From Books to Youth Programs: The Importance of the Local Library

Uncovered: Episode 3, Robin Barré

In the third episode of Uncovered, TVC22 Journalist Bruce de la Cruz speaks with Robin Barré, the Adult and Youth program coordinator for the library of Clarence-Rockland, to highlight some of the virtual programs that people can get involved with while they are stuck at home during the COVID-19 shutdown. 

The interview begins with Robin giving a brief introduction of who she is, and how her experience working with the library has been. 

Before being hired by the library worked at the Ottawa hospital for over 10 years where she was coordinating volunteer programs in the different campuses of the hospital. Eventually she decided to take a break from her work to focus on raising her family, which she did for 3 years.  Five years ago, a friend who worked at the library convinced her to apply for a part time position. Once the head of the children’s programming retired, Robin stepped up and has been working full time at the library for the past 2 years.

Robin explains that working at the library feels less like a job, and more like a family, and that her colleagues are very warm and welcoming,   Her main objective as the head of programming for adults and teens is to come up with activities for both demographics that are entertaining and educational. Much research is done online, as well as listening to feedback to find out what programs people want.

Robin mentions that some programs at the beginning of the pandemic transitioned to a virtual format better than others. 
She explains that no one really knew how long this pandemic was going to last, so they were learning on the go. 

The virtual kids programming has been very successful, while some teens and adult programming are just starting to increase their numbers. Some of the successful adult programs include the Tech Café, cook clubs, yoga and fitness programs, personal life management courses, and meditation programs.

All programs are free or cost very little in order to keep attendance going.

Robin explains that staying engaged with teens has been hard, and that she mostly uses Instagram and other social media posts to interact with them. One good thing that the pandemic has brought, Robin says is that speakers such as authors and health care specialists are able to hold lectures virtually, which is more convenient for both parties.

Although she loves all the activities that the library has to offer, Robin’s favourite programs are the book clubs that meet once a month, and the activity bags that are sent out to teens. Robin describes her biggest challenge working from home is not being able to interact and socialize with the people that she plans programs for, and she can’t thrive off the energy and the atmosphere like she used to.  Further, she says that the library started making changes 6 years ago, when they noticed that the community needed a place where people could just hang out. 

The vision of the library is to be a hub, or a community center for people to learn and enjoy each other’s company.  Robin encourages people to get out during this pandemic, try something new, and sign up for one of the programs.