Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Aug 17/01) - There's a new section for teenagers at the Inuvik Centennial Library thanks to Stephanie Patrick.

As part of her duties this summer as community enhancement project officer, Patrick has created a young adult section.

Stephanie Patrick is community enhancement project officer with the Inuvik Centennial Library. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

"Before the books were in the junior section and in the adult section, so they weren't getting much use," said Patrick. "We're getting more books for the young adult section, too, like new ones."

Patrick spent time looking through catalogues and then ordered books she thought would interest teens.

But organizing the young adult section has not been her only task. Patrick also is taking inventory to make sure the library actually has all the books listed in its catalogue.

"I take the books off the shelf and then we have a master list printed, and then if it doesn't match the master list, we go to the computers and check what's going on," Patrick said.

She said that sometimes it's just a matter of a label on a book not matching the database record. In that case, she'll fix the problem.

As well, if employees at the front desk are busy, Patrick helps customers, and said that is satisfying. "It's a change from looking at the inventory list," she said with a laugh.

Patrick does many odd jobs as needed, such as setting up and taking down a photo collection at the library recently.

"The people are really good to work with," she said. "It's a good job. I enjoy it here."

Patrick is originally from Newfoundland but lived in Nunavut for six years. Earlier this year her family moved to Inuvik.

This fall she will enter her third year at the University of Waterloo, where she is taking sociology, with an option in legal studies and criminology.

Patrick noted that her library job will provide good experience, and will help her secure employment down south.

Patrick reads a lot, in a wide variety of genres. Her favourite book is Jane Austen's Wuthering Heights.