Librarian at Ratcliffe College
by Louise Liston, Development Manager
Meet Eliza Richardson, Ratcliffe College’s librarian of over a year, whose diverse background in film archiving and teaching mean that her skills and experience are a perfect fit for our historical library. With the Emery library ready for a complete refurbishment this summer, Eliza shares her insights and plans for the revamped space in an exclusive interview. Get to know the driving force behind the library’s transformation and discover what it truly means to be a librarian at Ratcliffe today.
What brought you to Ratcliffe?
My career background is in the cultural heritage sector, and I worked in film archiving for eight years. As a life-long lover of literature, I decided to embark on a career change and train to become a teacher of English literature. This fantastic adventure opened my eyes to the world of pedagogy in so many wonderful ways and even took me across the seas to discover teaching through an international lens.
It was actually during my training placement in Prague that the seed of librarianship was planted. Stevie Nicks in style and spirit, the school librarian there seemed to radiate and light up the library with her passion, knowledge and enthusiasm, and something in me knew I could one day do the same. So, from archivist, to trainee teacher to librarian, my role here at Ratcliffe is very much a dream come true and I hope to radiate that same light in our school library, each and every day.
What are the best things about being a librarian at Ratcliffe College?
Having the opportunity to cultivate a genuine love of reading is something I really cherish within my role, and seeing the curiosity and creative act of reading come alive in this space is truly wonderful. Whether it be the glimmer of excitement at an unexpected plot twist, or a lightbulb moment when inspiration strikes, our school library community really is such a creative, curious, imaginative space and we cannot wait for our new surroundings to help this flourish further.
How much involvement have you had in the planning of the new library?
I’ve been consulted in many aspects of the design, from storage, seating and shelves to colour schemes, lighting, and wall art. It has been amazing to be a part of this process and having the opportunity to incorporate feedback into the design from other school librarians, teachers, and of course our students! It really has felt like a collaborative process across the whole school community, and I cannot wait to see the shared vision come to life.
Can you tell me a little bit about how the library is used day-to-day and what you’re most excited for with the new design?
Our library is the heart of the school and holds knowledge, learning, curiosity and wonder at its core. It is a learning hub for library lessons and private study; a space to complete prep work and assessments; an inspiring space for library lessons and projects; a place for students to relax, recharge and to just ‘be’ during break times amidst the busy school day. Our library is a treasure trove of stories, a place for imagination and curiosity to thrive. I’m so excited for the versatility and beauty of our new space as it will allow all of these elements to grow and thrive, and for our library community to do the same.
What are your plans for the library once it’s opened? What will be different?
We’re extremely excited about our refurbished storage facility at the back of the library which is going to be a real game-changer. Thanks to the team here who’ve been hard at work, this fantastic space will allow us to rotate curated book collections in the main library space throughout the academic year, from specialist curriculum resources and author highlights to seasonal holidays and special interest days. Fuelled by the voices, ideas and experiences of our students, these changeable collections will really breathe life into our library space, allowing us to discover, create and innovate endlessly!
Why does ‘Reading Matter’ and why is our library so important?
Books have the power to connect us to one another and to the world and by investing in the library, we are helping to open up the world to our students. Any donations received by our community towards our library will have such a huge impact in raising awareness of the power and value of books and library spaces. Albert Einstein famously said that he is ‘not talented, but passionately curious’. This is what reading can do, this is what our library space can cultivate, and this is why it’s so important.
If you would like to support the Library appeal today with a gift, please visit the website here and donate.
For information on sponsorship opportunities from £1,000 please contact Mrs Louise Liston on lliston@ratcliffecollege.com or call +44(0)1509 817091.
