That’s what retiring Campaspe Regional Library staffer Sheila Atley has learnt after eight years on the job.
On January 25, Ms Atley was celebrated at the Kyabram Library and thanked for her work across the region.
Over the years she has met hundreds of locals and helped many discover great literature and access important resources.
The now retiree has garnered a deep appreciation for great books in the process and believes libraries are a vital public service.
‘‘I think books can become people’s friends,’’ Ms Atley said.
‘‘It is a tactile experience and it opens other worlds. People are able to connect with the world outside of their own.’’
Ms Atley described the libraries she has worked in over the course of her career as the centre point of many communities.
And she said although technology had changed and developed drastically since she started her career, the principles remain the same.
‘‘The basic idea of people, literacy, books and recreation has not changed, but the delivery has changed considerably. I’ve embraced the introduction of automated systems and computer for public use in libraries – I think they are a really valuable and useful tool,” she said.
Winnie the Poo, a childhood favourite, remains one of her favourite reads.
“I think childhood books really stay with you and remain a bit magical,” she said.
Originally from England, Ms Atley started off her library career at the Hampstead Public Library in London. She was drawn back to Australia after a working holiday at 18 gave her a taste of the Australian lifestyle.
She said her time at Campaspe had been a particular joy due to the libraries’ forward thinking attitude and embracing of the community.
“They reach out to users and non-users and really encourage people to see what value they can get out of the library,” she said.
Once finishing her other job as a marriage celebrant later this year, Ms Atley is looking forward to a retirement filled with family, gardening, travelling and of course, a few more good books.
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