Being able to read is the gift that keeps on giving.
It seems the old adage is true in more ways than one for John McGlashan College's library manager, who has won an award from the School Library Association of New Zealand.
Six years ago, Pam Garry was giving herself a pat on the back after clocking up 30 years as an anatomy research technician.
Then she discovered an advertisement for her dream job - a library manager at the new John McGlashan College library.
Now she is quietly patting herself on the back again after recently winning the New Zealand Award of Merit for Literacy and Enjoyment of Reading.
Mrs Garry won the award for her work which aims to convey her passion for reading to the pupils.
Much of her work targeted what the boys wanted and what they needed, she said.
She ran a range of reading programmes throughout the school, such as a peer reading programme, the Go McGlashan Read, and Chockywockydoodah in which books in the library are tagged and when they are checked out, the holder receives a prize - usually some sort of chocolate.
Mrs Garry also runs a summer reading programme, in which bags full of books are individually tailored for each pupil to take home for the summer holidays.
The programme ensured minimal loss of learning through the holidays, she said.
Mrs Garry was one of four secondary school librarians to receive the award this year.
While she was delighted, she was also humble.
''In a field where there are so many incredible librarians out there, working so hard for so little, I'm really blown a way by it.
''I have a huge love of books, I always have.
''When they built this new library six years ago, I applied for the job because I thought it would be my dream job - and it is.
''I'm just doing something I love doing. This award is the icing on the cake.''
