Welcome to my blog. I am Anne Robinson, in my 60s and also known online as “The Librain” (explanation below). From as long ago as I can remember, I loved libraries and wanted to be a librarian when I grew up. A lovely Library Assistant at the public library, The Beaney, in Canterbury was my inspiration and I wished to be just like her – she seemed very glamorous and was kind to me when I was little.
So I trained to be a Librarian, via degrees in Ancient History and Archaeology, and became a school librarian on and off from 1982 until I retired in 2014. The “off” bit was seven years at home bringing up our two sons.
Over the years I worked with many brilliant teachers, librarians and students. Some students could not spell “librarian” properly and so I have called the blog “The Librain” after my favourite version! Better than “Liberian” anyway. I was also “The_Librain” on Twitter – I followed librarians and educators from all over the world, however, since I retired, I have moved away from Twitter and have become addicted to Facebook instead where I can keep up with friends.
As I have a chronic illness, well rather a set of chronic conditions, and severe depression, I struggle daily to even get out of bed. Most days I manage to go downstairs for a few hours and I try to wear something other than tatty old clothes, mainly to cheer myself up! Occasionally, Lovely Husband manages to take me out for a while, although we don’t generally get very far. I count myself as very lucky that I have LH, who also suffers from a disability and with his health, and two gorgeous thirty-something sons. Elder Son has autism and learning difficulties and has come on so far that he holds down a part-time job. Younger Son has degrees coming out of his ears and now lives and works away from home. I miss him very much. All of my chaps brilliant and do their best to look after me and one another, but family life can often be a struggle.
I started the original “The Librain” blog so that I could track my research, thoughts and ideas about the future of school libraries. Now that I am no longer working, I decided to move and adapt the blog to record my life as a retired person, battling with chronic illness, and also write about the more frivolous aspects such as scarves and clothes. But I will always be a librarian in my heart!
Please note that I write about clothes and accessories purely for my own amusement, and hopefully that of my readers. I am not a style and fashion blogger, but just talk about my own clothes and sometimes new items as I purchase them. I have no intention of or interest in endorsing any particular brands or making any money from this blog!
The Librain
The Librain......retired 
I so enjoy your posts. I am about the same age as you and I, too, struggle with depression though most around me are unaware. You and I both like Hermès, and it looks like we both loved our parents very, very much. I am glad I found your blog.
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An even nicer comment! Blogging has helped me so much as it gives me some structure to the day, I get to try my hand at writing again, I get a place to vent a little and I feel that I need to at least try to get out of bed so that I can have an Outfit of the Day! I hope that your family and friends are helpful and supportive. X
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Discovered your blog while I’m locked-down, working from home. Your reading lists and notes on Hermès scarves have been a highlight of my weekend. I’m very close to retirement now, thinking about it more and more lately. Love your posts as they remind me that retirement from a job is not an end to being a participant in the world. Hoping you and family are doing well. Take good care
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Dear Michelle, thank you so much for your lovely comment. It has really made my day, especially during these difficult times. Best wishes, Anne x
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Hi Anne,
I really enjoy reading your blog and thought I’d say hi!
I was wondering whether you’d consider joining the Discovery book review community — I think we could potentially be a good fit.
In case you haven’t heard of Discovery, we spotlight gems of the indie publishing world — great books that are often overshadowed by big bestsellers.
What do you think? I’m happy to chat more via email! You can reach me on victoria.jacobi@reedsy.com
All the best, and thanks for your interesting work on the blog,
Victoria, Professional Book Nerd @ Discovery
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Dear Victoria, thank you for your comment and the intriguing offer. As I am so ill, I am not sure that I could commit to anything at the moment. I will have a think and may contact you in the future.
Best wishes, Anne X
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Hi Anne, sure, take your time! Have a good weekend, Victoria
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Hi!
I recently discovered your blog when I was researching an Hermès scarf I was interested in. I couldn’t seem to find all the colorways but luckily you had gotten this same scarf and written an entry about it (Mare Nostrum, and I got it in the grey). It’s been fun reading about your love of scarves and the outfits you put together. I aim to read your book reviews soon too.
My Hermès affliction began in high school and I have been collecting ever since. I was also lucky to have inherited some and received some as gifts, so my purchase outlay hasn’t been too crippling! I tried to add some photos but that doesn’t seem to be an option here.
I do hope you continue to write your fun posts, despite your health situation. I know about the “can’t get out of bed days,” sadly, and I wish you the best,
Nichola
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Dear Nichola, many thanks for your lovely comment. I only started my Hermès collection when I retired as I couldn’t have afforded them when I was younger. They bring me such joy now. Also, H scarfies are such a lovely and welcoming group!
I am so glad that the Mare Nostrum scarf profile was helpful. It is not one of my best as the information was hard to find. One day, I may return to it and try to make some improvements.
Best wishes, Anne XXX
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