We’d like to include a brief biography before the Q+A. To help with this, could you tell us, in a couple of sentences, where you’re from, where you live now, and a little bit about your working life so far…
I grew up in South Woodford, tucked outside the hustle and bustle of London’s city centre. I also spent some time in Aberdeen so I’ll occasionally chuck out a word with a Scottish twang. I’ve now lived in Brighton for 3 years.
It’s been about 8 months since I started as a Library Support Assistant so still quite new compared to some of the veterans here.
What’s your favourite part of the library?
Standing in the book sorter room when it’s working its mechanical magic is very therapeutic.
Tell us about your journey into work.
My Journey is about 50/50 cycling and squeezing onto the Bus. One day it’ll be 100% cycling, but you’ve got to ease into these things right?
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard in the library?
When I started I remember spotting a pigeon stood on a desk staring at me, we both froze in surprise watching…waiting.
Which book/film/album changed your life?
Queens of the Stone Age ‘…Like Clockwork’. I’d dabbled with music a little before listening to this but it really set me on a path to writing my own songs.
What is the worst job you’ve ever done? (Careful…)
Working as an exam invigilator for GCSE’s was endlessly boring, no matter how many secret games we played to pass the time.
What do you feel most proud of, in your work here?
You know the white Laptop tables that have appeared around the Library over summer? My idea.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
If there’s one thing Sci-fi has taught me it’s to never mess with time travel.
Having said that, Live Aid 1985 would be good.
How do you relax?
Reddit and Riffs.
What keeps you awake at night?
The Pigeons that have nested outside my window.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I asked my housemate’s opinion and apparently it’s Ned Flanders. Maybe I’ll shave the moustache.
We’d like to include a brief biography before the Q+A. To help with this, could you tell us, in a couple of sentences, where you’re from, where you live now, and a little bit about your working life so far…
I grew up in Lewes, graduated from University in Kent in 2013 and moved to Hove (not going to say it…) three years ago into a lovely little flat share. Before joining the library in October I did pub work and before that I worked in a bookshop. Prior to that I scraped a living by playing instrumental guitar as a wedding/restaurant/busking musician.
What’s your favourite part of the library?
I enjoy the view of the back slope from the second floor window near the lift, especially when the sun shines through the trees. Also the journal rooms in the basement mainly because of the old musty smell.
Tell us about your journey into work.
Most days I slum it with the students on the 25 bus from George Street. I enjoy the journey because it gives me time to read, listen to podcasts and sometimes I’ll have a little nap.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard in the library?
‘Sorry mate, just wanted to let you know there’s a dead rabbit outside the library’
Which book/film/album changed your life?
R.L Stein’s Goosebumps and Roald Dahl got me into reading as a kid. The Grand Budapest Hotel is perhaps my favourite film. Album could be The Midnight Organ Fight by Frightened Rabbit
What is the worst job you’ve ever done? (Careful…)
I worked at Forfars Bakery in Lewes for about a year when I was 17. I’d come away smelling of burnt cheese and the boss was a bully. The company went under about five years later though so I like to think that I won.
What do you feel most proud of, in your work here?
Rolling cigarettes for Maria Menezes. One time I did thirty in fifteen minutes. I think Maria was proud of me too because she gave me a hug.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I recently read Conn Iggulden’s Wars of the Roses series so I’m think I’d go back to the 15th century to watch the chaos unfold. I’d definitely join a monastery though to avoid getting slaughtered in battle.
If not that then it would be great to see David Bowie at Glastonbury 2000
How do you relax?
A drink down the pub with friends or on my own with a book. A nice walk and a chat works as well.
What keeps you awake at night?
Foxes fighting (or mating? Its difficult to tell.)
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Either Jessie Eisenberg or Micheal Cera.