Spotlight on Careers: John Burke
This month, we shone the spotlight on a Librarian and we spoke with John Burke who works in The Central Library, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Holycross Abbey, County Tipperary. I love returning home to my roots as often as I can. I’ve been living in Dublin now for the past twenty years.
Where did you learn your Irish?
I attended a few courses in Dublin over the years, including Gaelchultúr and Gaeltacht UCD. I have a family connection to the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in Kerry and I head out west to the Gaeltacht from time to time. I regularly check Foclóir Uí Dhónaill, I’ll always be learning new words and phrases.
What are your main responsibilities as a Librarian in the Central Library?
People of all ages come into the Central Library, and you can usually find me at the information desk chatting about literature. The Central Library hosts various events throughout the year. We have a group for children and their parents; we have a Book Club; and we have a Film Club as well. I organise monthly Irish exhibitions, I’m currently focusing on Breandán Ó Beacháin and Irish. We have a large team working in the Library and I love working as a team member, there is strength in unity in this job.
Is it hard for you to relax and properly enjoy a book after working in a library all day?
It’s not too hard to enjoy books but I’m usually occupied with other commitments after work. I wouldn’t be too fond of unwinding in front of the telly; I’m at peace with a book in my hand. I had more time over the summer, and I’ve been enjoying a few books as of late.
What are the most important personality traits for a librarian?
An interest in all things literature is important, but there are other traits that are equally as important. It’s important to be interested in your own community as it’s a librarian’s responsibility to attend to the community. I’d have to say a closeness with the community is the most important thing in a librarians work these days. Sometimes a book isn’t needed by someone at all, its information, someone to chat to or shelter from the hardships of life.
Do you remember the first book you read?
Honestly, I can’t be sure, but my grandmother bought me “Run With The Wind” by Tom McCaughren when I was younger. I still have that book now. The story is based around a fox, and I’ve been interested in foxes ever since. There’s plenty of foxes around Dublin, but they like to keep to themselves in Tipperary.
What is the biggest difference between Irish Literature and English Literature?
I hold both the writers and the publishers in high esteem. There is a high standard of novels and poetry available in the libraries, undoubtably there isn’t as many non-fiction books available. I think there is a lack of books available for teenagers who’d like to read and learn Irish. I take a special interest in graphic novels, and I would love if there was more of a selection available in Irish.
E-books and similar electronic forms of literature have been going from strength to strength over the years, do you think it’s leading to a decrease in library users?
A lot of people enjoy e-books for sure. They were incredibly useful during Covid. That being said, people’s hearts are set on traditional books and I’m not too concerned for the future. Libraries are constantly changing and evolving, now there are a lot of events and campaigns ran by libraries. If the people come into us, it’s safe to say that a book usually finds a home with them. Lots of people come into the library each day. The amount of people that come into us is always on the up, the more the merrier.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I’m at peace when I’m outside, working in the garden, on my bike or at sports games. Myself and my family love sport, I support Tipperary and July was some month! I enjoy soccer as well and I would support Arsenal from when I was a child, and Cumann Naomh Phádraig which is closer to me at home. I often go to matches in Páirc Richmond in Inchicore.
You have a book club in Dublin; do you have a method to choose books?
There is sort of a process, there are well known writers obviously; I read book reviews on www.tuairisc.ie and in Iris Comhar. I like the translations from other languages. A good French translation was published lately. The short stories are convenient because I understand people are very busy with work and family life and you don’t have to ready every story. That said, there is no pressure on anyone to finish a book, we’re a community of Irish speakers and the company and conversation are equally as important. At the end of the day, I take a chance with the book, sometimes it’s a good choice, other times it’s the complete opposite. I would love to pick a drama in the upcoming weeks, it’d be a different genre for us.
You are our first Tánaiste and you’re taking charge of the Book Club, what do you have planned for the WhatsApp?
By dad! I like the proverb the life of a language is to speak it, and the growth of the language is to read it. I hope to create an interest in Irish literature wherever possible, online or in person. Anyone is welcome to pop in and visit me in the Central Library, we have over a thousand books. I’ll do my best for an Ghaeilge.
What is your favourite word and why?
Tobar! (Well; fountain, spring, source.)
I love the noise, and the history associated with tobar, the holy well and in the place names, Tipperary for example. I believe the library is a metaphorical well, a well of information in the heart of the community.
Thank you very much for spending time with us, John. Be sure to pop in for a visit to the Central Library and we look forward to meeting you at the next Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí events.
If you have any questions about the WhatsApp or the role of a Tánaiste please contact julieanne@greasangaeilge.ie.