Librarians of Cork: Libraries have changed ... in a positive way

SHARON O’Mahony has always been a people person.

“I worked in my local Spar shop before working in the library,” says the executive librarian at Skibbereen library.

“I always liked dealing with and interacting with the public. I like connecting with people.”

She always liked the idea of working in the library.

What took her so long to apply for the job that involves more than just organising or shelving books? The librarian can be a community educator, an organiser, an innovator, a problem-solver and a researcher.

“I’m sorry that it took me so long,” replies Sharon.

The unique atmosphere in the library always attracted me, I have loads of books at home and I’ve always encouraged my two children to read books and to use the local library.

“As a young girl, I lacked confidence. It took me until my early 20s when I did my initial degree to sum up the courage to apply for a position in the library,” says Sharon.

“Then I started chasing jobs.”

She didn’t have far to go.

“I started here in Skibbereen and worked here for 10 years, I did a stint in Bantry library, and I worked in Dunmanway library for three years. I am back here now in Skibbereen library for 15 years, so I have come full circle; back to where I started.”

Skibbereen library, with a staff of six, is one of the busiest in the region, with almost 3,000 members, 1,500 of them under 18.

The library hosts writing groups, two book clubs, a knitting group, a sewing circle, a poetry group, informative talks, exhibitions and workshops. There is a summer arts workshop for children and a Children’s Book Festival in October.

“And we ran a very successful mindfulness recently.”

I tell Sharon that many people have an old-fashioned image of the librarian being behind the counter, surrounded by books, wearing spectacles and wearing their hair in a neat bun - a bit boring maybe?

Sharon isn’t like that.

“No, I’m not like that!” says Sharon, laughing.

“But I do wear glasses! And I wear a hair-clip but no bun!

I don’t believe in that old-fashioned image people might have of librarians.

“But I do know what you mean,” adds Sharon.

“Sometimes in films, and indeed in books, the librarian can be portrayed like that.”

Sharon, an avid reader and a book-lover, has an interesting hobby.

“In my spare time, I like to play darts!” she says.

“I was watching the (then) 16-year-old darts player, Luke Littler, in the World Darts Championship final. He is really impressive.

“I am part of the local lady’s darts team, the West Cork League. It’s great fun.”

Sharon’s job in the library provides fun as much as knowledge, with activities and varied programmes catering for every type of interest. It is a space to meet like-minded people and other book-lovers.

“People will always ask for book recommendations,” says Sharon, who looks after the day-to-day running of the library, and who manages the overall strategy of events and programming.

“The discussions that ensue are always interesting and stimulating.”

Connections are important.

“The library has partnerships with other community organisations like the Uillin West Cork Arts Centre and the Arts for Health partnership aimed at carers. Currently, we are running a writing course for carers on health-related topics, as well as a mindfulness course for carers.

We see ourselves as a community space and that is our focus. The library is a safe space to meet others and come together.

“We encourage readers of all levels and all ages to use the library. We are here to help people source reliable information.

“We can help people improve their digital skills and to use the online resources we have here, for instance, online courses that range from accounting, psychology, online language course, and how to use the Cork county library app.

“Free computers with reliable internet are also a huge asset we have in the library. It is the case that people who live in very rural areas might not have access to the internet, or a reliable internet service.

“People who have material to print can also do their printing remotely. During library opening hours, the printer and photocopier are always busy.”

While Sharon always loved the unique atmosphere of the library, she enjoys the bonds she builds up with the staff and the library users.

“We have built up strong bonds over the years,” says Sharon.

It is lovely to get to know people and to have a chat with them about books, shared interests and other things we have in common.

“We have everyday users that come here for many reasons, often it is for social reasons, so they don’t feel isolated.”

Reading the daily newspaper is a popular pastime for people.

“Yes, it is,” says Sharon.

“We have the daily newspapers here every day. People like to read the papers at their leisure. Students like to study here in the library before they sit their exams.”

Especially if it’s a wet day?

“Yes, that is often the case,” agrees Sharon.

The library is an appealing, friendly place that people can visit.

“We have a wide range of books. Audio books, DVDs for children, teens and adults,” says Sharon.

The collection of reference book we have in stock is huge, including a local history collection, as well as a range of E-books, E audio books and E magazines.

The courtyard outside is a draw for children, especially in the summer.

“There is access to games in the courtyard like chess and Connect 4,” says Sharon.

“The Lego corner is always a draw for children. The parents are happy then too and they are often free to browse books for themselves while the children are occupied.”

Sharon is glad that she chose the library as an occupation.

“My mother instilled in me very early that job satisfaction is important,” says Sharon.

“I applied for the library, and I was delighted with myself. It has been a dream come true for me since landing the job. I love Skibbereen, I live here, and I went to school here.”

Sharon embraced the job.

“I did a post-grad in librarian information studies.”

She loves the variety that being a librarian offers.

“I enjoy choosing the stock and swapping sections with other libraries.”

Sharon says the library is not always a quiet space.

“There is always plenty of chat and activity going on. The library has changed in a positive way over the years. I love my job and I love coming into work every day.”