Blackpool librarian: A career with the library is very rewarding... a service for all ages

EVEN though executive (acting) librarian Thomas Ryan is a Tipperary native and is from a farming background, he has forged a career that he loves with the city libraries, now based in Blackpool Library.

“We are always busy here at Blackpool Library,” says Thomas.

“The local library is a valuable facility for the public and one of the few community facilities left that offers both free services and great accessibility for everyone.”

Being a lover of books, Thomas, a graduate of UCC, says his chosen career was a natural move.

“I always loved libraries and books,” he says. “So choosing a career with the library services was a ‘no-brainer.’

“Books were always part of the furniture at home. My dad in particular was an avid reader. I think reading is great for children because it opens up the world for them and helps them to pursue hobbies they may be interested in.”

Thomas worked as Executive Librarian for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Cork City Libraries for two years.

“It was a huge role,” he says. “I was responsible for all book purchases, helping to organise Childrens’ Book Festival Events. The Summer Reading Challenge offers various prizes for the achievements of the children participating. There’s aways a lot of interest in The Summer Reading Challenge.

“The aim of the Childrens’ Book Festival is to encourage children to enjoy the experience of reading and support their reading development, to provide activities and events in collaboration with writers/illustrators/storytellers, to promote children’s books and stories, and to increase engagement with families and schools and to attract new audiences. The teenagers’ graphic art workshop we held here at Blackpool Library proved very popular.”

Thomas has an enthusiastic book-lover at home in Ballincollig.

“My daughter is three and a half,” he says. “She’s mad about books and at bedtime she wants ‘more stories, more stories’. That can become problematic!”

In Blackpool Library, there is always lots going on for the public.

“We have a writers’ group, an Irish circle, two book clubs, one through Irish, two knitting groups, and two art groups,” says Thomas.

“Arts and crafts and card craft are part of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition we host in August. Various clubs display their decorative crafts which people enjoy coming to see. We host exhibitions every month.

The Lifelong Learning Festival is in April and Heritage Week is in August, which always attract lots of interest.

Library members are well catered for.

“We can request any book from the National Distribution System, (NDC),” says Thomas.

Blackpool library, which replaced the old one in St Mary’s Road, is impressive.

“Our library has 6,000 items and 2,500 members,” says Thomas. “Every day is a busy day. We like the buzz.”

People can enjoy full accessibility to the library.

“Members can sign up for ‘My Open Library’, and avail of the use of unstaffed hours here at the library between the hours of 8am and 10pm,” says Thomas.

“That is a great amenity 365 days of the year for people with busy lives or who have demanding jobs from 9 to 5 and can’t get to the library.”

The library is a getaway too.

“If you want to get away Christmas Day, you can!” says Thomas, laughing.

He says people are always very appreciative when a team member of the library helps them out.

“There are six of us here,” says Thomas. “We are like a family.”

“I like to help people with various queries, whether it is about a book, a DVD, or how to use an online facility or read E-magazines. The readers’ table is always full with people sitting around it reading the daily newspapers or chatting among themselves,” says Thomas.

People connect with each other at the library. Using the library nourishes the mind where you cans sit, read, think, or talk.

“You get to know people and through the city libraries, I have made friends over the years, which is nice. The job is very satisfying.”

Thomas finds reading very satisfying.

“I like history and I read Children of the Ash And Elm A History of the Vikings by Neil Price. I read everything by Evelyn Waugh,” says Thomas.

“Waugh’s work is a delight, often riotous and far funnier than the stuffy image might suggest. 

It saddens me to think that I’ve read almost everything he wrote and because he passed away long ago, that is that.

Thomas is interested in many subjects, including travel, film and cinema. But his first love is reading.

“I like reading science-fiction and I like to keep abreast of what’s popular,” he says.

Thomas likes the great outdoors too.

“I enjoy biking,” he says.

Thomas also enjoys the variety that his job provides.

“As library manager, the role is mixed. I am on the floor dealing with the public, I carry out administrative duties and help organise events and exhibitions. I like the variety and I like working with a team. We look after each other and we have great camaraderie, and we understand the ethos of the job, providing services to the public and engaging with them.”

Thomas has no hesitation in recommending the library service as a career.

“I think a career with the library is very rewarding,” he says.

“Dealing with the public is very sociable. Being of service to people of all age groups is very satisfying.”

Thomas, who always loved books and libraries, is well placed in his role as executive (acting) librarian to promote the venue.

“I love that the library is inclusive and welcomes everybody,” he says.

“I love that it fosters reading for young people and that it provides a safe, happy place for people to visit.”

Thomas is in a happy place.

“It is a great location. The library atmosphere is a very pleasant, cultural environment. I really like my job.”