What picture forms in mind’s eye if someone mentions a library? Is there just a building that holds a collection of books, or is it something more? For Sarah Evans, Branch Librarian at Grangetown library, she sees a chance to connect with a community.
“This library almost becomes a community centre for people living here. Interacting with everyone is the favourite part of my job and you just never know who will walk through the door. I remember my local librarian when I was younger, so I hope they will remember me.”
Three and a half years ago Sarah began working at Grangetown library after gaining ten years of experience in the libraries around Cardiff. She had always wanted to be a librarian when she was younger and after studying for a degree in English and Theology set about making her dream a reality.
Change
Grangetown library underwent a huge makeover a few years prior to Sarah’s arrival as the old library was knocked down to fund the building of a brand new one. This was due to the council’s continual effect to ensure libraries remain accessible. However, Sarah admitted that when she first started the library was a bit unloved.
Now the branch is thriving with a librarian that is not afraid to take risks, “I am all for giving anything a go as anything is worth a try once. Ideas need to evolve; so make the best out of what you can do” said Sarah.
This attitude has led to three books clubs being held in the library, each one suitable for a different age group who all enjoy a lively discussion. Then there are the IT classes that Sarah runs for people that want to improve their ICT Skills and the help she offers to children that may be struggling with their homework.
Breaking barriers
With each day being so different is there a time that Sarah never forgets?
“We had a children’s book week and I decided to invite all the schools. We had 19 story tell sessions and about 450 children through the door in one week. It was hard work but really good fun. We managed to break a lot of barriers with kids who thought libraries were uncool.”
Sarah’s work with schools has since gravitated to a great relationship between them and the library. Recently she went to St Pauls Primary School and helped the children to create a library, showing them how to order the books correctly.
After the success of the book week Sarah went on to create a rather unusual event with International Women’s Week.
“We had hundreds of old books in the library and we had a week of different female artists creating things out of the books. One artist created a mannequin and made a dress for it out of the pages from the books. It was fantastic.”
Due to a selfless dedication to people Sarah Evans will get her wish. She will undoubtedly be remembered in the community.