By Abu Syddek

A message from Jean (Library Manager)

I have had a varied career such as working in industry and in the Benefits Investigation Team. I’ve worked for Sandwell Library Service for 6 years. My role is Community Library Manager and I’m responsible for Smethwick, Thimblemill and Bleakhouse Libraries. I am also a qualified Executive Coach, for the West Midlands Coaching Pool.  A coach is a person who supports managers in Sandwell and other local authorities in the West Midlands to achieve their goals, with encouragement, motivation and direction, energising the coachee to solve their problems through goal setting. This is extremely rewarding and also helps me to hone my own management skills.

I have been asked to talk about what is going on in Smethwick Library. For people who already use this library, they’ll already know about the variety of activities and events going on. For those who haven’t yet visited us, have a look on our website for our what’s on page or follow us www.twitter.com/smethwick_lib  or www.facebook.com/smethwicklibrary

[Library manager Jean with the new self-service machine accessible by the members of the Library]

Smethwick library has established itself as vibrant community hub. A place where local people come to learn, socialise and have fun! With the help from Big Lottery funding we have three community rooms, a café and public toilets. The community rooms are used by staff, partners and other agencies to run a wide variety of activities for local people, but most significantly, the rooms are also used by volunteers from the community who run their own groups.

Last year Smethwick Library attracted over 200,000 visitors and we are seeing the real benefits of working closely with our community, offering them the services that they want. The best practice developed at Smethwick will now be rolled out to the whole service. We want to work more with our local community and have many volunteering opportunities to offer, in areas such as craft and activities, storytelling, I.T. and reading groups and many more. Just ask our friendly staff for more information.

Interview

Abu: How did you become the Manager of the Smethwick Library?

Jean: I started working for the library service 6 years ago as Service Development Manager – Audiences. In this post I was responsible for service wide Marketing, Training and Performance Management. I became a Community Library Manager 2.1/2 year ago and haven’t looked back since.

Abu: As libraries are very quiet places, do you enjoy working here?

Jean: Yes of course I do, but it varies. No two days are the same. Sometimes it is the best place you can be and often quite hectic. A lot of the work that keeps the library running is done behind the scenes and most people don’t realise how hard working the staff are, working with limited resources, but always coming up with fresh ideas on how to make coming here a great experience. Oh and by the way- libraries are not quiet places anymore!

Abu: What’s the best and worst part of your job?

Jean: I really enjoy going to events that are organised within our community, it’s great to be able to talk to local people and find out what they want from the service. I’ve been a member of the library for over 30 years and I’m really proud to be working for the service. Like many jobs, there are always the more mundane aspects of your role that you don’t particularly relish, such as writing reports and attending numerous meetings.

Abu: Can you tell me a few activities held here at the Library?

Jean: There are lots on offer. We have activities in which young people can get involved with. In the Krunch sessions, young people can enjoy playing on X-Box, PS3 and DJ mixing. We also have a range of activities for families with young children, older people and people from the LGBT community.

Abu:When people hear the word ‘Library’ a lot of the time they think that they’re just full of books. Can you tell me (excluding books) what other things are available here?

Jean: At Smethwick Library we have 3 community rooms which are available to use by community groups, these rooms are free to use. Some of the groups that use the rooms are Sandwell Mind, Next Steps Career Advise, Bollywood Dance, I.T For Beginners and Make Friends with Book. The staff also organise activities in the rooms such as Children’s Board Game Club, Roald Dahl Film and Book Club, Make Yourself Art and Bingo. We also stock the latest magazines, DVD’s and of course offer free internet access on all our computers.

Abu:If anyone is interested in undertaking any volunteering or work experience then are they eligible?

Jean:There are many volunteering opportunities at the library, if anyone is interested just ask a member of staff and they will be happy to discuss this with you. The volunteers need to be over 14 years old and may be required to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check (CRB)

Abu: Are there any new items coming into the Library which is beneficial to the local community?

Jean: We now have2 quick service machines installed which enable our customers to take out and return their books, without having to come the counter. We also have a large wall mounted plasma screen which displays the details of customer’s computer booking times, so they can easily see when their allocated computer will be available to use.

Abu:As you may be aware with the coalition government some Libraries are under threat of closure. Do you think such a problem may arise at this Library?

Jean:Nothing is certain, but all we can do is keep working hard to ensure that the library is recognized as a community hub. Support from our customers is vital and we’d really like to form a Friends Group who can help to spread the word about how important this service is. If anyone is interested in becoming a ‘Friend’ of the library, just give me a call and we can discuss this in more detail.

Abu:Are there any jobs available at the moment?

Jean:Unfortunately there are no vacancies in the library service and recent budget reductions have meant we have already lost a number of jobs within the service. We face further budget cuts in the coming years, so we know there will be more difficult times ahead.

[Jean with interviewee Abu]

Library details

Address
Smethwick Library
High Street
Smethwick
West Midlands
B66 1AA

Website:  www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries

Opening times
Monday  9.30am – 7.00pm
Tuesday  9.30am – 6.00pm
Wednesday  10.30am – 6.00pm
Thursday  9.30am – 6.00pm
Friday  9.30am – 6.00pm
Saturday  9.30am – 4.00pm
Sunday  12.00am – 4.00pm

Telephone: 0121 558 0497