From ‘Bread Girl’ to Assistant Librarian

– Single parent aims to become Head Librarian

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Among its modes of disseminating information to the public, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has dedicated an entire library to its staff and members of the public.

Among the collections in the library are archived news stories from the various print media houses dating back to 1986, several volumes on the history of Guyana and books by local writers.

The library is managed by two staff members – a Head Librarian and an Assistant Librarian.

Twenty-year-old, Assistant Librarian, Alophena Griffith has been working in the library for over three years.

Griffith, a single mother of one, said in 2015 took a huge leap of faith and she applied to DPI for the post, after having been employed at Humphrey’s Bakery for two years. She explained that among her duties at the bakery she was responsible for recording bread or pastry orders from customers and packaging those items. “It taught me how to interact with persons while still being professional.”

It was through her daily interaction with regular patrons that Griffith learnt of the opening for the post of library assistant at the then Government Information News Agency (GINA). Griffith said after much contemplation she bit the bullet and applied for the job and she was successful.

Griffith said, at first, she found the job challenging but grew to appreciate the profession. Among her duties, Griffith researches and packages information for the Communication Officers who produce bulletins and news stories for the Department of Public Information (DPI) as well as the members of the public. One of the advantages stemming from this is that she reads more and avidly seeks out news stories on current topics.

“My daily duties are basically to assist persons outside of the organisation who need hard copy information. I also have to help the staff who work here with whatever information they may require. So that means I have to do research in the library as well. I am mainly exposed to press releases from various ministries and organisations, news stories on projects and development around Guyana and work the government is involved in,” Griffith said.

She is also actively involved in working with students from all levels. “I really enjoy working with the students. It makes me feel special to know I can share my knowledge with the students.”

The assistant librarian expressed gratitude for the good fortune to be employed in her current profession. “I love this library; it has provided me with a career and I am grateful because I can do so much for myself and my daughter. It has taught me a lot and I have gained so much knowledge from this job. It will carry me a far way in this life.”

The young mother said she is in the process of qualifying herself to one day become the Head Librarian.

By: Crystal Stoll.

Image: Leroy Lyttle.