Source: Auckland Council
Dave Tucker reckons that if libraries were given an alternative name it would be ‘the place that does everything’.
“I think before starting in libraries I was guilty of thinking that libraries mean just books, but the library is literally the help zone for its community,” he says.
Dave, who is Senior Librarian Children and Youth Services at Mt Albert Library, says on a regular day the staff will do everything from help a family sign up to Skinny Jump (which provides low-cost internet at home), make book recommendations, provide computer support, facilitate knitting groups or even help people find the nearest pizzeria.
“You name it, libraries are either doing it or thinking of trying it,” says Dave.
Libraries have always been that ‘third place’ between school or work and then home, but with the cost of living crisis ramping up, Dave has noticed that more people are coming into the library, staying longer and using the range of free services that libraries provide.
“There are cases where a mum, dad or a granddad with a bunch of kids from an extended family come into the library,” says Dave. “Often we’ll provide colouring-in or read to the kids so that the adult can get jobs done. Sometimes you can see people really struggling to get through the next hour with kids. We can see where help is needed.”
Auckland Council Libraries are also increasingly providing alternatives to paid family entertainment activities. Mt Albert Library is just across the road from Westfield St Lukes, which has a massive cinema but is unaffordable for many.
“We’ve run free movies here with popcorn that have been attended by 50 families. You wouldn’t do that if you had money to go to the mall.”
It’s not just lower-income families using the libraries more either. Dave says he’s noticed an increased uptake of library services from middle-income families.
“The squeeze is across many sectors of society and we’re seeing it.”
The role of libraries in providing a warm place without judgement for homeless or transient people cannot be underestimated either.
“Even though a smile, a glass of water, an ear for someone to listen to, or some sort of support is not really in the job description, it’s what we do,” says Dave.
“It comes under social support and economic support, and if you come into the library space, you know that we care. There’s no time restriction and you don’t have to buy anything. Whereas, if you go to a cafe you’re required to buya muffin or a coffee, or you might not be wearing the right clothes or haven’t showered. By its very nature, a library provides an environment where you can just be.”
Dave has also seen people choosing to work in the libraries instead of from home, and says you’ll often see customers having a Zoom session with colleagues.
Siobhan Hope uses the library as her workspace.
Siobhan Hope prefers to work at the library because she loves the community vibe and the helpful librarians.
“It’s like an office away from home for me. I can use my son’s computer at home, but I love the sense of community here,” she says.
Retiree Patricia Lustl also thinks of the libraries as a place of kinship. “They’re the hub of the community. If you’ve got a question, the librarians will help you.”
Patricia, whose book-fiend husband devours three library books a week that she borrows for him, talks of missing the librarians at Point Chevalier Library, which is currently closed and operating from a smaller pop-up library at 18 Huia Road.
Mt Albert Library manager Kala Bhana talks books with customer Patricia Lustl.
“I’d known them for 10-15 years. We’d all become family. One librarian, who now works here, her son and my son were sick at the same time, so we still touch base to check how our kids are getting on.”
Customer Monika Patel has a goal to read her one-year-old son Ivaan 100 books a year. Thanks to the library, they’re almost halfway there. Ivaan is a big fan, says his mum.
“He knows where to go as soon as we enter – turn left to the kids’ area.”
Her family are regular attendees at the free Wriggle and Rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. During the week Monika takes half an hour off work so she can attend with him and they also go to the Saturday sessions.
Mt Albert Library’s Wriggle and Rhyme sessions are so popular that they run two sessions every Thursday morning.
“It’s the best place to meet new parents, I spend time with Ivaan, sing along with others and relive my childhood.”
Dave, who used to work in the music industry, says that assisting his community is what makes the job so rewarding.
“Everyone is welcome to come and everyone needs help. I really get a sense of having provided that with my wonderful colleagues every single day, which is magic.”
