When Angela first started her role, she imagined spending her days surrounded by books and quiet study areas. However, she quickly discovered that the Library is much more than that—it’s a lively community hub sparking connections and changing lives.
“I didn’t expect to have so many interactions with patrons,” she says. While our Public Service Librarians do recommend books and manage collections, their roles extend far beyond the stacks. “Every day brings new chances to connect with people and help them find what they need, whether that’s information, a comfortable space, or community support.”
Angela especially values the Library’s English Conversation Circles, as she sees firsthand the difference it makes when newcomers can learn English in a comfortable community setting. “You might not see quick results, but over time, it’s clear they’re effective for helping individuals learn and grow their language skills."
The Library has language learning resources for all ages, including dual-language storytimes to help introduce multiple languages to young ones. One of Angela’s favourite memories comes from a storytime session at Jalna. Angela recalls, “I was amazed at how a simple activity could help with learning and create connections.”
During this fun activity, she met a little girl who only spoke Arabic. Angela pointed to a colourful rug and named its colour: ‘Red.’ The girl replied by naming the colour in Arabic, and Angela once more repeated the English term. The girl followed Angela’s example and echoed her in English, saying ‘Red’. This activity helps children learn English visually and shows how play can aid in learning.
Storytime sessions help children socialize and learn, and offer opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect. “I often see moms chatting, exchanging phone numbers, and planning playdates during storytimes,” she notes. In this way, our programs offer a supportive network where families can share resources and experiences.
If we can foster a space where our community members feel inspired to share stories and gain a connection that extends beyond the walls of the Library, we know we’re doing something right.
Angela believes this sense of community is one of the Library's greatest strengths, and she looks forward to seeing the community grow at Masonville. “I feel lucky to work in such a lively environment. Every day there’s a new story, and I’m grateful to be a part of them.”