Vanessa celebrating World Book Day with local school children at Better World Books

Meet Vanessa Jones, the Better World Books resident librarian in the UK. She joined the company almost three years ago having worked in both public and academic libraries for several years. Vanessa first heard about Better World Books when she was responsible for withdrawn stock at a large public library. She was looking for an ethical and environmentally friendly solution for the library’s withdrawn books and was impressed with the company’s literacy mission. 

When a vacancy came up to work for Better World Books Vanessa jumped at the chance to join the team. As Account Manager, Vanessa’s role focuses on working with clients (including libraries!) and helping them get the best solution for their withdrawn or no longer wanted books. Vanessa’s experience and knowledge from working in libraries is invaluable both to clients and to the team at Better World Books. She brings unique insight into the challenges that libraries face, and how Better World Books can help meet their needs. Vanessa loves libraries and will go above and beyond to support them.

Better World Books’ literacy mission is where Vanessa’s passion lies. As a member of the company’s Literacy Council, Vanessa is able to have hands on influence on how Better World Books supports literacy. She works with the company’s literacy partners and reads the Better World Books Literacy Grant applications, helping to select which projects should receive grant funding each year. Through this, Vanessa can see the difference that’s being made to people’s lives and she’s a part of that.

Vanessa describes Better World Books as a dynamic, changing workplace. She works remotely from the company headquarters in Dunfermline. Working virtually is a new experience for Vanessa but she very much feels part of the office. Google Hangouts keep Vanessa connected and she makes sure she visits every few months.

Vanessa and Emma with Danny the reading dog

Vanessa’s favourite moment of her time at Better World Books so far was visiting Danny the Reading Dog with fellow sales team member Emma. Danny is a reading therapy dog who, along with his owner Tony, visits children in specialist schools. Danny patiently listens to the children reading and won’t criticise or judge them. For every book purchased on www.betterworldbooks.co.uk a book is donated to someone in need, Book for Book. Some of these books go to projects like Danny the Reading Dog. You can read more about Vanessa’s visit with Danny here.

When Vanessa isn’t supporting clients, reading grant applications and visiting projects, she enjoys family time, walking her dog, and of course reading! Vanessa’s golden rule is to read books that have meaning and that she can learn from. She’s currently reading The Muse by Jessie Burton.