Celebrating International Special Librarian Day: The Quiet Heroism of Dunstanette Bodkin

Today, as the world pauses to celebrate World Librarian Day, we turn our attention to the often-overlooked champions of literacy, learning, and lifelong knowledge—librarians.

In this special spotlight, we feature Miss Dunstanette Bodkin, a Senior Librarian and Administrative Assistant at the Sierra Leone Library Board, whose passion for working with children and commitment to information accessibility exemplifies the true spirit of librarianship.

Her journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of readers and learners.

A Journey of Purpose and Perseverance

Miss Bodkin’s path as a librarian is a testament to dedication, patience, and a deep sense of service. Starting out as a Children’s Librarian, she has grown into the dual role of Senior Librarian and Administrative Assistant, all while remaining closely tied to her first love—working with young readers.

Miss Bodkin shared the complex emotions that come with the role.

“My experience as a librarian in Sierra Leone has been sort of mixed. On one hand, many people don’t value the profession and question your relevance. On the other hand, there are those who recognize the importance of what we do and give us room to thrive.”

What surprises her most is how misunderstood librarianship still is in society.

“People don’t always understand why we’re here. They ask, ‘Why do we need librarians?’ But in today’s world—whether traditional or digital—we are the intermediaries between people and information. That role will never become obsolete.”

In an era defined by information overload, librarians are the ones who help make sense of it all. They are curators of knowledge, guides for students, researchers, and curious minds alike.

A Heart for Children

Though her responsibilities have expanded, Miss Bodkin remains deeply invested in children’s literacy and development.

“Working with children comes naturally to me. I’ve always found it easy to connect with them, and in the library, I help them discover books, learn to read, and grow intellectually.”

She spoke passionately about guiding children from their first steps in reading to becoming confident, independent learners.

“Many of them come in as beginners. Some have never interacted with books before. But over time, with patience and the right materials, they begin to grow. By the time they leave, they’ve advanced significantly in their reading skills.”

She lives by the saying, “Catch them young,” believing that early access to the right information can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Libraries in the Digital Age

Despite the rapid rise of digital platforms, Miss Bodkin believes libraries are more relevant than ever:

“Technology hasn’t replaced what we do—it has enhanced it. We use digital tools to provide better services, access more information, and reach more users.”

She stressed that while the format of information may change, the librarian’s role as a navigator, gatekeeper, and educator remains constant.

On this occasion, Miss Bodkin recommends the book “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem”. She describes it as a deeply moving guide to self-discovery and faith

“It teaches us that we are spiritual beings, and no matter what we go through, there is always a solution if we connect to the power within and the divine above.”

A Message to the Next Generation

As we reflect on the importance of librarians and their often-unseen impact, Miss Bodkin had a heartfelt message for the youth:

“I encourage students and young people to consider librarianship. There is so much reward in helping others access knowledge. It’s a profession that serves humanity. But to do it well, you must be educated, passionate, and always willing to grow.”

Librarians like Dunstanette Bodkin are the quiet heroes of our society. They plant the seeds of knowledge in young minds, nurture curiosity, and bridge the gap between people and the vast world of information.

On this World Librarian Day, we celebrate Miss Bodkin and all librarians across Sierra Leone and beyond, whose work continues to shape minds, open doors, and change lives.

Miss Dunstanette Bodkin

About World Librarian Day

Every year, the 13th of April is marked as International Special Librarians Day to honor their contributions and dedication to their work.

International Special Librarians Day was first observed in the 1990s due to the Special Libraries Association’s (SLA) initiatives.

The SLA is an international professional association that represents the needs of information specialists across a range of industries.

By recognizing their contributions and achievements, this day encourages special librarians to continue their work and inspires others to pursue this rewarding and essential career path.