Dan, Dan the library man’s happy returns
Thursday, 19 March 2020
When Dan Osborne was wheeled as a baby into Shefford Library or met Postman Pat there, aged just three, he had no idea that he’d be helping celebrate its 30th birthday as a much-valued member of staff
Said customer services assistant Dan:
The library has always been a big part of my life and my family’s life. It did seem a bit strange at first working here rather than using the service.
The library celebrates its anniversary on April 9, 30 years after it replaced the previous mobile library service.
And Dan is not the only current member of staff who has links with the library to its early days. Manager Joy Lakin, 60, used it as a young mum before starting work with the then Bedfordshire Library Service in 2005.
Back in 1990, 500 signed up as members that opening day. Nowadays more than 6000 residents a month use it.
Local residents Moya and Pete Best have been fans since it opened. Over the years they have brought their grandchildren to events, have attended talks and clubs at the library and now come to the library regularly to use the internet as well as of course picking up some reading material.
They are really impressed at how the library has kept pace with the changing needs of the community such as offering computer access and downloadable resources, cultural activities such as theatre productions and artisan craft workshops whilst managing to offer something for all age groups.
For Dan, the best parts of his job, are leading the regular carer and toddler Rhymetime sessions, kids’ activities and half-term craft sessions. But so far he has managed to avoid being dressed up as a character from a children’s book.
Dan added:
They did though get me to dress up as Father Christmas.
Staff have also put together a display of photographs and newspaper cuttings tracing the library’s first 30 years.