Getting to know Swiss libraries
An interview with librarian Nicole Scoles
Before I actually moved to Switzerland last August, I spent most of June and July here, organizing paperwork, getting phones and internet, applying for jobs, and working remotely after I used up my vacation days.
It was a disorienting time. It reassured me about this huge life change. Within two weeks of arriving, I had an interview (I didn’t get that job, but it bolstered my confidence). I got along with my parents. The weather allowed for lots of Rhine swimming. But I also missed Gabe and had one foot in Basel and one in D.C. I dreaded the actual move and the impending goodbyes.
Early in June, I went to the library with my dad. The Gesellschaft für das Gute und Gemeinnützige Basel (roughly translated as The Society for the Good and Common Benefit) founded the library in 1807, and today it has nine branches, plus smaller collections in places like the hospital. We went to the main branch, and walking through the books gave me this feeling of being home, like, “I know how this works.” I had the same feeling I get walking through the forest, except tinged with the excitement of wanting to read all the books.
The GGG has a great English fiction section, and I left that day with two books from my TBR list. Since then, I’ve wanted to interview a librarian, and happily, I met Nicole Scoles, an American librarian who has lived in Basel since 2012. We met through my dad (how I met almost everyone here who’s not a relative), and Nicole was one of the people I had coffee with early on in my networking attempts.
Below, she shares some differences in the Swiss and American library systems. Of course, I also asked for her Basel advice and tips on adjusting to Swiss life.
What brought you to Basel and how long have you lived here?
In 2012 my family was offered the opportunity to move to Basel for work. My three boys, ages 8, 10 and 12 enrolled in the Swiss public school and we started learning German.
What were some of the biggest adjustments to life in Switzerland?
Adjustments to living in Switzerland come on a daily basis. We have discovered everything from traveling with public transport to carefully sorting our recycling and remembering which day the trash and paper will be picked up. Navigating the Swiss school system was a major task and we still learn something new every day.
Have you learned German?
We have all learned German and use it daily in work, school and with our neighbors.
You work part-time at the Basel library. What is your role there? I imagine you didn’t show up and get the job on Day 2. What was the job search process like for you?
I had signed up for a city library membership and started volunteering for the library early 2013. By the end of 2013 I was offered a part time job. I have a MLIS (Masters in Library and Information Science) and feel very fortunate to have found a platform to share my love of community building and learning.
One of the biggest differences I noticed in the Basel GGG, compared to the U.S. public library system, is that a library card costs money. Are there other notable differences between American and Swiss libraries?
An adult library subscription has a yearly fee. Young persons up to the age of 20 have free subscriptions. One of the biggest differences is the customers insist on paying their fees as soon as they are accrued. They prefer to have a zero balance of fees. The number of items one can borrow per subscription has increased over the years from 10 to 15. Where I am from originally in the USA there is a higher or no limit for the amount of items borrowed. I am also used to USA summer reading programs for library users and in Basel the summer hours are limited and there are less events.
You organize an annual English book sale in Basel, which so far, is the best and most affordable source for English books I’ve found. Does the GGG do other English-language programming?
Over the past 10 years I have created English programming at the library that include Story Time for young and school-aged children, and annual community events for adults such as concerts, author readings, and panel discussions.
Do you have any advice for bookish English-speakers moving abroad, and specifically, to Switzerland (or super specifically, Basel)?
Join clubs! There is something for everyone. From book clubs to dance clubs you can meet locals and expats to get to know Basel and the people
How did you make friends? Do you have any tips on this topic?
We were very lucky to have a wonderful community in our first apartment. They were welcoming and invited us to their celebrations. They also participated in some of our traditions like Halloween and Thanksgiving. It was a very critical part for us to be accepted and treated like family.
What kind of Swiss treats do you like to take to friends & family when you travel? And what’s on your Must Bring Back List?
Jakobs Lackerli is a local homemade treat. We also like to bring Caran d’Ache colored pencils, Swiss army knives, and of course, chocolate.
We always say we will bring the tradition of Raclette with us wherever we go. It is social, yummy, and everyone can add the toppings they enjoy most.
Are there particular Swiss or Basel traditions or events you like? Any Basel restaurant/cafe/bar recommendations?
The great thing about Basel is that there is always a festival or event to attend. I really enjoy swimming in the Rhein in summer. Museum Night, Em Bebbi Si Jazz and the Open Air Kino in the city always has a vibrant energy. We try to catch the Vogel Gryff in January and for several years participated in the Dupf Club Fasnacht clique. Seasonal treats are the candied almonds at Herbstmesse and the white lights in the Münsterplatz trees at Christmas.
I highly recommend Restaurant Rhyschanzli, Sonne, K Bar, Joys, Astro Fries and Mimi’s at the Hafen.
Do you have any book recommendations?
I recommend the Fresh Air Kids Switzerland written by Melinda and Rob Schoutens. They have published several books about hiking and spending time outdoors in Switzerland.
The library always has the latest and greatest titles in over 50 languages and I would check the website for what is new.
Do you think you’ll move back to the US?
We have made our home in Basel and I have just been approved to get my Swiss Passport so hopefully we will stay for life.
What projects or work are you excited about?
I am extremely excited about the projects and initiatives from the locals and expats here in Basel. Each has created a community of belonging and awareness.
The Looking Glass yoga studio
Thanks to Nicole for her time, her librarianship, and for giving me plenty of fodder for future posts.
Good interview. And she definitely sounds like the person to know! I'm curious about how Gabe is getting along, too. And what about the work/home balance these days? (We miss you, Linda!)
Smart move to do an information interview . Never know what you’ll discover.