In Volume 18 we speak with Carolyn from Dunedin Public Library in Florida.

You can find Carolyn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Circ_Nation

Word of the Week

Berserk
Initially used to describe Norse warriors who worked themselves into a frenzy and fought with frightening ferocity. The word berserk has now been tempered to mean losing your temper. It is thought the word derives from the Old Norse berserkr, possibly combining bjorn (bear) and serkr (coat). Another theory suggests it stems from berr ‘bare’ (i.e. without armour) and serkr.

The Interview

What’s your role in the library? 
I’m in Circulation Services, so help patrons who come to the circulation desk. I also deliver materials to homebound patrons, and create displays.

What’s great about your library? 
We’re in a small city, and are lucky to be a valued part of our community. A lot of staff has been here for years, so we know our patrons and they know us.

Who is your favourite author and why?
Toni Morrison. She’s an amazing storyteller, whose use of language is so powerful, it’s heart-piercing.

If you could change one thing in the library world, what would it be?
I would love libraries to be fine free.

How do you think libraries are going to change in the next decade?
Although there will be an increase in tech-based services, physical libraries will still play a role as meeting places, and will hopefully evolve & become more inclusive to meet the changing needs of all our patrons.

What’s your favourite club, workshop or competition that your library runs?
Conversation Club, where people who speak a variety of languages come together to help each other speak English.

If you could live in any fictional world, which would it be?
Either Lyra’s Oxford from His Dark Materials, or Winnie-the-Pooh’s Hundred Acre Woods

Which mythological creature would you like to exist?
DRAGON

Any questions for me?
Do you have a favourite new/used bookshop on Charing Cross Road?

Very niche question, I like it. There is one called Quinto Bookshop that I have browsed a few times, there are some amazing antiquarian books, as well as lots of new titles!

Many thanks Carolyn for taking part in the series.

Are you a librarian? Would you like to participate? Get in touch with the team at institutions@exacteditions.com