Some people may think working at a library means you get to read all day in a quiet and serene environment, surrounded by books and history. While some of that is true (we are surrounded by books), there’s a wide range of activities going on, roles people play, and things to learn.
I’ve just started working at the Library in the marketing team, which means my job is to help share stories about the amazing work the Library does for our community. There’s a lot to learn, and many aspects of the role came as a surprise. Here’s what I’ve picked up since I started:
We (probably) won’t shush you
Libraries have a reputation for being places where you must keep quiet. Most people imagine stern librarians shushing you into submission if you dare to talk above a whisper. But that’s far from the case. Today our Library is a vibrant community hub, full of laughter and conversation.
Other than in our dedicated study space on the second floor, where we encourage our customers to be respectful of those trying to focus, we welcome discussion and conversation. Unless you’re being disruptive, our Librarians won’t shush you. Our aim is always to make our customers feel welcome and at ease in the Library.
Weeding is essential
Our collection is there to serve the community. To do this as effectively as possible, the librarians work to ensure the books we hold are relevant to the community’s needs and interests, popular with our members, and in good condition.
The Library is always acquiring exciting new books to keep our readers entertained and informed, and that means we must make room by ‘deaccessioning’ (removing from the collection) books which don’t meet these standards. This process is called ‘weeding’!
We sell some of our used books for 50p at the front desk. If you’ve not spotted them before, our staff will be happy to point them out.
Online newspapers
Many of our members may already know this, but did you know through your Library account you can read thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world?
The PressReader app gives you access to titles like The Economist, Good Housekeeping, The New Yorker, and many more.
If you want to learn about Austrian design or keep up to date with Match of the Day, simply log in through your institution (Guernsey Library) using your account details. Find out more about PressReader on our website here.
Book club
We have our own reading group! We meet once a month at the Library to discuss a set book. If you love reading and are looking for a book club to join, why not come along to the Guille-Allès reading group for friendly conversation and good fun. Deepen your understanding, have your voice heard, meet new people, or just sit back and enjoy the conversation; everyone is welcome.
We’re currently planning our book choices for 2026. If you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see on the list, get in touch by emailing [email protected].
If you’ve already got a book club of your own, you can also take advantage of our book club sets. Borrow up to ten copies of your next read with us, for free! Check them out as usual with your card and enjoy your next literary adventure.
The old Assembly Rooms
Before the Library was founded by Thomas Guille and Frederick Allès, the building was called the Assembly Rooms. It was used by the island’s aristocracy as a venue to host parties and balls.
In the Assembly Room of the Library today, you can see harp motifs decorating the balcony. This is known as the musician’s gallery and is where the band would have played during the dances. Now, it’s our fiction stack, where we store our older Classics.
