As the time came closer to me leaving school at the end of Year 11, I decided to look for my first job. I found a vacancy for a Saturday library assistant. At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work in a library, but I thought it would be worth applying for anyway.

Within a couple of weeks, I heard back that I had an interview. I was quite nervous as this was the first formal interview I’d ever had. They asked me questions about my previous work experience and how I would deal with doing the kinds of tasks you do at a library.

I heard back the same day and was offered the job! To be honest, I was a bit hesitant because I wondered what my friends would think of me working in a library. But once they found out, nobody took any notice. Everyone was in the same boat as me, trying to get a job.

I have been working at Bexhill library for nine months now, and I have learnt a lot. I shelve returned books, order requests from other libraries, answer phone queries and set up new library members. I get loads of different enquiries from the public on interesting subjects. 

Working in a library isn’t boring like most people imagine. I am always learning and dealing with something new. It’s helped with my college work too, because I can use all the library resources to help me.  Don’t worry what your friends think, the most important thing is to find a job you enjoy.

Charlie, 17, from Bexhill

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