This month we took the time to interview Mrs. Kristine Kirby for more information on her award and backstory.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I am originally from Canada but I have been teaching for 20 years all over the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, Thailand, South Korea, Sudan, Australia, and more! This is my 7th year in the UAE as a librarian at GAA. I have always dreamed of working with children, and I attended an education program in university to start off my career.

What does winning this award mean to you?

Seeing an award specifically tailored to librarians is incredible, knowing that people appreciate the work that librarians do all over schools and for education. This award has allowed me to connect with people all over the library and teaching field across the UAE, specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and through this, I have been able to reach more of my goals.

What advice do you have for students interested in getting into reading?

A famous quote that I love by J.K. Rowling says "If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book." I believe this quote is so true, many who don't feel that reading isn't for them simply haven't found books that they enjoy or that suit them and their interests yet. That being said, librarians are here to help you find the books that are perfect for you so that you can dive into the incredibly rewarding and beautiful world of reading!

"I was not a great reader in high school and I didn’t have patience for reading until I got to college and the coursework I really enjoyed I really got into reading then. One book I really enjoyed was called Native Son by Richard Wright. It’s a sad story of reality but it became a book that really sparked my interest in reading. A few years later when I left university I went into PSCORE, where I lived in a small village without electricity, as I was doing my service as a volunteer in Central America I really got into reading. I read books from The Hobbit to Mario Puzo books, a number of books, anything I could read. Although I would say that my favorite book at the time would have to be Native Son by Richard Wright. "

If you had to give the book a rating on a 1- 10 scale what would you give it?

"Definitely a ten, because it just was so captivating and although it was fiction it was based on the reality of the times in the US, and the racial tension there so it was very impactful. Although this one is my favorite, there are so many good books. if I may say the book I’m reading right now is called The Artist's Way. It about how to develop your creativity and how your creativity has to do with your spirituality and your flow."

Goodreads Link

What advice do you have to give on how to get into reading?

"Find a book or topic of interest and then read about it. Read anything that interests you. If you like basketball, read article about basketball. If you like any hobby or sport or honestly anything read about it and that will get your into reading more. I think that everyone should always have a book by their side because it really opens up your world."