‘Shoe Lane Library is for everyone’: We talk to the Toast Finalist

Ovssanna Kalenderian, known as Sona, is the manager of Shoe Lane Library, a part of Barbican & Community Libraries. She has been working at the library for 25 years out of its 44-year existence. Shoe Lane Library is often referred to as a "hidden gem" and a "family hub" by its customers, who appreciate its friendly, welcoming, and caring atmosphere.

The library has made a significant impact on some families, such as a Japanese family that called it their "family" and a couple who shared their favorite London attractions via a YouTube video. Sona emphasizes that the library is much more than a place to borrow books; it is a safe haven for studying, reading, working, learning, and meeting others.

The library offers various community and wellbeing activities, including the Dragon Café, wellness Wednesday sessions, and reading groups. One of the biggest challenges Shoe Lane Library faced after the pandemic was regaining visitor numbers, which led to the organization of diverse events for adults and children. The Square Mile has changed since Sona started working at the library, with fewer City workers and a reduced daily customer count.

Despite this, Sona remains focused on creating a welcoming environment by ensuring everything is tidy, displays are well-presented, and customers receive a smile upon arrival. The library's typical customer is diverse and multicultural, with everyone feeling at home. Sona appreciates trends that emphasize turning the library into a community and wellbeing space, while she ignores the move towards online-only services.

Other City venues Sona highly rates include the Barbican Centre and Guildhall Art Gallery, praising their cultural engagement with various audiences.