Meet the young librarians changing perceptions of what a librarian does.
Caitlin Macnay, Olivia Stanley and Grace Johnson from Auckland Libraries talked to The Women's Weekly about what inspired them into this line of work, what young people bring to modern libraries and how books have changed their lives.
Caitlin Macnay always wanted to be a librarian, but having not seen young librarians while growing up, she assumed it would have to be a role for retirement.
Now, walk through the doors of Auckland Council Libraries and it’s hard to miss the growing presence of vibrant, young women who have chosen to pursue their passion for books and the community as a career. Joined by colleagues Olivia Stanley and Grace Johnson – all in their twenties – the trio laughs, saying that the days of shushing and silent libraries are gone. They share with the Weekly what inspired them into this line of work, what young people bring to modern libraries and how books have changed their lives.
Olivia says, "We’re tech-savvy, creative, craving community and full of hot takes. I can’t believe my luck that I am asked about my favourite books for a living."
"We welcome noise and laughter. At any given moment in our library, we have kids playing, parents meeting, students studying, groups collaborating, elderly people chatting and all sorts of activities going on. Today, libraries are places of safety, joy, compassion, curiosity, belonging and bulwarks against loneliness."
