The first eight weeks in the Hovedbiblioteket
It is challenging to tell about everything we have learned and done the last two month. It is quite a lot, especially in just one day. We experienced that last week, when we had a guest from Switzerland. Our project leader visited us in the main library and in two branch libraries:
The Aalborg libraries are, as is known, composed of the Main library, 12 branch libraries and 3 library busses. All libraries are located in the Aalborg Kommune (comparable with Bezirk). Two of them are about 2 km far off the main library, the other libraries cover the entire Kommune.
Once a week, we interns work in the branch libraries in Vejgaard and Nørresundby. Every branch has its own opening hours, activities and events, but there is always connection to the Main library in Aalborg. For instance, the exhibition about the Denmark History is apparent in every library, although in a small format. The staff is composed of 3-6 librarians, which also work in the Main library for 1-2 days. That is very important, because thereby it is guaranteed, that all branches pull together. The librarians appreciate this variety, because the work and the atmosphere in a branch are different. Bertha, the sorting robot, works in the main library and distributes the material. The branches are on the other side of the chain. They have to send the material back to Bertha, so that the floating never stops. Therefore, a lot of work is logistic.
Besides, the service is quite different. The patrons know the librarians and often the librarians recognize the patrons. This creates a familial atmosphere and the one-room library reminds of a living room. The public is different from branch to branch. It depends on the location and the neighbourhood. That affects also, how the library is used. In one library, there are mainly families, using the library as a playground, in another you have primarily older people, who just want to have quite to read a newspaper. Then in another branch, you have people, who want to learn and write some essays. Of course, in every library you have the possibility to make reservations, to loan out books and return them.
The next month, there is also the possibility to vote in the libraries. The Main library and all branches provide a voting booth. On the 21th of November, the local election takes place. And of course, the Aalborg libraries, as a part of the municipality, support the election. For a quite while, different communication channels inform the patrons about the elections. But the best way to catch people’s attention is to let them do the work by themselves. All over the library are speech bubbles with the title: Demokrati er… (Democracy is…). The patrons are free to complete the phrase and hang-up their speech bubbles.
While we are on the subject, we upload some articles for an inspiration webpage about Switzerland.
https://www.aalborgbibliotekerne.dk/hvad-er-du-interesseret-i/schweiz/
https://www.aalborgbibliotekerne.dk/media/4881/politisches-system-schweiz.pdf
Do not miss the pictures in the gallery and have a nice fortnight.