Making connections with people every day is what I love about working in county Cork library

YOU can meet lots of interesting people in the library. Ikki Keane, branch manager in Youghal Library, has done just that.

“Adam King is a regular visitor here,” says Ikki, who joined the library service in 2007, first working in Cobh Library, before coming to Youghal.

Adam, from Killeagh, was born with osteogenesis, imperfecta type 2 which causes brittle bones. The little boy inspired people everywhere with his virtual hug when he appeared on The Late Late Show.

“He’s a fabulous young person,” says Ikki. “He is full of personality.”

I tell Ikki that I was delighted to attend the book launch of Adam’s first book , Amazing Space Adventures, at Youghal Library and many people have enjoyed his book readings for Ireland Reads Day at the venue.

“In 2022, Adam, 8, was part of the Heroes float for St Patrick’s Day, along with others considered to have a massive impact on people’s lives, like sports coaches and hospital porters.”

Ikki was part of the action.

“Amazingly, I was asked to be on the float too, which was a fabulous privilege for me,” says Ikki.

“I’ve known Adam since he was a little boy from coming into the library.”

So she’s a hero too?

“I don’t know about that!” says Ikki, laughing.

“My family thought I was a hero, which was a very nice thing.”

Ikki enjoys meeting people, and she likes interacting with them and learning from them.

“The opportunity to meet people in the library is brilliant,” she says. “I got to know a Korean lady and she’s teaching me Korean!”

Is that difficult?

“I am beginning to get the hang of the language,” says Ikki.

“That’s the magic of libraries. You can teach things to each other. It is a two-way process.”

Ikki is researching her new interest.

“I’m reading New Koreans by Michael Green, translated literature focused on Korea.”

She wasn’t always working as a librarian. And she didn’t always live in Youghal.

“I moved from Salisbury in the UK to Youghal in 1997,” says Ikki.

“I previously worked as a solicitor in the town.”

She became a native of the seaside spot.

“I got to know the town and I got to know the people here,” says Ikki.

“The people are so friendly. Youghal is a beautiful historic town with beautiful beaches and walks.

“I made friends here and I love hearing and learning all about the history of Youghal.”

She loves her surroundings, adding: “I can see the sea from my house.”

Ikki likes her surroundings in the Rivergate Mall in Youghal, where the library is situated.

“There is always a nice buzz around the area,” she says.

Why did she change career?

“I was on maternity leave with my second child,” says Ikki.

“I saw an ad in the Irish Examiner for a post in Youghal Library. The thought of working in the library attracted me and I applied for the job. I’ve always loved libraries and visiting them from an early age. My mum and my sister were avid readers too.”

What does Ikki like to read?

“I have mixed taste in books,” she says. “I like fiction and non-fiction. I have an interest in children’s books and in Irish writers. I like Catfish Rolling by Clara Kumagai, which blends mystic realism with Japanese myth. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell is another book I enjoyed.

“And I always make sure that I promote Irish books and authors to give our own a boost.”

Apart from meeting interesting people, patrons of Youghal library can enjoy and take part in many workshops and activities there.

“There is always something going on in the library,” says Ikki.

“The lace-making group keep up the fine tradition of Youghal Lace, the weekly knitting and crochet group is very popular, as is the writers’ group, the adult book club, the gramophone circle, and the Youghal art group.

“There are computer classes available for Silver Surfers to help older people become more familiar with PCs and the internet.

“Children enjoy children’s story-time sessions and the children’s book club.”

The sensory wall attracts many people, young and old too.

“Yes, the wall seems to be a draw for people,” says Ikki. “It is a space dedicated to sensory experience which can be hugely beneficial to children with ASD in helping them feel calm, supported and focused.

“The wall provides tactile and visual auditory exploration for all children to help them discover more about their own sensory preferences. Adults are attracted to the sensory wall as well.”

The library is a calm space where people talk quietly, relax, read books, learn and have fun.

Ikki loves the environment, adding: “It’s not a job. I love what I do.”

She has a spring in her step walking into work every morning from Strand Church.

“When I get into the library every morning, I’m happy,” says Ikki. “The library is a wonderful library to work in. I am extremely lucky. Making connections every day with people is so nice.

“The patrons are lovely, and they really appreciate what you do for them.”

Ikki makes the patrons feel at home.

“Youghal Library is a homely library where people have a chat, and they make time to connect with each other. I’ve seen many friendships begin and grow through the library; it’s great.

“The library is community-based, it helps build community relations and everybody is welcome here. There is equitable access at all times.

“The library is a safe, inclusive place where there is no judgement.”

Many interesting people frequent the library.

“We received a donation of a collection of 330 books from Kyiv, Bratislava and Slovakia for Ukrainian people living here. We are committed to serving Ukrainian people in the community,” says Ikki.

“We were delighted to play a part in the exchange to benefit Ukrainian people in Youghal.”

Everyone can take part in the events that Youghal library promotes - such as Bealtaine Festival, Summer Arts Programme, and Children’s Book Festival.

“We offer a diverse range of services,” says Ikki.

She has many other interests. She is a photographer, a gardener and a fan of book festivals.

And she was on the radio too

“I was on Bere Island Desert Island Discs,” says Ikki.

What songs did she choose?

“ Angie, by the Rolling Stones, an Indian song that I like, and On Top of the World, by the Carpenters.”

Ikki, living beside the sea and working in the world of books, is on top of the world.

“I love my job,” she says.

Next Week; Cork County Library.