Eva Wilson

Eva Wilson credits her local library in Okehampton with helping her find a career path and a new sense of confidence.

16-year-old Eva, who’s studying sociology and English literature at Okehampton college, first got involved in library life through her college’s work experience programme in July 2023.

“I didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue, I just knew that I enjoyed reading and the library was an approachable place to ask for work experience,” said Eva, who lives with her parents Nigel and Ruth at Lewdown. “I was quite a shy person but it’s really helped me come out of my shell. A staff member heard about my passion for art and knowledge of zines, and asked if I would like to help run their zine workshops for eight- to 12-year-olds, where I could bring examples along and help.”

Zines are small paper magazines that made one sheet of paper and then filled with collages, drawings, text and anything the creator wants to put in them.

“You can trade them too, so I made a zine library, which is basically a colourful box with some dividers. I printed out lots of zines I’ve made as well as educational or interesting ones from the internet. The children were really open and proud to express their artistic interests with me and that sparked my interest in working with children in the future.”

The zine workshop was such a success that library staff are looking to hold more for different age groups.

“I have also helped to put together a couple of displays for the children’s area, which was great to physically contribute to such an important place. I love doing the displays, I had the chance to complete the whole Christmas display by myself. It was great fun and great to see my hard work pay off and to see that people like it. The staff now go to me to do more of the artwork for the displays.”

Eva’s Mum Ruth said: “Eva’s always keen to go to the library and although a naturally shy person she takes up the challenges she’s been given and runs with them. I’m very proud of her work ethic despite some of it being outside her comfort zone.”

“My time in the library has also made me consider a librarian career,” said Eva. “I’ve seen how lovely the library staff are towards everybody and want to be more like them. I’m excited to have the chance to develop my skills when interacting with older people as well as children. So I am developing my IT skills to do so and possibly pursuing an apprenticeship involving children’s work.

“I have seen how integral the library is by providing a warm place to educate yourself, relax, go online, find help, find community and discover what you are passionate about. All of these opportunities apply to people of all ages, for free, in a friendly environment. This is why this service is integral to the community and why I am so thankful for the library.”