Meet our friendly librarian Karen
We had a chat with Karen, Library Customer Service Coordinator, to discover her favorite library apps and the first author who sparked her love for books.
What book have you been unable to finish?
When I was a uni student many years ago, my Mum offered to pay me $50 if I could finish reading Ulysses by James Joyce. Even with such a hefty bribe, I couldn’t do it but I would like to try again to see if I would appreciate it more now. I don’t think that we should struggle through to finish a book – sometimes you just have to say to yourself, it’s not the right time for this one.
Which library apps do you use?
I love listening to audio books, so I use BorrowBox, Libby and Hoopla. I always have so many books in my to read pile, listening to some of them is a great way to try and keep up with all of the great books out there. I am currently listening to Marian Keyes read her latest book My Favourite Mistake which is highly entertaining and I am sure that I’m getting a few weird looks at red lights when I am laughing. My favourite audiobook from the last couple of years was Sarah Winman reading her book Still Life – it was fabulous.
What has your favourite project at Bayside Libraries been?
I have been very lucky since arriving at Bayside 3 years ago to be involved in some great projects. Planning was already underway for having library lockers at Hurlingham Park and having Hampton Branch Out, but I was able to see these additional ways of accessing the library get launched in 2022. I have recently been working with our Resources Team and Beaumaris team to launch The Library of Things. These have all been exciting projects as we want our community to keep coming to the library and being part of what we have to offer.
Who was the first author that sparked your interest in the world of books?
I read voraciously as a child but when I discovered Trixie Belden books by Julie Campbell, my love for reading mysteries was born. These days I’m excited when there is a new Anthony Horowitz or Richard Osman to curl up with.
