Meet the Team – Meandarra Library
Meandarra Library is one of the smallest towns in our region, but it has a huge heart. Carolyn is going to tell us more about this fabulous little library.
Meandarra Library might be small but has so much to offer for people of all ages. Regular Storytimes for children, tech support sessions, school holiday activities, and a great collection of books, magazines, and DVDs. There is also a dedicated computer for community use – and free Wi-Fi!
The amazing community space is regularly used for get-togethers, community meetings, for those just wanting to relax with a good book in one of our comfy armchairs, catch up on study or work while the kids are at school.
Meandarra Library is a single person branch, so I need to be Jack of all trades!
What makes Meandarra Library different?
Located in the centre of town, directly beside the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum, the library is in a unique position to welcome the many visitors to our town and for library staff to answer any questions they may have about the area. Meandarra Library also has the only dedicated military collection in Western Downs Libraries, and this is regularly drawn upon by people throughout the entire region.
Why do you love your job?
I have always had a passion for books and libraries, so feel very lucky to come to work every day to a place that I love working in. I also love serving my community, and the library is a much-loved part of this community.
How long have you worked in libraries?
I started working at Meandarra Library in 2009, so 12 years and counting!
What makes your job different?
Did you know that you can request a book that we do not have in our collection? Titles older than two years can be sourced form other library services and reserved on the borrower’s behalf as an Interlibrary Loan, while newer titles are called purchase requests.
I feel privileged to be the Interlibrary Loan and Purchase Request Officer for Western Downs Libraries, so any Interlibrary Loans or purchase requests made in any of our nine branches is actioned by me. I source books from all over Australia and take great pride in locating specially requested books and getting them to our borrowers as quickly as possible – no-one likes to wait too long for a book they really want to read!
Alongside my Library duties, I am also responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum. This involves welcoming visitors to the museum and assisting the volunteer committee with maintenance of the collection and exhibitions.
Collection Recommendation
Because I spend a bit of time travelling between home and work each day, I love to immerse myself in a great audiobook. BorrowBox always has a great selection, and my current favourite author is Lucinda Riley – The Seven Sisters series in amazing!