In July, we had the pleasure of talking with Emma Viskic, a volunteer with The Footpath Library in Melbourne and published author of four novels. Emma became a volunteer at one of our mobile libraries after Melbourne came out of COVID lockdowns. Here, she shares with us her experience of volunteering.
‘My journey to become a volunteer started pre-COVID, but I was waiting to have enough time in my life to commit to something. During the Melbourne lockdowns, I was in front of my computer, punching in keywords, to search organisations looking for help and The Footpath Library came up. I just thought it sounded like the perfect fit for me. I wanted to do something with people experiencing homelessness, and the fact it was all about books, which have always been a huge part of my life, made it a natural fit.
The lockdowns gave clarity to what I wanted to do. That hour of time outside, where I would go for a walk, was so important. I spoke to a lot of people on those walks, people I might not have usually crossed paths with, and it made me realise that one-on-one connection with people is something I am very comfortable with; just chatting with someone, stopping to talk to someone reading a book and striking up a conversation about what they’re reading. I like that type of connection.
I started volunteering with The Footpath Library late last year at the Queen Victoria Market mobile library service. I really wanted to go to one place, have that sense of routine and get to know people. Volunteering is not just a one-way street, the readers get to know me as well, and we get to talk about what they’re reading, the books and films they love. There’s a bond formed through a love of books and stories, and a sense of continuity with the readers who come along which is really lovely.
I find a lot of times people come in search of books for a child or a friend or family member that they think they’d like or could help that person in their lives. Perhaps it’s a book that meant something to them as a child and they’re searching for it to give to someone else – again, it’s all connecting with people in your life and that’s wonderful to see.
I have gained so much from volunteering with The Footpath Library. I’ve had some great book recommendations from reader friends. They’ve dropped names of authors into our conversation, and I find myself frantically typing notes in my phone as we chat so I can go home and search for those authors to read. I have really enjoyed talking to people about the books they like, investigating authors on behalf of readers, and connecting with people.
I love that The Footpath Library provides such a unique but vital service – they don’t treat someone as an emergency or a problem that needs to be solved. They meet people where they’re at and provide space for people who are vulnerable to just be in the world, without judgement or expectation. It’s a safe space to think, feel and be themselves.’
Emma Viskic is an award-winning Australian crime writer. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Resurrection Bay, won the 2016 Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut, and an unprecedented three Davitt Awards: Best Adult Novel, Best Debut, and Reader’s Choice. Those Who Perish is the thrilling finale of the groundbreaking Caleb Zelic series.
