Meet the Team – Children’s Library Advisors (CLAs)

Our Children’s Library Advisor (CLA) team has seen some exciting changes over the past year, and we’re delighted to reintroduce the people behind the stories, songs, and smiles found across ANGUSalive libraries and communities.

Children’s Library Advisors play an important role in helping children and families discover the joy of books, storytelling, and learning. From delivering lively Bookbug sessions and school visits to leading outreach activities and creative workshops, the team creates welcoming spaces where children can explore, imagine, and grow.

Each member of the team brings their own unique experience, creativity, and passion for literacy and learning, helping families build positive connections with libraries from an early age.

Avril joined the CLA team in September 2022, bringing with her extensive experience as an Early Years Practitioner and from her time within the Communities Team. Her own love of libraries began when attending Bookbug sessions with her children.

Speaking about her role, Avril said: “I absolutely love my role as Children’s Library Advisor as it is so much fun to welcome babies, children and their families into the library for Bookbug sessions, children’s groups and welcoming classes and nurseries to the library. I now work in Forfar, Kirriemuir and Montrose and it is such a joy to share stories, sing songs, meet families and introduce them to the library and all of the services that we offer.”

One of Avril’s current favourite books to share during Bookbug is Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett, which she describes as “one of the best books to share with little ones and their families.”

Looking ahead, Avril is excited to continue expanding opportunities for young library users, including more after-school groups, Saturday activities, and family events.

Before joining the CLA team, Carley worked as an Information Assistant in Carnoustie Library and also teaches children’s drama classes.

Carley said her passion for working with children and early years learning inspired her to apply for the role: “The only way to do great work, is to love what you do.”

Her favourite children’s book is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, and she says one of the best parts of the role is “working as part of a small, like-minded team and getting to have fun while doing it!”

Lucy joined the team after working as an Early Years Practitioner in private nurseries for 13 years. A long-time fan of Bookbug sessions, she describes becoming a CLA as her “dream job.”

Lucy shared: “Helping children develop a love of books and bringing families together through stories and songs is something I’m truly passionate about.”

Her favourite children’s story is A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and she loves creating fun, welcoming Bookbug experiences for families.