I was invited to write for this blog and for a moment I thought – “I haven’t got a clue what to write”, but then I recalled how I felt on the 1st day I was coming to begin my work practice here – a childhood dream come true and what i have experienced during my work practice. 😊
I was thrilled to bits. The sun was out as I stopped for the traffic lights to turn green. I was joined by four feet, a pram, and a dog.
I took in the detail of my surroundings, the greenery, the wee sleeping babe in the pram, the happy little dog interested in my shoes – not that they were any special shoes; the cars slowly coming to a halt one behind the other. The blue skies above us, not a cloud in sight. Skies that would make Homer Simpson break out in a hum.
It was a perfect day to start my practice. My thoughts shifted to the library building as I approached the yard. It was a perfect day to start my practice. Here I was at last going to meet my book heroes. I have long admired librarians and the many times I have wondered what it feels like to work at the library and suddenly here I was.
I am sure I was grinning from ear to ear. I took in the expressions of my book heroes, huddled around mugs of tea or coffee chattering, welcoming. I was here, in this space, in this beautiful historic building. In my book history has been written for me forever.
Since being here, I have been introduced to the different aspects of library work. I have met many people. I have watched people come in and go out., people of all ages, backgrounds, people smiling, whispering, a few with no expressions, some in deep conversation, people coming to immerse themselves in this special world of information in abundance anytime, every day, and it all shows on people’s faces – contentment.
I’d say to anyone “come and experience this if you don’t already or come with new eyes”.
– There is a lot more happening at the library.
– Come and potter about in the children’s section and find new books for Summer.
For the history minded – I have had the opportunity to become familiar with the history of Lapland and I’ll say step back in time and view this history and learn something new about the Saamis in Finland, Nordic, and other arctic regions.
Come and see our mini exhibition on rare books in the Laponica Hall.
-Enquire about and join us in the various events taking place all year round the city.
-Be inspired to share any ideas / hopes you might have for events you’d like to see here.
It has been a pleasure being part of the team here to provide library services. I hope you will have as much delight as I have had, spending time at the library.
Welcome to the library and have a lovely Summer!
Michelle