Originally Published 17 May 2019
Hello everyone, my name is Donna Mead and I have been a volunteer at the PMI since August 2018. I am studying to be a librarian whilst working in the joyous world of car claims. I spend most of my day dealing with people who do dumb things in cars. Hence the move.
I am originally from Wollongong, have lived in various parts of NSW including Tamworth before my family moved to Liverpool in the UK. I did finish school there, but I honestly spent more time going to see bands, travelling around Europe and having a great time rather than being sensible trying to build a career.
The main love of my life has been books and reading. There have been times in my life when I would have read the telephone directory if it had a decent plot! Last week I worked out that I have spent more than $20,000 on books, many of which I still own.
One of the things that I have seen as I have travelled is that travellers will always exchange books, leave them behind or will actively pass them on. I love this. Especially as I am someone who plans my reading before I have packed or even booked my flights! I will be honest, I have booked international flights the morning of an afternoon flight. I also love seeing free libraries pop up in various places, like in the various train stations in Kuala Lumpur or Brunswick.
I must tell you, my favourite library I have seen was in Sapporo, Japan in 2018. The local council has a library branch in the main subway station, so patrons can order a book and pick it up on the way home. Also, did you know that in Taipei they have a bookstore that is the size of a department store?
I will be honest – I didn’t know that the PMI existed until I met Ellen at a Cardi Party and she invited me in to chat about becoming a volunteer. This was a very happy discovery as I have been able to learn more about the PMI’s grand history, hear the salacious gossip about ousting squatters at the Chapel St location in the 1800s and the history of Mechanics Institutes.
Coming to volunteer at the PMI has almost felt like joining a secret society. The public don’t know about us and I have not heard anything about either subscription libraries or Mechanics Institutes as part of my course.
I help out with book sorting, event staffing, shelving and wearing fabulous coats and earrings.
So, thank you for giving me the opportunity to volunteer at this wonderful organisation and to be able to start my library career here by being able to implement what I have been learning.