“Bringing people and books together” – an interview with Clare Smears
September 21st, 2009 | Published in Features, Info & Advice, Interviews
From The Side. Photo: Patrick Gage
Clare Smears runs the English Library at Babel in Grenoble. Grenoble Life wanted to know more about the library collection, the book groups and her background.
Grenoble Life: When and why did you originally come to Grenoble?
Clare Smears: I’m British. I came to Grenoble almost 17 years ago when my husband was offered a job here. Whilst in the UK, I had studied for an MA in Library & Information Studies and I’d worked in various libraries including a trainee year at The British Library in London and as Assistant Young People’s Librarian with Kent County Libraries. Getting involved with The Library at Babel has allowed me to continue what I most enjoy doing – bringing people and books together.
GL: When and why was the library created?
CS: The Library at Babel opened in 2000 as a joint project between three associations – Babel, Open House and Alliance Grenoble-Oxford – following the desire expressed by these associations to provide a centre for readers of English.
Association Babel very generously offered to house the library at their room situated in Grenoble at 2, rue Ste. Ursule in the beautiful courtyard of what was once the Couvent des Minimes.
GL: How is the library run?
CS: The library is run by a small group of volunteers who now open it to the public on five days a week.
GL: How did you come to be involved and what is your role now?
CS: I forget exactly when I got involved with the library – although it was perhaps a year after it first opened. I had been a member of Association Babel for many years so I had seen the library open and develop. The shelves of children’s books were growing rapidly and none of the other volunteers had time to organise and exploit the children’s collection. Because I had previously worked as a Young People’s Librarian, I was asked if I’d be willing to spend some time helping with this collection. I agreed and things just went from there. I now oversee the general day to day running as well as take part in opening to the public etc.
GL: How many books are there and how were they acquired?
CS: We have around 5000 books on the shelves at present. When the Library was started there was a small stock of books from the Open House library and Babel also had a small collection. Since then, the books have been obtained through purchases but mainly through frequent generous donations to the Library. I also obtain many good second hand copies of books through various book exchange sites on the internet.
GL: What type of books can we find in the collection?
CS: There is something for everyone on the shelves – because the majority of our books are from donations they reflect the many different backgrounds and tastes of any reading community.
We have a very varied fiction section for adults featuring classics, modern fiction and many crime and thriller titles. There are also smaller collections of short stories, poetry and plays, and science/fantasy fiction.
For learners of English we have a shelf full of so called “easy readers” – books where the text has been adapted especially for learners of English. There are also dictionaries and other reference books that can be consulted whilst in the library.
The non-fiction selection is just as interesting – biographies, travel writing, history, popular science and economy, craft, cookery and art.
Children and young people of all ages will find something too – fiction and non-fiction from board books for babies up to some of the latest teen reader titles …
GL: Do you update the collection? How do you choose new titles?
CS: The collection tends to update itself every week – thanks to the regular donations we receive!
However, I do try to keep up to date with what’s happening in the publishing world and, where finances allow, we buy new titles particularly when we know it is going to be very popular with the readers – whose tastes we get to know very well. And, of course, we are always open to suggestions so I’ll try to get hold of any book that a reader is looking for if I think it will be of interest to others too …
GL: Who comes to the library?
CS: Our members come from all types of backgrounds and countries – the one thing in common is that they wish to read in English.
As for our ‘French’ members, many have lived and worked in English speaking countries or environments and now enjoy maintaining their English language through reading
GL: Does the library host activities and how can people get information about them?
CS: The Library along with Babel hosts a book discussion group for adults once a month during term time – we try to pick a general topic in relation to books and literature rather than read a book and then discuss it.
I have also recently started a new teenage book group – and been wonderfully surprised by how many young people out there want to get together to read and discuss books.
Anybody seeking further information about these groups can email me directly at association.babel@laposte.net
GL: What advice would you give to book-loving expats new to the city?
CS: Well, obviously, come in and see us at The Library – I’m sure we can provide something for all reading tastes.
However, there are now many ways of obtaining English language books in the city. I especially recommend Patricia Andréoli’s excellent library in Meylan – BAM (Bibliothèque Anglophone de Meylan). Also the newly opened Bookworm Café on rue St. Laurent where you can browse the second hand books on sale as well as enjoy tea and cakes.
I feel it is up to the English reading public in Grenoble to give their full support to projects such as these.
GL: What’s next for the library?
CS: Later in the year we hope to hold another of our very popular book sales where we try to pass on spare books for the very reasonable price of 0,50 cents or 1 €.
GL: What are the opening hours and membership terms for the library?
CS: During school term-time, the library opens 5 days a week at the following times: Monday: 4–5.30, Tuesday: 12.15–1.45, Wednesday: 4.30–6, Thursday 4–6 and Saturday 2.30–5.30. Normally have to ring the outside bell marked Babel and wait for someone to open the door on rue Ste Ursule.
During holiday periods, we try to open every Wednesday afternoon from 4–6pm.
Members of the three founding associations have automatic free membership to the library.
Anyone wanting to join the library alone is asked to pay an annual membership fee of 15 euros for individuals in employment or families or 7,50 € for students / retired / unemployed.
However, as in all things, we try to be as flexible as possible – so, for example, we have reduced rates for anyone who is in the area for only a short period.
Each member can borrow 4–5 books for a month but again we are very flexible about the amount of books and the return dates – there are no fines for overdue books. One member who lives in La Côte St. André comes with a suitcase and borrows books for several months!
GL: How can we find out more, donate books etc …
CS: To find out more, please feel free to come and see us during the library opening hours or contact me personally by email at association.babel@laposte.net