The Impact of Libraries on Community
Since joining City of Sydney Libraries earlier this year, trainee Winnie has quickly become a friendly and familiar face in the community. Balancing study for her Certificate III in Library and Information Services with hands-on experience, she’s thriving in a role that combines learning, teamwork and connection.
Winnie first discovered the traineeship when her sister sent her the job advertisement. Funnily enough, she was sitting at Green Square Library at the time.
My sister randomly sent me the traineeship ad on Seek that she found. She was like, ‘Hey, you should apply for this,’ so I did!
I was sitting in one of the City of Sydney libraries (Green Square) at the time and applied.
I went to the library a lot throughout high school when I was studying.
Spending her time between Darling Square and Glebe branches, Winnie’s gained insight into the diverse communities that make each library unique. Reflecting on her experience so far, she believes the highlight of her traineeship has been witnessing the impact libraries have on people’s lives.
One of the best parts about my traineeship so far has been the diversity of people that I’ve met from all walks of life.
They all have interesting and niche hobbies and interests. My colleagues are also really welcoming and always eager to share tips and tricks, especially since I’m in a training position.
Anytime I see people making use of our services and finding them valuable is really nice. The other day in the children’s area, I saw a little boy reading and sounding out his words. That was heartwarming for me to see the role the library plays in early literacy firsthand.
Beyond learning about library operations, Winnie’s traineeship has been great for her personal development.
This traineeship has really enhanced my customer service skills and my professionalism as a representative of the Council. As the youngest person in the library, I feel like I’ve become more assertive in how I present myself to the public.
Winnie’s mentor Gayle Donaldson says Winnie has already been making a lasting impression.
I think she’s very personable and I think her attitude is great. She’s got a very strong sense of wanting to do work that benefits the community and I think that was a great attitude to come in with.
One of Winnie’s favourite parts of the job has been connecting with readers.
I have probably enjoyed reader’s advisory the most. Answering readers advisory queries and helping patrons find books that they’re after or suggesting books for purchase if the library doesn’t have it in our collection.
For Winnie, the variety of the traineeship is one of its greatest strengths.
The rotations are a huge appeal, from technology to programs to collections, they’re all so different. The skills I’m learning are really transferable. It’s given me insight into what kind of work I might want to pursue in the future.
Above all, she values how the role has shaped her communication and teamwork skills.
I’ve become more self-assured and better at chatting with people – whether it’s colleagues or community members.
As Winnie continues her traineeship, she’s excited to keep learning and contributing to the welcoming library spaces that inspired her journey.
Turning the Page on Professional Growth
Team Leader Gayle Donaldson speaks on her experience mentoring Winnie, a recent trainee at City of Sydney Libraries.
Gayle believes traineeships like this one are a powerful way to build confidence, transfer knowledge and allow young people to grow through real-world experience.
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