Theo - Acting Branch Manager, Library Services Warringah Mall
When Theo tells people that he works at Manly Library, there’s usually a bit of banter about ‘shushing’ customers and reading books all day.
“But it’s a really busy and varied job,” says Theo. “Anyone who thinks a library is just about books needs to pay us a visit.”
Theo and his Library team members cater for all sorts of people - wanting all sorts of things.
“We really are a community hub, providing a free service for everyone - from long-standing customers who come in to relax and read the papers or borrow books and movies - to backpackers needing to use a computer or see a Justice of the Peace.”
“We support people of all ages in every stage of life. Twice a week, you’ll hear singing from more than 70 toddlers at our ‘Story Time’ sessions.
“For young people, we organise HSC study sessions and also host cultural events such as our Artists’ Book Award and a Zine Fair.”
“And for those who can’t leave their homes, we have a Home Library Service so everyone can connect with all the Library offers.”
A stone’s throw from world-famous Manly Beach, the birthplace of competitive surfing in Australia, Manly Library is a beacon for anyone researching the history of the sport and Australia’s beach-lifestyle culture.
Manly was also the scene of one of the earliest encounters between European settlers and Aboriginal people.
“We have a fantastic Local Studies section with a huge collection of photos and documents relating to Manly’s history. It’s fascinating stuff.”
Everyone from writers to students, from professional historians to museum staff drop by the Local Studies section to research its extensive collection.
“We work with local institutions, like the surf clubs, for example, helping them to research and preserve their heritage.”
Theo has experience across a wide range of library work - from collections management, where he looked after purchasing, processing and disposal of books and other collection items - to the technology side of library work – such as implementing new systems.
“We recently merged all the Northern Beaches Libraries into a common library management system, a huge job when you think about all the items and customer records. The benefit is that customers can now use one library card at any of the Northern Beaches libraries.”
The best part about the job?
“We’re such an important part of the community and I’m proud to be part of that. I also love living and working on the Northern Beaches, that’s a huge bonus,” says Theo.
Theo has high praise for his professional colleagues, too.
“They inspire me with their genuine interest and support of those around them as well as their dedication to providing the best possible library service for our community.”
“We shouldn’t take public libraries for granted – State funding was cut again this year. I’m always motivated to make the library experience a great one for our patrons because we count on their support.”