It’s Libraries Week - and we’re celebrating the incredible ways libraries transform lives every day, starting with Charlie’s story. What began as regular visits to the library turned into a passion for helping others. Today, Charlie is a proud member of the library team - proof that libraries don’t just open books, they open doors.
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| Charlie in Ecclesall Library |
From a young age, they were more than just buildings full of
books - they were peaceful, welcoming spaces that offered calm when I often
felt overwhelmed.
I cherish my position in libraries so dearly. Every day, I
get to work in a place that once brought me comfort as a visitor and now gives
me purpose as part of the team. For a long time, I didn't believe a future like
this one was possible. I left school without any qualifications, struggling
with my mental health and unsure of what I was capable of. I could barely leave
the house alone. But everything changed when I was offered a place on an
internship, and later an apprenticeship. Those opportunities led me into the
world of libraries - a place I already loved, now becoming the foundation of my
working life.
Working in libraries has completely transformed my
confidence. What started as something I thought I couldn't manage has become
something I now wake up excited to do every day. I now work full time, and
through my apprenticeship I have achieved qualifications I never thought I'd be
able to get, including my Maths and English - both of which I passed on my
first try!
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| Charlie with colleagues at the Apprentice Recruitment Fair |
Libraries truly do change lives - not just for the people who visit them, but for the people who work in them too. I hope that by sharing my story, I can show just how powerful these spaces can be for someone who needs a place to grow, to feel safe, and to belong."
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From sparking a love of reading to supporting local
entrepreneurs, libraries are more than just book-filled buildings. They’re
welcoming spaces where people connect, learn, and grow.
📖 Reading for Wellbeing
Reading reduces stress, builds empathy, and boosts brainpower. Whether it’s fiction, fact, or fantasy, Sheffield libraries offer free access to physical, audio and digital books and magazines for everyone through our libraries, Libby App and the Home Library Service.
🤝 Tackling Isolation
Libraries are safe, inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome. Events, and community activities help people make connections and feel less alone.
💼 Boosting Business
Through the Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC), Sheffield helps small businesses and startups thrive with
free access to expert advice, and the brilliant Cobra Database.
🎉 Get Involved
This Libraries Week:
- Visit
your local library
- Join
an event or workshop
- Share
your story with #LibrariesWeek
Let’s celebrate the places that open doors, spark ideas, and
bring people together.
