Truro librarian loves sharing reading passion
Jenn Atkinson grew up being a book worm but it wasn’t until she had completed her undergrad studies in English before she set her sights on what would become her career choice.
And, then, only after a cousin suggested she should pursue a masters degree to become a librarian.
“I always loved to read. I always had my nose in a book,” said Atkinson, the head of Youth Services at the Colchester East Hants Public Library in Truro, where she has worked for the past three years.
Prior to coming to Truro, Atkinson, who grew up in Springhill, had worked for about three-and-half years with the former Chignecto Central Regional School Board in Cumberland County and then for the same amount of time with Cumberland Public libraries.
She and husband Daryl Atkinson are parents to their son, Elliott, who will be two in November.
Atkinson said she loves working and interacting with children and families and finds it especially satisfying when she can connect them with books they are excited about taking home.
“There’s a really heavy customer service element to what I do and I really enjoy interacting with people, helping people,” she said.
“It’s a lot about helping to spark that excitement about reading and I love connecting people to a book or an author that they really love.”
One of most heartwarming moments, she said, occurred while working in the school library and a student came out to her as being bi-sexual. Atkinson connected the teen to books relating to the subject, which opened the door to stories about other people she could identify with.
“And when she graduated she actually wrote me a letter and told me how important those books were to her and how much that meant to her to see herself in those books, she said. “And that was like the crowning achievement, right, to know that you’ve helped someone and made a difference for them. Especially when they are teens.
“That was very meaningful for me, for sure.”
And, yes, she still has that letter.
“I feel so privileged to have a position that I love coming to this beautiful building every day, I love being able to interact with families and youth, my co-workers are wonderful, so, it’s a good position to be in, for sure.”
Atkinson recently took part in a question and answer session:
Q. What is your full name? Jennifer Atkinson, but I prefer Jenn. Jennifer makes me feel like I’m in trouble.
Q. Where and when were you born?
Springhill, N.S., in the mid80s.
Q. Where do you currently live?
Truro.
Q. What’s your favourite place in the world?
We bought our house last June and it ranks pretty high in the list of places I like to be.
Q. Who do you follow on social media?
The library. I use it a lot to keep tabs on what’s happening in town by following local organizations/businesses.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My penchant for swearing usually surprises people. But I do that less now that I have a parroting toddler at home.
Q. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Have a baby. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Q. Can you describe one experience that has changed your life?
It’s a cliché, but having a child definitely altered my life.
Q. What is your greatest indulgence?
Chips. I can’t resist.
Q. What is your favourite movie or book?
I’m a librarian – don’t make me choose a favourite book! One of my favourites so far this year was Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid.
Q. How do you like to relax? I used to do a lot more to relax, but now that I have a busy toddler I try to unwind with an hour of TV and a cup of tea after he’s gone to bed. Q. What is your greatest fear? Spiders.
Q. What is your most treasured possession?
I’m loathe to admit it, but my phone. I can’t think of anything I use more and it’s chock-full of photos and videos of my kid.
Q. What is your best quality? I’ve heard I’m a pretty good friend. I was actually going to say that humour was my best quality but then I thought that was being full of myself. I didn’t want to be presumup-tious.
Q. What is your greatest regret I try not to have them.
Meet your Neighbour is a regular feature that pro les area residents. Want to suggest someone who should be featured? Email your idea to scott.doherty@saltwire.com.