Page 8 - link magazine

8 A DAY IN THE LIFE

Faced with the task of environment and indeed in their quest for information. along to see me about a display.
writing about a day in the life of working with such a pleasant Whether the demand is for That is my job - I hope more and
Linda Black, Librarian at West community. No two working something on the Yorkshire more demands will be made and
Swindon Library, filled me with days are alike and any notions we terrier or the history of English met.
more than a little apprehension harboured in the early days of retreat houses. Yes, there is In between just talking to
but then I thought if I cannot organised routine have long something immensely satisfying people I admit to being kept busy
make the Observer's 'A Room of since been abandoned. Each in just helping. Just occasionally with all the usual memos,
My Own' why not the Link's 'A week our 21/2 thousand readers a reports, staff training, cash
particularly
rewarding
Day in the life of " Only too present us with a challenge and situation arises like the deaf balances and extra curricular
well do I wish that I could say unpredictability which we can gentleman who came along for activity like book displays in
that I get up at 5.30am before only respond to on a day to day help because he was unable to schools and visits by groups to
work and jog around Wootton basis. ring up for accommodation the library. Also of importance
Bassett! In truth I emerge from The primary concern himself. All the staff were to me is the general image of the
the cocoon of my duvet at governing my every working day thrilled because he thought his library. I've lost track of the
7.30am bleary—eyed and asking is that the Library is for the local library could help. Of number of hours staff spend just
myself what happened to the people of West Swindon. When I course I be
would keeping the place looking tidy
night. My current health arrive at work at 9.00am I can misrepresenting the truth to say and attractive - a never ending
awareness programme involves a face 11 hours of not knowing it is fun all the way. Complaints battle!
20 minute aerobic exercise, a what is going to be asked of the and difficulties can be a pressure 5.00pm is time for a swift
quick bath followed by yogurt Library next. Before we open especially when they come all cuppa before tackling the late
and fruit before I make a frantic the portals at 9.30am, and in together as so often they do. Half evening shift with more enquiries
last minute dash for the local addition to the general morning an hour of 'What's happened to and new readers. Many people
bus. Each morning I promise administration, the three senior the book I requested?', I've just express horror at such a long day
myself that I will find funds to staff try and establish a pattern received a reminder for books I but all the staff agree at 8.00pm
buy a car next year but then the for the day which will ensure that returned 2 weeks ago' or 'The we really do not know what
ten minute journey gives me the our he are catered for on a book is rubbish - why have you happens to the time.
opportunity to think about the personal level whilst leaving bought it?' - all part of my On the return journey home
million and one things I hope to enough time for the myriad working day! I reflect on what I've been able to
achieve at work that day. Having background jobs. A certain Usually by 1.00pm I'm achieve in the day. Those
had charge of West Swindon amount of time is set aside for beginning to flag a little and achievements are only as a result
Library for almost 2 years I'm dealing with matters relating thinking about my health of the commitment of all the
still the idealist and never the both to cleaning and to conscious lunch of cottage library staff who work so hard
realist! maintenance. Certainly no one cheese on crackers, fruit and coping with the routine of 1500
Having worked as a told me during training that yoghurt (except Friday's when I books returned each day and
qualified Librarian now for 10 Librarians had to spend so much indulge in a pub lunch!) My then to be put back on the
years. I still wonder exactly what time dealing with broken lunch hour is sacrosanct and shelves not to mention a further
our thousands of customers hoovers, broken windows and fortunately the staff act as a 1500 to be issued. I am
imagine Librarians actually do to doors that refuse to stay locked. protection gang! continually grateful for their
fill their working day. Of course In conjunction with the Afternoons for me are spent smiles and dedication. Yet
West Swindon is not a assistant Librarian, I try very in a variety of ways but I do have another cup of coffee on my
stereotypical library (thank hard to spend at least half of my to give thought to our many return home, feet up and I think
exhibition how lucky I am to have the job I
goodness!), but for those who working day handling general displays and
think we sit behind enquiry desks enquiries. I believe I cannot take programme. I really believe that have.
and catalogue books, or worse responsibility for a large book the library is not just about the
ibrIdge DIET
still fill our 37 hours a week budget if I do not know what our provision of books and aspire to THE
stamping books - well, life is not readers want and besides which giving everyone the opportunity IF YOU'VE BEEN TRYING
TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR
like that at all. The Library itself the fun in the job for me is to participate in and enjoy a
YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS,
is the second largest in Wiltshire meeting people. A four hour variety of experiences whilst JUST GIVE IT
ANOTHER 28 DAYS.
and fourth busiest. All the staff stint on the enquiry desk makes visiting us. We have so much free Call your Counsellor today.
take immense pride and pleasure me realise just how important space and very rarely does a day Alison Cole
in working in such an attractive libraries are in helping people in go by without someone comes • on 871874
14 YOUR LOCAL FLORIST
I
anour Fresh and silk flowers for all occasions

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WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY
- FOR THE COMMUNITY -TO
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE Free delivery in West Swindon
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IF YOU WANT TO JOIN US,
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Phone 870420
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Alan Winrnill, 1 The Holbeins, Grange Park. Tel: 875129
J?VICE"
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Bob Weam, 20 Bradenham Road, Grange Park, Tel: 871536
Personal and professional service
LABOUR -PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
at all times