I have not spent a lot of time doing social and fun things since my summer holidays and therefore I have a lot more to say on libraries and the work I have been doing lately.
This month though I have been energised and as enthusiastic as usual. I was invited to attend the Camden Libraries Staff Conference. The conference had a programme of interesting and motivational work by teams and staff on the work that they do with their various branches across the borough. The day started with an icebreaking team working game for us to build a structure our of paper cups that would be judged to be the highest. I haven’t been to large team building days recently but it certainly was good as an icebreaker to get to know people better. We also had Head of Camden Libraries, Fiona Tarn, address staff and guest at the conference on her purpose for the work that she does. This truly was inspirational to me as I have tried to use the same angle of the ‘why’ are you working in libraries. Sometime you have people who work in libraries because it is a job, for others it is a lifetime of work or purpose for their goals to help as much as we can in our roles in libraries …physical or virtual. Therefore, I have since mentioned this a few times to my library world contacts and colleagues.
Another beneficial aspect at this conference was to see all variety of library services and the community outreach that are provided by Camden Libraries. We heard staff mentioned story times with children, children’s library, launch their reading strategy, start businesses, poetry bus for elderly adults, podcast and radio station, music service and not forgetting their physical spaces, collection and archives. I was again inspired by their story teller on the ‘Libraryverse’ especially from an enquires point of view on the typical questions and answers provided to customers by their staff. We were treated to live Asian music during the lunch break.
We were treated to a tour of their archives at the Swiss Cottage Library. There was also a piano in the main entrance as well as a beautifully built 1960s building in the shape of book ends! I prepared and ran a workshop on collaboration with their staff who were welcoming and great throughout the day. The library was closed for the training but it was nice to see a lady bringing her young child after school to use the space – it was good to know that on a normal day – this would have been a part of their routine.
And as part of my normal work, I visit other libraries to deliver business and IP workshops with my colleagues. I have been several times recently to Catford Library which is open planned in a shopping centre. There are always curated books on display and it does make you want to set aside time to read the books showcased. In my business workshop, the Catford Library staff mentioned that their library card gives you access to eBooks, magazines, newspapers, and other resource via their Libby App and Press Reader. That very night I was excited to look at some of my favourite magazines and newspapers available to view on my own devices. I haven’t borrowed any eBooks from my local library, who runs the same scheme, but once I get more time – I am looking forward to reading more with new found resources from local public libraries.
I sometime have to get up earlier than usual to visit libraries for work. Last week was my first trip to Putney Library for a business workshop. It was good to see their layout and customers who were using the space for working too. There was another Black History Month displace with a safari African theme which beautiful art objects displayed on the wall. Nowadays, libraries are really multifunctional for meeting places, reading as well as keeping customers informed on important information on topics or community news. Putney Library also had a café in the main reception area despite being close to other shops on the high street.
I am likely to be inspired by more libraries in future but everyday there is something about the physical spaces that make me proud to be in this profession. I recently heard and saw some amazing singing for the opening of the ‘Medieval Women in their own words’ exhibition but I am still to see it and I look forward to the guided tour with the curators. I also get to go behind the scenes to basement areas to say hello and support staff on Saturdays and some evenings. It was nice to see the seasonal things that happens by our own staff members. These include puzzle in the staff downtime areas, free library and decorations for day of the dead (it gets better for Christmas!). We recently met informally to make time to meet each other for a chat and catch up. I strongly believe in good team spirit and working having worked in good teams in the past. Although I no longer work with a lot of people – I do appreciate they precious time we spent together as colleagues, and some are also now lifelong friends.
I thank you for bearing with me whilst I write again about libraries and information professional, but hopefully I will find have some social activities and good old fashion fun to share with you soon. Who knows, some of this fun may include time at a library or museum. Public libraries are always at threat of cuts or are sometime misunderstood. Hopefully you can also find the time to visit your local public library and would be surprise on how they have changed in recent times. We also need all of you to continue to support libraries and make sure that are users and here to stay.
Connecting the Dots 