Granddaughter Cardona, a lifetime surrounded by books

Antonia “Nieta” Cardona Pons: A Lifetime Between Books at Maó Public Library

After 40 years of dedicated service, Antonia Cardona Pons – affectionately known as “Nieta” (Granddaughter) throughout Menorca – has embraced a well-earned retirement from Maó Public Library. The 63-year-old Mahoness native leaves behind a legacy spanning generations, having shaped the literary journeys of countless residents through her work in both the children’s section and historical archives since 1984.

From Childhood Reader to Cultural Steward

Nieta’s literary journey began in Maó’s historic streets:

• 📚 Childhood visits to Can Fiol lending library near the fish market
• 📖 Teenage hours spent in La Caixa library on North Street (“I loved the tranquility” she recalls)
• 🎓 Academic path through Academus, Mare de Déu de Gràcia, and Joan Ramis high school

Her professional calling emerged while studying Geography and History in Barcelona, where a library science course ignited her passion. “When Maite Orfila mentioned working at Ramis’ library, a door opened,” Nieta reflects on her career beginnings.

Four Decades of Cultural Evolution

Joining during the library’s transitional period (1984-1988) when operations temporarily moved to Vasallo Street during Can Mercadal renovations, Nieta witnessed transformative shifts:

• 📈 1987: Became interim librarian
• 📑 1991: Passed civil service exams for permanent position
• 💻 Late 1990s: Navigated the digital revolution (“We nearly became an internet café without the coffee”)

The librarian recalls pivotal moments like Director Pancho Sánchez’s Finland-inspired reforms: “We shifted from pure consultation space to active lending – my heart broke leaving our reference room, but we increased budgets and collections significantly.”

Community Impact & Cultural Preservation

Nieta’s service transcended book lending:

• 👦🏽🧒🏼 Summer programs serving local and immigrant children before widespread estiu escola initiatives
• 🌏 Hosting international researchers like Osaka University scholars examining 18th-century Diary of Captain Roca
• 🏛️ Preserving Menorca’s history in Palau Mercadal’s “idyllic setting” – ranked among Spain’s notable public libraries

Despite digital disruption, she notes the library’s enduring relevance: “Book loans halved, but patrons still seek quiet study spaces and human guidance you can’t Google.”

Retirement Reflections & Literary Legacy

Now enjoying retirement among family, plants, and travel plans, Nieta takes pride in Mahon’s reading culture: “Schools here truly nurture book love.” Her career advice resonates with E-E-A-T principles:

“I’ve been privileged to enjoy every moment – even challenging teens spraying graffiti. The public interaction always fulfilled me.”

Her tenure exemplifies public service longevity rarely seen in modern institutions – a 40-year dedication preserving knowledge while adapting to technological and social change.

Companions in Memory: Nieta’s Literary Recommendations

While Nieta’s personal recommendations remain undocumented, her career highlights these culturally significant works:

Source: Maó Public Library Oral History Project