Caitlin Macnay always wanted to be a librarian, but having not seen young librarians while growing up, she assumed it would have to be a role for retirement.
Now, walk through the doors of Auckland Council Libraries and it’s hard to miss the growing presence of vibrant, young women who have chosen to pursue their passion for books and the community as a career. Joined by colleagues Olivia Stanley and Grace Johnson – all in their twenties – the trio laughs, saying that the days of shushing and silent libraries are gone. They share with the Weekly what inspired them into this line of work, what young people bring to modern libraries and how books have changed their lives.
Caitlin Macnay, 27, Librarian
What inspired you to become a librarian?
I wanted to be a librarian when I was a kid, but I never thought it was a career option for younger people. I became an archaeologist and ended up doing fieldwork in New Zealand. Then, after Covid, I had a massive injury and broke my back. I spent over a year in recovery and found myself gravitating towards libraries, which had always been a safe and happy space for me. Now I get to help create that same safe, welcoming space I had for others.
Libraries today serve so many purposes. What do you gravitate towards?
Digital literacy because of the larger role technology plays in our lives and also because technology develops so fast that I want to make sure no one gets left behind.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
I’m currently in more of a leadership/senior position and at times, I struggle with imposter syndrome. Unfortunately, it’s common for a lot of young people, especially women. I have a lot of support from family and co-workers. And I do a lot of faking it until you make it.
Were you an avid reader as a child?
I didn’t really love reading until I read the Geronimo Stilton books and the Tintin graphic novels. Graphic novels get frowned upon, but I love them and think they’re great for reluctant readers.
What values from your upbringing help guide you in your role?
I have hearing loss in both ears and wear hearing aids. A lot of people tend to lose patience when repeating themselves and can be dismissive when speaking to me, especially when I was a kid because they just think you’re not listening. I use those negative experiences to bring patience and understanding to the role.
Is there a dream initiative you’d love to launch?
I really want to create a maker space in the library! I’d love to see what the community makes with 3D printers and sewing machines readily available.
How have books helped you navigate challenging times?
I’ve always used books for escapism when things get rough. Now I use books to help me unwind after a busy day and I can’t go to sleep without reading a few chapters – unless it’s a really good book and then I get no sleep!
What are you reading and recommending right now?
I’ve been on a non-fiction kick. I really liked Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur and The Team That Hit the Rocks by Peter Jerram. I’m also reading graphic novels like Villains are Destined to Die by Gwon Gyeoeul.
What words of wisdom would you share with a fellow young person considering this career?
Widen your interests and hobbies. Many of our librarians have experience in things like music, history, writing, tech, art and geography. All these talents help our team deliver heaps of cool programmes.
Olivia Stanley, 25, Libraries and Council Services Assistant
What inspired you to become a librarian?
I’ve been in the book industry – both new and second-hand bookstores, and a speciality magazine shop – for most of my career after completing my English Literature BA. What I loved most about working in a bookstore was the conversations I had with customers. Eventually, I realised community-focused work – not retail – was where my heart was and applied for a library role.
How do people react to your career?
Some people think it’s cool and mysterious to be a librarian, and the non-bookishly inclined think it’s boring, which means people think I’m cool or boring, depending on who you ask.
What do young librarians bring to the library?
We’re tech-savvy, creative, craving community and full of hot takes. I can’t believe my luck that I am asked about my favourite books for a living.
What’s something surprising about working in a modern library?
We welcome noise and laughter. At any given moment in our library, we have kids playing, parents meeting, students studying, groups collaborating, elderly people chatting and all sorts of activities going on. Today, libraries are places of safety, joy, compassion, curiosity, belonging and bulwarks against loneliness.
What is the biggest challenge of your role?
The most challenging part of libraries is also our greatest strength. We’re a place anyone can go, which means we can deal with some intense situations, like mental health issues. Or we can often see people on some of the most stressful and vulnerable days of their lives – when they need to print and verify affidavits, divorce papers or wills. Helping communities through crises can be vulnerable for staff as well.
What are you reading and recommending right now?
I’m desperate to recommend Jane Angeles Fitton’s Hermit to someone, but it’s got some heavy themes and needs a very particular reader. I will be recommending Ruth Shaw’s memoirs until the day I die. We have some seriously talented writers in our small country.
Is there a book that changed your life?
So many books have changed my life and inspired me. It would be easier to give you the list of books that have done nothing for me because it would be so short. If I had to narrow it down, I would choose Upstream by Mary Oliver. It embodied that feeling of timelessness that we experience as children. Before reading this, I didn’t know that I could find that flow as an adult too.
How have books helped you navigate challenging times?
Bell Hooks has gotten me through a devastating break-up and Jane Austen has always been there for me, no matter what season of life I’m in. Any titles I pick up from my bookshelf, I can tell you exactly when I was in my life when I read it. The little pieces of myself are impossible to untangle from the stories I’ve read.
Grace Johnson, 20, Libraries and Council Services Assistant
If not a librarian, what career did you dream of?
When I was much younger, it was to be a marine biologist. I read hundreds of books on underwater life and ecosystems. After high school, I did a couple of gap years, which ended up with me in the library – right where I was supposed to be all along.
How do others react to your career?
People are always very interested in how I got here and what it’s like. When I tell them how busy a library gets, the types of help we offer and the services we provide, they are always surprised and often shocked by the amount of energy, time and effort that goes into running a modern library.
What do you think young librarians can bring to the library?
We offer a fresh, new perspective on running our libraries and serving the community. It’s super- important that young people get involved with libraries – we have a lot to contribute to our communities.
What brings you the most joy?
The connection you build with the community. There are so many people who use the library on a daily or near-daily basis and you get to build great relationships with them. One of my favourite parts of working here is talking with people about their books.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a little bookworm and the library I work in now was one of the libraries I frequently visited as a child, which is cool. I was obsessed with Nancy Drew books when I was younger and still have a whole shelf filled with those books.
What have you learned about people – and yourself – through this job?
While the majority of our patrons are lovely to chat with, we do sometimes encounter situations that are challenging or confronting. I’ve found, more often than not, people just want a kind ear. For some, coming to the library is a regular part of their daily routine. For others, it’s an occasional treat or even the only social interaction they’ll have that week. That’s why it’s so important for us to approach each person with empathy and adaptability.
Is there a book that changed your life?
There isn’t one specific book, but rather years of reading that has helped shape me into the person I am today. Each book I’ve read has influenced me and my perspective on the world.
What words of wisdom would you share with a fellow young person considering this career?
Keep a super-open mind. I never thought I would find it so much fun working with children and youth in the library, and yet here I am!
