Scotch College

Library’s longest Literary Lunch

Words: SUZETTE BOYD • LIBRARIAN

If there’s one thing guaranteed to upset librarians, it’s FOOD in the library!

As details of the inaugural ‘Library’s Longest Literary Lunch’ began to trickle through, students and staff were shocked. It didn’t seem possible for the one place which was so anti-food to do a complete 180-degree turnaround and permit gourmet fare, no less!

Excitement began to build around the school. Students were desperate to secure a place for such a history-making event. Staff were also quick to confirm their attendance and nominate their favourite book. In no time at all bookings had closed, the banners were up and all that was left to do was wait.

Finally the big day arrived, and as soon as the bell rang for lunch a long queue began to form, snaking down the stairs of the Lithgow building. Two lovely ‘door librarians’ checked arrivals off the guest list, and asked them to collect a drink and then proceed to the reading area for pre-lunch mingling.

Tables of six were allocated with a mix of boys and staff, and once seated they began to chatter away, all trying to convince each other of why their favorite book was better than everyone else’s. Each table enjoyed platters of food which consisted of savoury tartlets, nori rolls, mini baguettes and, to top it all off, orange and chocolate cupcakes. Understandably such delicious food didn’t last long, and once finished chewing, guests were straight back into their conversations.

No great lunch is complete without a prize or two, and Head of Library as well as Libraries Longest Literary Lunch MC Ms Suzette Boyd asked guests to look under their chairs for mystery prize tokens. Five excited winners collected book prizes to add to their own private libraries.

The official proceedings began with special guest Brendan Gullifer, author of The Pocketbook of Aussie Patriotism and blogger extraordinaire, whose task it was to launch The Portal, Scotch Library’s blog. In his speech, Brendan spoke of how important it was to him to have his deceased mother’s favourite book as one of his few treasured mementoes.

On that poignant note it was time to wrap up, thank all those who had worked so hard to make the event run so smoothly, and head back to work with a full belly and a head full of future favourite books to read!
GS

I booked in as a library officer

Words: STEPHEN ESKETZIS • YEAR 9

The library officer program is a great opportunity offered by the Senior Library to students in the upper levels of the Senior School.

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the library team at the beginning of this year, and part of the role involves checking books in and out at the circulation desk. Other duties include shelving books and DVDs, monitoring student reservations, tidying the magazine and graphic novel areas and generally giving a hand to staff when needed.

We are all assigned a specific time of our choice to work behind the desk, either before school or at recess, lunchtime or after school. Being a library officer brings great respect and privileges such as receiving a library officer badge and enjoying a top-class lunch at the end of each term!

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a library officer this year, and hope to see more people join the team next year, as new recruits are always welcome! GS