LIBRARIAN Jenny Lythall is still relishing her work as she continues in the fourth decade of helping bookworms throughout the Midlands.

Mrs Lythall, who has been in charge at Stourport Library since 1996 after moving to the town two years earlier, has spent much of her life involved with books but remains keen to attract new members to the Worcester Street site at a rapid rate.

She said: "The most important aspect is to make the library like a community centre which members of the public feel is approachable.

"To do this we are always trying to do new things, such as exhibitions, displays and innovative clubs which can attract new faces, in particular children.

"That is why we have a homework club starting next term and have two internet terminals in use with another two soon to arrive."

Mrs Lythall, who was born in Balham, South London, and brought up in Ilford, studied geography and anthropology at Portsmouth University before beginning work in the libraries.

She has a post graduate diploma in librarianship and information services.

The Areley Kings resident takes charge of various aspects of library work, including managing 16 staff, maintaining the building and overseeing the operation of the Stourport Mobile Library, which covers Wyre Forest.

She cannot think of any part of the job she dislikes, and particularly relishes counter work, which provides the best opportunity to meet members of the community.

Mrs Lythall said: "That is what it is all about really, getting to know the faces of the people we serve.

"There are so many interesting folk in Stourport and it is always a pleasure to see them, however rushed off your feet you may be."

She has had spells working at three Birmingham libraries as well as others in Halesowen, Stourbridge and Dudley before beginning at Stourport.

Mrs Lythall is also a busy lady outside of her time at the library, in particular in her role as a member of Stourport Inner Wheel and takes part in various charity fund-raising events for the group, of which she will become president in June for a year.

She is also secretary of Hagley Theatre Group, which she said has an "extremely healthy" number of Wyre Forest members.

Mrs Lythall added: "I have a tremendous time with the group and last year we had a really successful performance of The Darling Buds of May at the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster.

"It was brilliant because I played Ma and it gave the whole cast an excuse to sit at a table eating fish and chips and cream cakes for a week."

Her main sporting love is tennis, and she can be spotted in action with a women's team in Blakedown.