By Brian Lawrence
Libraries have long been associated with books and other reading material. But in the 21st century, that’s no longer entirely the case, according to the new chief librarian at the Creston Valley Public Library.
“Being a librarian is not just about reading these days,” said Saara Itkonen. “It’s more about people. You have more in common with social services than Chapters.”
The Creston library, for example, offers digital magazines, audiobooks and movie streaming, meeting space for organizations and teens, social programs for all ages, and computer assistance for seniors.
“I would love to see that grow,” she said. “We can always do more.”
Itkonen (whose first name is pronounced SAH-rah) moved to Creston from Vancouver at the end of September, assuming the role previously filled by Aaron Francis since 2012. She’d driven through town only once before but had already heard all about it from Francis, with whom she worked in Vancouver.
“I remember his leaving and coming here,” said Itkonen. “He kind of raved about the place.”
Now she knows why. She’s already enjoying lighter traffic and shorter lineups in grocery stores, and, of course, the easy access to nature.
“If you need to get out in the woods and shut out the world, it’s right there.”
Even after less than two months in Creston, she already knows her neighbours, something that she didn’t experience during several years in Vancouver.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of the community so quickly.”
Itkonen had always wanted to be a librarian for children and teens, and to that end, earned a degree in library information science from McGill University in Montreal, Que., and a bachelor of arts degree in English literature, with a minor in history, from the University of British Columbia.
“Kids and teens have no filter,” she said. “They’re just a lot of fun to be around, even when they’re not. I appreciate that kids and teens are super honest.”
Upon returning to the Lower Mainland, Itkonen couldn’t immediately find a library job and began working in a daycare. A successful interview led to a job as a children’s librarian at a Vancouver Public Library branch, and she eventually became the acting branch head. Further promotions weren’t appealing, though.
“You lose that connection with the community when you move up in an organization like that,” she said. “It’s largely administrative.”
Raised in Mission, B.C., Itkonen grew up with reading as a favourite pastime. Her mother would take her to the library in the evening, where she would stock up on a range of genres. She still enjoys different types today, from true crime to graphic novels.
“I’m not a book snob,” she said.
She’s particularly fond of picture books.
“I love looking at great illustrations and seeing how they tell a story. There are a lot of artists in my family, so I appreciate good art.”
As chief librarian, Itkonen’s focus will extend beyond her love of books, with duties that include tracking the budget and supporting more than a dozen staff members. As well, there are volunteers to consider, a group that the union library in Vancouver didn’t have, but which she was pleased to find in Creston.
“It’s really heartwarming,” she said.
Upon her arrival, Itkonen was delighted to find that the library is a warm and inviting place, and although some books could be replaced with copies in better condition, she was impressed to see that it’s such a well-supported facility — and hope to expand that use in time.
“A library isn’t a library unless the community uses it,” she said. “It’s one of the last free spaces in town.”