If you’re a Bo’nessian, or a regular follower of our social media, you’ll recognise Anne Simms, who this week celebrates 25 years of working with Bo’ness Library!
Anne says: “If I’d been at work, I’d have marked it somehow, maybe with cake and coffee for all the customers”. Instead, we asked her to share some memories, and favourite things, about being part of the library service.
“I’ve seen quite a few changes over the years,” says Anne. “Some of which, (eBooks and the Internet) were predicted to finish libraries off , but I’m happy to see how we’ve adapted and remain a vital part of our communities.”
A bit of background
Anne’s literary career didn’t start in the Falkirk area. She started out while still at school in Stockport, working on Saturdays in the central library.
“I’ve had a bit of a varied career since then,” she says. “Studying for a degree at Warwick University (literature, of course), a year in London (in an academic library for a change), another year at college in Birmingham, then back to Cheshire to work in a wholesale book warehouse in Warrington.”
“After having my first child, I started work at my local branch library, then moved up to Falkirk and was lucky enough to get a Saturday job at Larbert Library, and even luckier to get a part-time job at Bo’ness”.
A Royal visit
“One of my most vivid memories, is the day when Prince Charles came to Bo’ness to open the newly-renovated Dymock’s Buildings, next door to the library,” says Anne.
“Special Branch took over the top floor of the library as their command post, and we all waited outside for HRH to arrive in a helicopter, which landed on the grass near the railway line.
“The library got a coat of paint beforehand and we tubs of flowers to go up the outside steps – they looked lovely, but they were taken away again afterwards!”
Bo’ness Library’s big kids
“Some of the most enjoyable (though challenging) activities in the library are the many children’s events we do, from the Summer Reading Challenge, to craft sessions, Harry Potter parties, and Chatterbooks, ” says Anne.
“Though I think the staff possibly enjoy Harry Potter night more than the kids!”
You can see Anne in full Bookbug flow for her specially-recorded Bookbug session from last Tuesday.
Book group buddies
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most in recent years is running the Book Group – what could be better than chatting about books with coffee and cakes? We also try to visit at least one book festival a year, sometimes two.”
A sense of occasion
“[At the library] we always try to get involved in local events like Big Roman Week, the Silent Film Festival at the Hippodrome, and of course, the Bo’ness Fair.”
And the Bo’ness staff do enjoy attending the gala opening of the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema!
And finally… A word from Anne’s colleagues
Margo Johnston, Hub Librarian at Bo’ness, says she is always impressed by Anne’s “Bookbug skills, local knowledge, commitment to the Reading Group, dressing up and getting involved with gusto!”
Anna Herron, Libraries Team Leader had this message for Anne:
“Anne, congratulations. What changes you will have seen! Its amazing how much you have contributed in that time.
“I particularly want to say thank you for all the work you’ve done over the years; all the times you’ve gone above and beyond to deal with floods, heating issues and building problems at Bo’ness Library.
“I wanted to point out two things especially – your great teamworking skills and your passionate involvement with the Hippfest – from flapper dresses to mocktails!
“You’ve made an exemplary contribution to the Service and I know all your colleagues past and present would want to join me in congratulating you on this anniversary.”
Well put, Anna! Thanks to Anne for sharing her memories. Join us in sending her our very best wishes.
All images (C) Falkirk Community Trust, unless otherwise stated.