Assumption GS librarian is retiring after 38 years

2 July 2025

ASSUMPTION Grammar School’s much-loved librarian has retired after 38 years of service.

Mrs Evelyn Walker was the current longest-serving staff member at the school, joining in 1987 and serving under five principals.

Her interest in libraries began at university.

“I did an Arts degree at Queen’s University and there was a module called Library and Information Studies,” she explained.

“I met Bernie Dinsmere who was a pioneering librarian, and an inspiration to me,” she said.

Mrs Walker worked in public libraries for five years before joining the Ballynahinch school.

“I took the junior classes each week for one class solely devoted to reading and reading promotion – it was like a life skills class. I worked closely with the staff in the English and Art departments too,” she said.

“We’ve had some great visits by local authors over the years, such as the late Dr Joy Alexander from Queen’s University who did a talk on CS Lewis, which the pupils really enjoyed.”

Mrs Walker has seen a lot of change in her almost four decades at Assumption Grammar.

“There was no computerised library when I started. We were one of the first schools in the area to computerise,” she explained.

“I have had very good readers in my classes but in general pupils read less nowadays.

“Society has changed. In the 80s and 90s there weren’t as many distractions. We’re competing with the likes of social media now.

“I always try to encourage pupils to find a library wherever they go to study and to look to Jo March in Little Women and Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice as strong female role models in literature,” she said.

Asked what she will miss about the school, Mrs Walker said the “wonderful” drama productions and festivals.

“I remember watching Niamh McGrady in our school production of Eliza Doolittle in the 90s and knew she would go on to be a successful actress,” she recalled.

“I have great friends in the school. I will miss the camaraderie with staff and the interactions with the children. The work has been eclectic and lots of fun.”

In her retirement Mrs Walker is looking forward to playing more tennis, and doing more pilates, walking and travel as well as being able to “sit up into the wee hours reading.”

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