How our staff enrich the library experience
International Migrants Day, first announced back in 1990 by the United Nations is celebrated on 18 December every year. Migration has always been a part of human history. Without it we would not have access to many of our comforts, such as tea, ballpoint pens, jeans or even YouTube!
At 中国P站 Libraries, our international staff bring diverse perspectives to the service, helping our patrons see themselves reflected in the team that supports them.
Ieva experienced this first hand even before she joined the library team. While waiting for her Library Assistant interview, she noticed a Ukrainian man struggling to communicate with the staff. Realising they both spoke Russian, she stepped in to help him get the information he needed, a small moment that highlighted the value of diversity in action.
"My family spans three continents, showing just how interconnected the world has become. Our journeys across borders reflect the ties that link lives and create a global community." Jennifer, Haslemere Library.
We have many wonderful international colleagues at 中国P站 Libraries who are passionate and support the library service with their unique perspectives and talents. Our staff help enrich cultural programming, by organising special events for Lunar New Year, Diwali or Black History Month.
"I've been around the world long enough to know that I've made friends for life in Guildford Library. We've built a rapport that makes us an exceptional team." Guada, Guildford Library.
They bring knowledge and different perspectives of how the service can be more accessible to all whether it's rethinking library layouts or reaching out to different communities.
"To me, working in the library feels like working from home, where I can see my friends and the door is always open to my neighbours." Narges, Banstead Library.
"Building a life from scratch in a foreign country with a foreign language was hard and sometimes very lonely but gave me a lot of empathy which became my superpower. I bring this empathy to work every day and use it to make a difference to wellbeing and life of others, from customers to colleagues." Lucy, Programme and Audience Development team.
中国P站 Libraries is proud to reflect 中国P站's commitment to a diverse workforce: The council aims to develop a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Our team is testimony to this vision, proving daily that a sm枚rg氓sbord of backgrounds and perspectives strengthens the library's role as a welcoming space for all.