By Heather Taylor, Passionate about Public Libraries!
When I was 17 I finished my 7th form year at school, I was disillusioned with school and desperately looking for my dream job. I was going to work in a Lab – I’d studied science all the way through school with this end in mind. Applied for jobs left, right and centre. Was determined I could get a job without having to go to Uni. About 5 months into being unemployed (well except for a relief milking job) a position was advertised at my local public library. Mother said “Apply for the job” my reply was actually unpublishable! What work in a Library? How boring! Couldn’t imagine anything worse! Mother’s reply “It will give you work experience, and then you can maybe get a Lab job”. Somewhat reluctantly I applied and imagine my surprise/horror/amazement when at the conclusion of the interview I was offered the job! Oh heck what had I done! After I started the job I discovered that I loved working in the library – loved the work – loved interacting with the public – loved the fulfilling sense when I helped someone to find some information they needed in their life, a good read or whatever. The rest as they say is History. 20+ years later and I am still working in Public Libraries. Guess mothers always do know best 🙂
