What's it like working in a library?

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

Im considering applying for a job with my local library -its a small local library rather than a main library. The job includes kids rhyme time and saturday crafts.

I used to be a teacher so would happily do the groups. I dont know vast amounts about what its actually like day to do. In my case I guess it depends how well you get on with the one other colleague you'd had!

I havent got a great return to proper work plan and this was part time and looked interesting. I dont think previously recruited well internally as it involved Saturday mornings. I think I can do that, I just have to get my head around holiday childcare!

And yes, like any other job you are entitled to book leave.

Thankyou so much for that Tetra, thats really helpful. Ive taught mainly so not been in jobs where I could book leave!

It sounds great :)

Librarian here.

I go through phases of loving it, and thinking, my job is great, and times wanting out and into something new. I'm freelance in my other career though and libraries work well with that (amazing how many musicians, artists, writers, makers come to work in libraries.)

It's lovely to be exposed to books, ideas, people who like books, etc. Colleagues are also really nice. Occasionally we have challenging situations though, there is a lot of shelving, and it can feel kind of repetitive.

I'm in a group of libraries, so in theory you could apply for a job in one and be placed in another branch. This happened to me, and I minded badly at the time, but now love the branch I am in (most of the time.)

There is a lot of social energy needed though, so sometimes you can feel kind of drained on the chatting to people front, and not be up for socialising, if that makes any sense.

We are about so much more than books.

Library cuts are a huge issue though, and lead to many complaints. PM me if you'd like to know more as it's run by city council, so can't go into details about where, etc.

@SquashedFlyBiscuit ahhh I see, in a small library you would likely just not be able to all have the same time off, otherwise you book when you want, I can't imagine this varies too much. It can get busy in the summer with the school holidays and the summer reading challenge, but we were still allowed time off then.

I've no experience of working in a library I'm afraid, but I have young DCs and my local library is small and runs weekly activities like rhyme time etc.

There are a few staff who chop and change who do the activities, but there is one lady who really is brilliant. She's very engaging, clearly loves her job and is great with the kids. Her sessions are always more popular and I feel at ease, even though I'm running around after the little one rather than sitting nicely singing the songs and reading the books.

The point of my post is - do you think you could be enthusiastic and really enjoy it even when only 1 or 2 families turn up? Like a pp said upthread, sometimes you are the only interaction for some people and that really matters. Some weeks when I had a period of depression going to the library sessions was the highlight of the day/few days because I couldn't face anything else, and I would always feel better for going.

((((Trout)))) I used to run a toddler group and I was v aware how important it could be for the mums that turned up. I honestly would love that part of the job, and being creative with the group and stories. Id like the interaction with people.

It sounds silly, but I am worried about being on my feet all day! I do need to regularly sit currently.

Thankyou so much for all your help everyone. I think I'll apply. I have to get my head around holiday activities for an older child too... (One pro of teaching is the holidays!)

In my area, librarians in libraries of any size can book time off whenever they like. Their leave will either be covered by other staff who usually work in a different library or Peak relief (like me!) will be called in.