Mount Roskill Library staff Abebe Mekonnen and Jenny Cook recently celebrated milestones, with a combined five decades of mahi.
Jenny’s first day at council was 1997, while Abebe started a few years later in 2000, together they share 55 years of council service, mostly working in libraries.
We caught up with Jenny and Abebe to chat about their achievements.
Congrats on the work anniversaries, do you have a highlight over the past few decades?
Jenny: One highlight was the big redevelopment we did at Mt Roskill Library back in 2011. It changed our space and the way we work so much for the better.
Abebe: I used to go out to promote the library services we offer to new refugees. As a result, I got positive feedback from refugees and as a result many new people joined the library.
What is that you love about working in libraries?
Jenny: Mostly it’s the staff I work with every day, and seeing the customers obtain what they need and having a satisfying experience while doing it.
Abebe: I love meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures, it’s the best.
What is special about having libraries and why do you think they play an important role in our community?
Jenny: Libraries are a free and accessible place for people to meet, study, borrow books, read, use computers and find out about community activities they might want to join. They are the only place that offer all these things to our local community, which I think is very important.
Abebe: Libraries serve as vital community anchors, going far beyond borrowing books. They provide free public access to the internet, learning resources, inclusive spaces for all ages and provide verified information.
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in libraries over the years?
Jenny: The move from solely a book-focused to a place full of community events for all ages and enabling everyone to have access to our public computers. Also, all the customers who use our space to work or study as seen by all the people on laptops around the library every day.
Abebe: The biggest change I have seen is the increase in people using electronic devices has increased significantly.
What is something that you believe must stay the same for the future of libraries?
Jenny: Easy accessibility to books in all formats to cover all our customers needs.
Abebe: Libraries must remain to have free access to information and resources to all.