A Day with Our College Librarian : Lessons Beyond the Books 📚

This is Another day of gaining wisdom and learning the art of interpersonal skills while working as an intern turned out to be more inspiring than I could have imagined. Aarthi, Daphnie, and I had the chance to interview our college librarian, in the book fair conducted by our college which was a conversation that started as a routine task but quickly became a lesson in resilience, dedication, and the power of human connection.

Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect. I thought it would just be a simple Q&A, but what happened completely blew us away.

Right from the start, his passion for the library was clear. He talked about the kinds of books students borrow the most, English literature, drama, critical analysis, novels, and how he finds pure joy in serving students. “A library is like the nerve centre for any academic institution,” he said, and honestly, hearing that made us pause and really appreciate what happens behind the scenes.

We were stunned when he explained that he’s been running the library alone since his assistant resigned two months ago. From 8 am to 8 pm, he balances family life, monitors students, and stays on campus to help anyone who comes by. Just imagining that schedule made all of us realize how dedicated, and humanly impressive he truly is.

Then came the personal stories, and wow… it felt like we were diving into a real-life novel. He grew up in a family of seven children, where childhood meant working in gardens, brick kilns, taking care of buffaloes, and helping his siblings with everything they needed. He told us about digging a 200-ft well at night with friends, facing life-threatening challenges, and how these experiences shaped his resilience and sense of responsibility. Listening to him, all three of us kept exchanging glances....part awe, part inspiration. These incredible stories will be published in a book titled “கிணறு” in just two months, with him as the author.

He also shared his love for Tamil books and Che Guevara-inspired writings, and his plans to improve the library blew our minds. Workshops, author talks, exhibitions, even trips to other libraries like the British Council.... He’s truly committed to bringing knowledge alive for students.

When asked whether being a librarian was his dream, he also mentioned his aspiration to join the military and his love for pistols and shooting. Saying this with a gleam in his eyes, he added that he had been a kabaddi player and an NCC cadet during his school days. 

One moment that really stayed with me was when I asked him to choose between a pistol and a book.

He told us that, considering his age, he felt the need to guide the younger generation with his experience. At that moment, I stopped him and asked what he truly wanted to do. Without missing a beat, he said that if his country needed him, he’d choose the pistol, but he smiled as he said it, perfectly capturing a balance of courage and calmness. Then he recounted how he had learned to aim as a child, throwing stones at coconuts for fun. It was such a vivid image that we couldn’t help but smile along with him.

Beyond the stories, what really hit us was how much we ourselves grew during the interview. I realized that as someone who usually stays quiet, speaking and connecting meaningfully with someone like him was a big step. Aarthi and Daphnie felt the same, we all discovered how empowering curiosity and listening can be.

By the end of the interview, we were left inspired, reflective, and honestly a little awestruck. The librarian doesn’t just manage books; he cultivates knowledge, guides students, and shapes lives. He reminded us that a library isn’t just a place to read, it’s a hub for growth, learning, and inspiration.

Talking with our college librarian made me realize something important.... Many people whose dreams act as their wings often find themselves grounded by societal expectations or their own doubts. Society expects them to prioritize the needs of others, especially the younger generation, over pursuing their own passions. Yet, even in the face of these pressures, those who keep their dreams alive show us the quiet courage it takes to balance responsibility with ambition. This conversation reminded me that holding onto one’s vision, no matter how challenging the journey, is what truly shapes a life of purpose and inspiration.

That day, all three of us walked away with not just notes from the interview, but life lessons we’ll carry forever. And for me personally, stepping out of my comfort zone and having this conversation felt like a milestone, a proof that sometimes the smallest steps can lead to the biggest growth.