Volunteer's lifelong passion for books

When Michael Gordon was a child growing up in Dunedin, he had a lockable cupboard in his bedroom where he stored all the household books and issued them to family members on request.

Fast forward 60 years and Michael’s passion for books hasn’t waned. He is a volunteer with the Friends of Christchurch City Libraries and enjoys meeting others who also love books. “It's a natural fit because my background is in printing and publishing, and I’ve always liked promoting books. I love the printed word.”

Visiting the popular annual Big Bargain Book Sale is what drew him into joining the Friends six years ago. “I could see how much people were enjoying being there and buying books, especially children - you see the joy they get out of it.”

The Friends support the book sale by supplying voluntary help each day.  They also sponsor regular author talks, such as an upcoming session with the author of popular memoir The Bookseller at the End of the World, Ruth Shaw. 

He’s also taught computing skills to people living with disability. He has done this at New Brighton Library for the past six years, recently moving from tutoring to managing the programme. As one of his children was disabled, it’s been something close to his heart.

“I lost her when she was 19 years old. She was well-known around the libraries as well, she was a social butterfly. Maybe that’s where I get it from, that social aspect." New Brighton is his favourite library too, “just the ambience of being so close to the sea and the sand.

Michael Gordon enjoys reading biographies, autobiographies, history and travel.

"I love my biographies, autobiographies, history and travel. My wife tells me I have to shift my library out to the sleepout because we’re running out of room inside!

“I’d one hundred percent recommend volunteering with the Friends because you’re working with likeminded people who’re also passionate about books, local authors and promoting reading. You just have to want to come out and socialise and help other people to become avid book readers.

“And it’s a plus if you do join because you get the opportunity to be first to look at the books before the Big Bargain Book Sale opens to the general public. That’s a drawcard and some people join up for the very reason!”

Carolyn Robertson, Head of Libraries at Christchurch City Libraries, says the Friends’ support is invaluable.

“Their fundraising efforts have seen many helpful additions to library services including digital cameras, chairs for older adults, display easels, and wheelchairs. They’ve also funded the Margaret Mahy mural in the Children’s section at Tūranga and they’re strong advocates for the important role libraries play in the community.”

There’s no locked cupboard anymore but Michael still keeps note of who he’s loaned books to. And with a big family reunion happening at the end of June, he’s joking about writing an invoice up for his siblings with the overdue fines. “It’ll be in pounds and pence of course. With interest!”

Find out more about volunteering with Christchurch City Libraries.