“It’s based on a worldwide programme for early literacy and fine motor skills using music and movement.”
Hana changed the design to specifically suit Hastings libraries, which include Flaxmere and Havelock North.
“It was the first thing I did when I started here seven and a half years ago. It’s a huge hit and consistently pulls in big numbers. It’s a joyous thing.”
She says running programmes properly at the region’s libraries was really important to the team.
“We don’t deliver anything out of our capacity and we always have an heir and a spare (someone who can take over when needed).”
Hana has worked in libraries since she left school starting as a library assistant in a Wellington specialist health library.
“For me it is about helping people access the information they are after, sometimes urgently needed. It’s more about that than about books but I do love reading.
“I guess I have my mother’s pursuit of higher education to thank for that.”
In turn, Hana tries to encourage her children to come along to the library and read books.
She said everyone who visits the library has different needs.
“We treat everyone with respect, and we ask to be respected in return.
“We are lucky that the council takes staff security seriously. We have kaitiaki on hand to help with any difficult conversations and they often diffuse a situation before it begins.”
Her core role is helping people assess information.
“I like coming to work. I love the people, both the community and my colleagues. We are one big happy whānau.
“The first thing we do is make sure we are all singing from the same song sheet. Then it’s on to what we call space activation so all three buildings are checked. Every cushion and piece of furniture is looked under then we set up areas for whatever groups are expected on the day.
Hana is also an elected representative on the New Zealand Library Association National Council.
She moved to Hawke’s Bay to return to work after being at home with her children for five years.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to come here. I love the climate and the small-town community vibe. I also whakapapa to this region through Ngāti Kahungunu.”
She says she is proud of what they do at the libraries.
“I love the opportunities we get to work with community organisations promoting literacy and wellbeing in our communities.”
Then Hana remembered something:
“Oh yes, and I was a paper girl, delivering information to people way back then.”
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
