Faces of the Library: Far North outreach librarian Roxanne Harrison

Roxanne Harrison at the Opononi pop-up library. Photo / Supplied

Outreach Librarian Roxanne Harrison is a proud Ngāti Tara descendant born in Kaitaia and raised in Northland, with strong ties to the Doubtless Bay area.

"Rox" as she is known to all, is a qualified primary school teacher but found her way into libraries when her kids were little and she has never looked back.

Rox's father is one of 14 and she is therefore very lucky to be one of her whānau's 65 first cousins.

Her mother is a teacher and was instrumental in showing Rox and her siblings the value of information, education and the importance of life-long learning.

Rox said she considered working in a library as the perfect job because it brought together the two most important things in the world to her - people and learning.

"I believe the best thing about our library spaces are the people, both the staff and the customers," Rox said.

"I love that libraries are places in our communities you can access with no strings attached.

"Some visitors spend all day in the kids' section, others complete studies at one of the public desks and read the newspaper, or use the free Wi-Fi.

"It's free and everyone is welcome and there are not many places around that can say that!"

Rox began her library journey as a library assistant at Kerikeri's Procter Library in 2007 and quickly came to be known as the "Queen of storytime" thanks to her teaching background and inherent love of children.

Gregarious as always, kids lapped up Rox's stories, songs and crafts.

The Far North outreach librarian role was created in 2019 and Roxanne was an obvious choice to fill it.

The idea was to take the library to far flung locations in the Far North, reaching people who wouldn't ordinarily get to a library.

"Robot Wednesdays is one of the best parts of my job!" Roxanne said.

"It's an afterschool club run once a week in a different Northland town each term and is also run in most of the Far North library branches.

"Each week the kids are set a different robotics challenge to solve using devices, robotics kit or sometimes just cardboard and tape.

"We've made marble runs, LEGO Wind Racers, Sphero Tidy-Uppera and loads of other stuff.

"I often go in thinking I know how the kids will solve a problem and every time they come up with something I'd never dreamt of.

"Our Northland kids are so curious, innovative and skilled – I'm so lucky to get to witness how their minds work. Best. Job. Ever!"

Faces of the Library is a new monthly series where you'll meet one of the many wonderful people working at the different Far North Library branches.

For more information about Far North libraries, library cards and membership, visit: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Libraries.