On a warm summer afternoon, I found myself hiding behind a garden wall, being strapped into a blue furry suit complete with paws and claws. For a moment, I longed for the cool relief of swimming pools and ice cream, before securing the bear’s head helmet over my already-sweating head and took some tentative bear steps. I was then led into the garden – a necessity since the eyeholes tend to render small children invisible. There, my task was clear: wave, give out high fives, and hand out certificates to the delighted crowd. As the children gleefully waved and shouted, “Bye bye, Mister Bear!” I couldn’t help but feel a quiet relief. The bear costume had done its job, and my time as Bookstart Bear was up. I was led away to remove the costume and cool down, though I was greeted with far less excitement when I emerged as just myself.
This wasn’t quite what I had imagined for myself when I graduated from university, but it was an experience that shaped my life in ways I could never have predicted. My time at Thornton Library has connected me to my community, helped me develop both personally and professionally, and ultimately led me to the job of my dreams.
Since 2017, Thornton Library has been run as a community project, supported by the Thornton Community Centre and Bradford Library Service. Entirely staffed by volunteers, this remarkable group of people saw a vital service in the village at risk and worked tirelessly to save it. With limited funds, they’ve transformed the library into a thriving hub for the community, offering much more than just books (but I am quite fond of the books!).
Thornton Library is now home to weekly, award-winning Rhyme Time events, the Bookstart program (which ensures that every child has access to books in their early years), author events, book sales, and serves as a contact point for vital community services. It’s a place for new parents to find a quiet moment with a book or to join in a lively sing-along and dance. It offers shelter from the summer heat (yes, it does happen in Yorkshire!) and winter snows. It’s also the place to print out those last-minute essentials or simply pop in for a friendly chat.
What makes a place truly special, however, are the people. The warmth, kindness, and knowledge of the volunteers at Thornton Library made all the difference during a time when job hunting felt demoralizing. Their unwavering support and cheerleading gave me the confidence to apply for roles I might never have considered and to keep going when things got tough.
Through my work with the library, I had the chance to join the planning committee for a cultural festival in Thornton, where I helped oversee grant funding applications. The skills I developed, the connections I made, and the newfound confidence I gained during my time at the library all contributed to my successful application for the role of General Manager at the Brontë Birthplace.
It’s incredible how an unexpected path—like donning a bear costume at a teddy bear’s picnic—can lead to such profound personal and professional growth. Thornton Library didn’t just teach me about books; it showed me the power of community, the importance of perseverance, and the joy of embracing opportunities, however unconventional they may seem.
So, if you ever find yourself on Market Street, don’t just pass by the library—step inside and experience the heart of this community. It might just change your life, too.