Happy Library Lovers’ Day for 2019! To celebrate this day of library love, two members of the team that brings you the ALIA SNGG blog would like to introduce ourselves to you, and share our stories. Because it’s all a bit cosier when you know the faces behind the content!

Meet Liz

Liz Parnell, with Barbara. ‘”One day I hope that I can be a memorable librarian in the life of a patron.”

My name is Liz and I love libraries. I have memories of school excursions (once a fortnight) and weekly family visits to the library in an old sandstone building with small windows set high in the walls. Storytime with Peter and Barbara with a reel to reel projector. My local library moved 25 years ago to a big, well lit, building and I am a regular visitor there. I take my children there and my husband and I have had numerous dates to the library.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to catch up with Barbara who had retired from the library (Peter sadly passed away some years ago). One day I hope that I can be a memorable librarian in the life of a patron.

Meet Rebecca

Rebecca Lee. “I am unequivocally adamant that all children should experience the joy of good literature, and the improved quality of life that results from strong foundations in early literacy.”

Warmest greetings! I’m Rebecca, and I’m the newest addition to the blog team, having joined in November 2018. It was earlier in 2018 that I first tentatively dipped my toe into the library profession, commencing a Master of Information Studies at CSU with a specialisation in children’s librarianship. I have three young children, and have been a stay-at-home parent to them for several years. With the help of my local public library and some fervent research into and application of early literacy strategies, my children have evolved into library-loving bookworms, and – to my surprise – I have evolved into a burgeoning librarian! I am unequivocally adamant that all children should experience the joy of good literature, and the improved quality of life that results from strong foundations in early literacy. This is why I am joining the profession, it’s why I’ve joined ALIA and the blog team, and it’s why I am throwing myself into any darned learning opportunity that will help me to (fingers-crossed!) become an outstanding children’s librarian. It’s a grand adventure!

Volunteering for the blog team has been a fun element of this adventure, and in my short time on the team I’ve been involved in fun events such as 12 Days of GLAMR, have written content for study success, and am currently producing my first professional profile. Based on my brief experience thus far, my recommendation for anyone thinking of contributing to the blog or becoming an ALIA SNGG volunteer is to absolutely go for it! It’s a fantastic way to extend your skill-set and meet others in the profession, especially if you are new to the sector, as I am. Happy Library Lovers’ Day!

If you would like to get involved with the Library Lovers’ Day celebrations, ALIA is running a story competition. It’s a fun way to stretch your creativity – check it out on Facebook here and Twitter here!