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How long have you been a librarian?
I started with Leicestershire County Library service in 1965 as a pre-professional trainee, I then went to university and library school for 4 years, working for Leicestershire in the vacations, but my first professional post was in Scotland in 1971, I was branch librarian with a small team of library assistants.
What does the role involve?
I have always worked closely with the users, so I have been involved with selecting stock, staffing enquiry desks and numerous promotions. As a community librarian I had to encourage non-readers into the library through clubs, trips, coffee mornings, craft fairs, plant sales, and promotional events. In recent years reading groups have been set up in Central library and the community libraries. I have been involved in a number of them either as being the local librarian or filling in for someone else, that is fun as the groups are very varied and often have some strong minded people in them! Makes for a good discussion, a bit of disagreement livens things up a bit.
The library is essential in getting schoolkids to read…
I have done a lot of work going into schools to promote the summer reading scheme, reading seasonal stories, running summer holiday schemes such as story and craft sessions and promoting the Nottingham Children's Book Award. At Clifton and Wilford a colleague and I ran reading clubs for children, these have changed into Chatterbooks groups and are part of a national network to encourage children to read more widely and have a lot of fun. Sadly we can no longer afford the staff time and they all closed. As a community librarian you are expected to make links with other local groups such as the City Council's Area Committees. I was asked to be a school governor because of my work with local groups, this works to both parties advantage, the school has a librarian to hand and the librarian has a school who are usually very glad to get extra attention. It is also extremely rewarding as you understand just how hard the school staffs work.
How have libraries changed or adapted over the years?
Libraries have changed a great deal in appearance and atmosphere but the fundamental purpose is the same; to lend books and other items to the public and provide information across a wide subject area, trivial to scholarly. Computers have made a tremendous difference in the range of queries that can be answered quickly and the computers for public use are very well used. The hushed atmosphere has mostly disappeared and more people feel at ease. They can still be a place of refuge for the lonely and provide a friendly word and warmth for free.
How do you support authors?
Publishers are often willing to help with the funding of author talks, the library service providing the venue. This year's Readers’ Day was a 3 way collaboration with the County and City Library services and Vintage books. I think this year's event was one of the best we've had; David Lodge and Alison Weir are real crowd pullers. We do have more low key events with an author doing a session at Central Library or a community library. We also do our own events, such as the Booker and Orange evenings, which are great fun.
How do you support readers?
Reading groups encourage readers to read more widely, as do displays, book chains and low key recommendations by the counter staff who can play a very important part in encouraging the public to take a chance with a new author.
What do you think about cuts to the sector?
It is very sad that we have had to close libraries. However, if we have no money to provide the books, computer support, building or staff, then an impoverished service will not attract many users.
Most difficult thing about the job?
Not having the time to read the books you are working with.
Best thing about the job?
Reading the books you are working with...at home.
Who are your favourite authors?
I enjoy Kate Atkinson, Jane Gardam, Sebastian Faulks, David Lodge, Tracey Chevalier, Salley Vickers but also old favouites such as Charles Dickens , Jane Austen, and Thomas Love Peacock.
How’s retirement, what have you been up to?
The first day of my retirement was 28 November and I have been busy in my garden, with a good coffee break, reading next week's title for one of the reading groups I am continuing to run as a volunteer. I haven't planned anything else as Christmas is coming and I can take more time to prepare this year. I intend to go and help at any library reading promotion events that are to take place next year. But most of all, I can now read all of those books I haven't had time to read when working as a librarian!
And which memorable moments will make you smile as you’re gardening?
A colleague and I dressed up in our pyjamas and slippers for a bedtime story event but no children came, I had bought my pyjamas specially! Then there was the time I fell asleep at a book launch...it was very hot!
National Libraries Day, across the country, 4 February
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