Jan Hay
About me:
I grew up in Edinburgh and studied tapestry and textiles at Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating, I worked for a Scottish knitwear designer whose internationally successful brand combined traditional hand-knitting skills with contemporary design.
I then spent six years in Scotland’s longest, loveliest, and loneliest glen, where my partner and I ran a community shop, post office, and café. An experience that strengthened my customer service, business and community engagement skills.
As an avid reader, libraries have always been a big part of my life. After gaining a postgraduate qualification in Information and Library Studies from Robert Gordon University in 2013, I built a career in public libraries, working as a high school library assistant, catalogue librarian, reading development officer, and, most recently, Reader Services Librarian for Stirling’s public library service.
Throughout my career, I have enjoyed building relationships, bringing communities together, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Contact me about:
Contact me about the Scottish Poetry Library’s collections and associated borrower services.
My favourite poetry quote is:
A word after a word
After a word is power.
Margaret Atwood
My favourite poets are:
Jenni Fagan, Margaret Atwood, Ian Hamilton Findlay, Selima Hill, Jason Reynolds, Hollie McNish, Benjamin Zephaniah, Michael Rosen, Jackie Kay, Nadine Aisha Jassat, Thomas Clark, Kathleen Jamie
When I’m not at work I enjoy:
Walking up massive hills, music, reading and gardens.