Pegasus Post: July 23, 2020

PEGASUS POST Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Thursday July 23 2020 5
News
Changing the perception of libraries
MIKE MORONEY is on a
mission to change people’s
perceptions of libraries – and
librarians.
He has launched a new library
interview series, The Unlikely
Librarian, which features conversations
with local writers in
equally unlikely locations.
Award-winning author, performer
and poet Ben Brown will
be the first to feature in the series
which kicks off next month,
where book lovers will also be
able to soak up the conversation
in person.
For Mr Moroney, of Linwood,
it was an opportunity to reach a
younger age group – particularly
men – who may not realise all
the resources and facilities that a
library can offer.
“I wanted to get out and about
among the community and find
a way to engage people and stoke
interest in our libraries, along
with sharing fantastic works by
some of our best local writers,”
he said.
“There are so many creatives
living in my own neighbourhood
that I thought ‘why not start the
conversation in Lyttelton with a
poet and award-winning writer
and try out a friendly approach.”
Mr Moroney said people were
often surprised to learn he was
a librarian, and he wanted this
series to remind people that
librarians come in many guises.
“It is also an opportunity for
people to see that librarians
come in many guises. For example,
I am over six feet, covered
in tattoos and have a very bushy
beard,” he said.
“On meeting me, people are
often surprised when I say I am
a librarian. In my past life, I was
a chef but the everyday stress
prompted a fantastic career
restart two years ago.”
The first session will be held at
Lyttelton’s Civil and Naval bar,
where he hoped to host 60min
conversations with various creatives
over the next few months
across locations in Christchurch.
Said city council head of
libraries and information
Carolyn Robertson: “We want
to highlight the importance of
fresh spaces to spark fresh conversations
on the evolving role of
STIGMA: Mike Moroney
(right), has launched a new
interview series in a bid to
change people’s perceptions
of libraries, starting off with
author Ben Brown.
PHOTO: NEWSLINE
libraries – and librarians.
“Our ‘unlikely librarian’ is a
gifted talker and knows how to
share a good story with our burgeoning
library audience.
“We hope to make the most
of a casual atmosphere where
people can sit back and take in a
creative approach to ‘our library’
in a non-traditional setting.”
Among Brown’s most popular
works are a memoir, A Fish in
the Swim of the World, an awardwinning
children’s book, A
Booming in the Night – illustrated
by Helen Taylor – and a book
of poems, Between the Kindling
and the Blaze: Reflections on the
Concept of Mana.
“We will talk about Ben’s work,
the creative process, and the role
of libraries in connecting to his
audience,” said Mr Moroney.
•The Unlikely Librarian
presents Hey Bro! A banter
with Ben Brown on Sunday,
August 2, 8.30pm.
Woolston Village upgrade
for business
We’re upgrading the Village to make it safer to walk, bike and drive.
Free customer parking off Portman Street and on-street parking on Glenroy Street.
The buses are running as usual. #LoveWoolstonShopLocal
Thank you for your patience. Please drive carefully.
Portman Street
Glenroy Street
St Johns Street
Oak Street
Ferry Road
For more information:
ccc.govt.nz/WoolstonVillage