watertown and serves on the Human Rights Commission. And now he is running for Library Trustee in the upcoming election.
He is passionate about much, but community empowerment ranks at the top. As an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen last year, Xin brings a deeply personal understanding of how public libraries can transform lives. He credits library resources with opening doors to education and opportunity. He was the first in his family and rural hometown to attend high school, college, and graduate school.
Professionally, Xin is a Senior Software Engineering Manager at a mental health platform company. His leadership extends far beyond his career. Besides his current city roles, he co-founded the Chinese American Association of Watertown, helps lead the Buy Nothing Project, and grows organic food for local pantries. The Chinese American Association of Watertown is particularly noteworthy. The team came in 32nd, dead center, in the Dragon Boat Race on their maiden voyage. They surprised many other teams who have been competing in the race for years, and word of mouth has put Watertown as a boat team to watch! It always comes back to community.
Xin sees the library as a community within a community but also as the community writ large. His platform as focuses on:
- Ensuring inclusive access to library resources for all residents, especially marginalized and underrepresented groups.
- Promoting lifelong learning through diverse programming and outreach.
- Strengthening community connections by making the library a hub for creativity, dialogue, and civic engagement.
- Supporting innovation in library services, including expanding the “Library of Things” and digital literacy initiatives.
Xin’s dedication to service, inclusion, and education makes him an ideal candidate to help guide the Watertown Free Public Library, the jewel of Watertown, into the future. I strongly endorse this leader who understands the power of libraries to uplift, educate, and provide a home away from home.
Rita Colafella
Watertown Resident
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