Top Ten New Librarian

Alexis Dimyan

Community Librarian

Luton Library Service

Length of Service: Under 1 year

Age: 27

Alexis has been instrumental in promoting the service to new user groups through school visits, storytelling sessions at community centres, organising Roald Dahl activities and ‘One Book for Luton’ events and consulting with the public.

“I wanted a job that was imaginative, creative, interesting, exciting, challenging, flexible, adventurous, eye-opening, stimulating, dynamic, uplifting, inspiring, heady, captivating, people-centred, laughter-filled and bustling with variety. This is why I have chosen a career in public libraries –what better or more satisfying job could there be?

“It is immensely satisfying to see the impact this has on the young people who visit the library and the children I visit doing outreach events in the community.

“Public libraries are treasure troves, teeming with diverse resources, which need to be promoted all the time so that users can get the best use out of them and moreover enjoy what their local library has to offer. I recognise that my role is to engage and enthuse with the community, particularly children and young people, spreading the word that libraries are cool, buzzing and happening places to be.

“Being a children’s librarian in the 21st century is absolutely thrilling, immensely rewarding and completely life-enhancing. There are challenges to overcome but the rewards are infinite.”