Stawell librarian, Kerry Wilson has been nominated for the Australia’s Favourite Librarian Award. Kerry has had an association with the Stawell Library spanning some 24 years. Kerry is pictured with youngsters Abdulaleem, Noah and Lana at the Stawell Library. Picture: KERRI KINGSTON
STAWELL - Life long Stawell librarian Kerry Wilson has been nominated for Australia's Favourite Librarian.
Ms Wilson who has been with the library in some capacity for 24 years said the nomination came as a surprise.
"It was a total surprise to learn of the nomination when the letter arrived," she said.
Australia's Favourite Librarian is a search initiated by Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Love2Read an organisation aimed at showcasing the projects that exist to promote reading and literacy. Ms Wilson did work experience at the library as a 16 year old and worked casual and part time at the library before becoming the manager eight years ago.
"I always wanted to be a librarian," she said.
Ms Wilson said one of the biggest changes in her time has been adapting to new technology.
"The transition from card-cataloguing and stamping to computerised recording was probably the biggest change in the 1990s," she said.
"What is good about any of the changes is that they are always a gradual thing and they take place over time."
She said one of the best things about a library is the community atmosphere.
"It is one of the few places where you can bring newborns, it's a neutral ground, anyone can come in and use the services and not feel alienated," Ms Wilson said.
Ms Wilson said a lot of programs including the story time program and use of wi-fi are popular among visitors to the library.
"I've seen a lot of kids from when they were aged two up until they are in high school," she said.
"You build up a lot of relationships and connections with people over the years."
Ms Wilson said despite seeing less people through the doors than what they use to, that isn't down to one reason.
"We have such a busy community and along with that compete with other forms of stimulation today including videos and DVDs," she said.
"The services are different, but people come to enjoy activities like sitting around and reading the paper.
Australian Children's Author, Kirsty Murray nominated Kerry after building a relationship and working with her for over the last 10 years.
"In the past ten years, I've spoken to thousands of children and adults in libraries, schools and at literary festivals around the world about reading and writing," she said.
"I've nominated her for her caring and compassionate ways and her community involvement. She is incredibly passionate and impressive as a regional librarian."
Voting will close on April 15 and Australia's Favourite Librarian will be announced during Library and Information Week which runs from May 20-24.
To vote for Kerry go to www.alia.org.au and follow the links to who is your Favourite Librarian, or contact the library direct on 5358 1274.
