“Belonging to a community and being apart of a community were really important to us.”

“We are building a home on acreage – we would never have had the opportunity to do that in Sydney.”

Working as a school librarian and working as a public librarian are similar but different, Michelle explains.

“The clientele is a lot broader. I work with people from six months of age to…I’m not going to say how old,” she laughed.

“The age range is very different and the needs are very different. It is really rewarding to come out of my office and see so many different groups from the community using the public spaces of the library.”

(Literacy in early learning)

With a degree in education and a background in teaching, Michelle excels in offering the children of Yass – and their parents – excitement and enrichment through programs such as Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time. Michelle enjoys calling on her teaching skills, and extending them, through the library’s weekly activities. “My background has really helped me with Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time. I can also understand what teachers require from the students who use the library to do their homework.

“I try to use my love of literacy and early learning through the story sessions.”

The squeals of laughter that can be heard from the children’s corner and the gaggle of giggles that accompany the ‘Grand Old Duke from York’ indicate the youngsters enjoy Baby Rhyme Time as much as Michelle does.

“I love that we have the Books for Babies program at the Library. It is important to highlight the importance of literacy in the early stages of a child’s life.”

(A common hub)

Michelle has worked hard to make the Yass Valley Library a place for the local community to be proud of. The library holds a number of events throughout the year, including guest speakers, author talks and information sessions. A reading group meets once a month and the library is about to embark on movie nights. Michelle is keen to promote or co-operate with community groups in the area.

“I would always welcome suggestions from the community about cross-promotional activities.”

“I think it is very important that the library is a common hub and a safe place for people to come.”

Michelle has seen the library grow in leaps and bounds over the past few years. The space has been re-shuffled and re-decorated, the opening hours have been extended and the resources have grown to incorporate a vast array of items – electronic, paperback and interactive.

“We’ve had a huge increase in the usage and the number of people coming through the doors.

“To think the library used to be a little room outside the front of the Yass Memorial Hall and now, even with more extensions, we still seem to be outgrowing the space.”

“The Yass Library has always been considered a well used library but of course I would like to see it used more.”

(Hidden treasures)

Michelle invites members of the community to visit the Yass Valley Library to see what treasures, resources and experiences are on offer. Membership is 100 per cent free and there are absolutely no obligations. “It is amazing what resources a country library can have – we have access to 100,000 items and there really is no need for people to travel.”

“People don’t realise what treasures exist in their local libraries. They might think they only have access to what is on the shelf but there is so much more.”

As Library Services Co-ordinator, Michelle appreciates the important role she plays for so many people in the community.

“We have our regulars. They miss you when you’re on holidays and you build up a relationship with them. Sometimes you play a very important part in their day-to-day life and you need to appreciate that.

“I’ve seen many kids grow up over the years. They have grown up with me and with the library,” Michelle said.

(More than meets the eye)

Never ask a librarian about their favourite book. It must be especially hard to narrow your selection down when you are surrounded by so many classics, so many adventures and so many options. Michelle’s eyes filled with excitement as she confessed children’s literature was her preferred choice of genre. “I love children’s literature. There is so much more than what meets the eye – a children’s author tends to get away with far more than an adult author ever could.

“I can pick up anything and read anything but my real love is children’s literature.”

(Michelle’s top three)

1. The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew it was None of His Business by Werner Holzwarth.

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

3. Deltora Quest Series by Australian author Emily Rodda.