Hi, I’m Sam and I’m the new library assistant at Fairfield Library within the Northern Care Alliance. I started at the end of November last year and this is my first time working in a library setting so I’m still just finding out how this all works! I’m currently getting involved in everything I can here, cataloguing the new books, helping the new starters with their online training, setting up the self-checkout system and trying to revitalise our social media.

My previous role was as a Breast Officer at the Bolton Breast Unit, so in a more clinical setting. It’s been a bit of a culture shock going from there to here but I’m slowly getting used to library life. I’ve also previously ran a manga (Japanese comics) shop, and still have a stand once a month selling them, which is at least book related so I have a bit of experience that I can transfer across, even if it’s not directly library experience.

Sam Whittingham (he/him/his)
Library Assistant
Library and Knowledge Services
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust