New Children's Librarian Brings Early Childhood Experience to Te Puke Library

Robyn Baker is the new children and teens librarian at Te Puke Library, bringing a decade of experience from early childhood education in a Steiner-based daycare centre. Baker decided to transition to library work because of her love of books and desire to share that passion with children. 'I love the library and I love to read. I think it's a great way to learn and it's wonderful to share that with children so they can grow up and have that as well,' she said.

Baker's role extends beyond in-library events to community outreach. Library leader Amanda-Jane McFadden explained that the children's librarian position includes visiting local daycare centres and preschools to promote literacy and learning. Baker will lead the July school holiday programme with a pirate theme, featuring Lego building challenges, crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt. She acknowledged the planning involved in library programming: 'When you present a one-hour event, it could take three to five hours of planning for that one-hour event.'

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.