Interview of our librarian Sofie Augensen

• Sofie, thank you for your time. We would like to dedicate part of our Book Week to learning a little more about what you do. Could you explain what a librarian is and what the different responsibilities of this role are?

The librarian is taking care of the library, and my work is divided into two parts. The « administrative » part of the job: To manage the book collection, order new books and organize them in the library catalogue. All books are classified, this means they have a code to determine what kind of book it is, the subject and language. I make barcodes for all the students and teachers, scan the loans and book returns and send out reminders on overdue loans. I also repair damaged books. The « pedagogical » part of my work is to support the learning, help students and teachers find books at the right level and topic. When classes have a project on a specific theme, I collect books they can bring to the classroom. I teach students what sources to use and how to search for the information. We have so many useful resources in the library, it is important to search for information in books as well, not just online. I have book talks where I present new books, read aloud and organize reading projects. I also make exhibitions on different themes and holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, spring etc. I have been working at the library for 22 years now and I really enjoy my work, not least thanks to all of you who use the library!

• At EEBA, in the library, how many books do we have, and how are they organized?

In the EEBA library we have approximately 15.000 books. The collection is divided into two parts: fiction and non-fiction. Fiction books are stories that are made up. This part is divided by language and level, one section for Nursery, then Primary and Secondary. The language sections are marked with flags to make them easy to find. All the books are sorted alphabetically by the author’s name. In the non-fiction section with fact books about animals, science, history and so on, all languages are mixed. We have books in 10 different languages! Can you guess which ones?

• Is it possible to borrow a book, and if so, what is the process?

Yes, of course you can borrow books! When I am present in the library, I scan the loan in your name in the library register, then we know exactly who has borrowed the book and when you have to return it. When I am not there, you can leave a note with your name, class and the barcode number of the book, then put the note in the hedgehog on my desk. At the moment, more than 600 books are taken out from the library! I am very happy that so many of you enjoy reading! You can keep a book for 4 weeks and borrow a maximum of 5 books at a time. We have one return box at the library entrance and another one in the main entrance hall downstairs. If you lose or damage a book, it can be replaced by a book from home. It does not have to be the same title.

• Why do you think that, working with so many books, stories, and authors, it is important to read?

There are so many benefits by reading! You get to learn new things and it helps develop your language, reading and writing skills. The more you read, the more words you learn! It improves your focus and memory. You can discover new countries and cultures, meet new people and learn about the past, which can boost your imagination and creativity. Stories allow us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, leading to compassion and understanding. My advice is to read at least 10 minutes a day!

• Which books do you, Sofie, like the most? Or is there a particular book you especially like?

I like different genres of literature, especially drama and historical fiction where the story is set in the past. This way I learn more about the past, historical events and what it was like to live in a different time.

• If you had to identify yourself with a fictional character, who would it be?

Already as a child I loved spending time in the school library in Norway where I grew up, and I borrowed lots of books. This is why I could identify with the character Anna, from the book  » The Girl Who Wanted to Save the Books » by Norwegian author Klaus Hagerup. Anna loves reading and borrows lots of books from the library. When she learns that all the books that are never borrowed will be destroyed, she wants to save them together with all the stories that live inside these books. She borrows all the books and gives them to friends and family to encourage them to read, so that the books will be saved. It is a magical story for all those who love books and reading.