‘My interest in a career in libraries commenced when I was about thirteen.
My father, Winston Burchett, worked very hard with the initial committee to establish the first ratepayer-funded public libraries in Victoria.
One of the first was the Peninsula Regional Library. In its early days there was not enough council funds to open the library on a Saturday night. My father decided that he would man the library at this time for no cost and invited me to help.
I loved handling the shiny new books, and stamping the pages when someone came to borrow a book.
Several years later I decided to train as a librarian and worked in a number of different libraries before forsaking library work for hospitality’.
Stephanie Alexander is a cook, restaurateur, food writer and champion of the quality & diversity of Australian food.
