Lynne The Hat Lady

Inspired by the social media phenomenon Humans of New York, we have been uncovering the Library's greatest treasure, the people who breathe life into its spaces - the 'Humans of the Library'.

Meet Lynne -The Hat Lady.

"It was the most I’ve ever paid for a hat but I loved the green colour. It’s snug, it’s warm, it’s simply my favourite winter hat. Why do I wear hats? I guess I like to be different, you might call me the hat lady!

I’m in the Library today for the Disrupted Festival of Ideas. I look out for it every year. I’ve been to five now and I’m blown away every time. The speakers are so interesting and really get people thinking. They come from different view points, sometimes changing, sometimes validating my ideas. Being a FREE event makes it even better!
I also come here with my grandchildren. They ask me to take them to “The Cow Library” (in reference to the life-size cow sculpture outside The Story Place). Being a former teacher and having once worked in a library, I understand the value of libraries. I also enjoy storytelling, often elaborating on stories from my childhood.

(Tell us about the badge you are wearing.) I got it in Fremantle a long time ago. I like the fact that the words on it “There are millions of us…”, can mean different things to different people.

I have had a lot of happy moments in my life but the happiest would have been the birth of my children. But not in the general sense. Rather the overwhelming happiness and relief of getting them out of my body! Any hidden talents? No nothing ‘hidden’ any tiny talents I have, I tell the world about!

The saddest time in my life. The death of my mother. As she lived in New Zealand, no one really knew her here so I felt alone in my grieving. Fears? Becoming incapacitated as I get older, not being able to move around, losing my sight, going loopy."

This page last updated on