I remember as a child ‘cataloguing’
the collection of books in my bedroom – I really should have seen the signs!
Fast forward to college, BA and H. Dip and I started my working career as a
secondary school teacher. This was in the late 80’s with, believe it or not, a
shortage of jobs, high interest rates and the majority of my peers emigrating
to get work....sound familiar?? After several substitute teaching positions and
toying with the idea of going into the family business (florist and garden
centre) the position of library assistant was advertised in our local paper –
fate beckoned!
I was initially offered a
temporary position in the City Library, a building which had featured strongly
in my childhood, and can still recall the look on the County Librarian’s face
as I turned up on my first day – heavily pregnant. At this stage I wasn’t entirely
convinced that this was the career for me and the plan was to try it out for a
couple of months.....I’m still here and that baby is now 24!
I can honestly say that I love my
job, the interaction with people and working in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Yes
there are ups and downs but no two days are the same and you learn something
every day. I’m currently running a new branch and am enjoying the challenge of
working with the local community to build a service relevant to their needs and
interests and all that entails. The public library service has come a long way
since I started, developing its potential as a central hub and interactive
space for the community it serves. This
I find very rewarding, seeing people enjoying their library, using the
facilities, being involved in library activities and generally taking pride in
the service.
I may be an Accidental Librarian but I’m a
very happy one!
