The 20-year-old was awarded Library Services Trainee of the Year, just six months into his job with the Hills library service.

Mr Zirilli mans the customer service desk, gives internet classes to seniors and reads nursery rhymes to Baby Bounce and storytime groups as part of the 12-month program which allows people to gain experience in a wide range of library duties while they gain their certificate in library and information studies.

"As an apprentice plumber you really just bring the tools and you work," he said.

"There's more customer service here.

"I really don't dislike anything about the job.

"It's interactive and fun - we don't just read books."

Mr Zirilli works at Vinegar Hill, Castle Hill, Dural and Baulkham Hills libraries and must also deal with the unexpected.

Such as when school books find their way into the return chute or patrons ask where they can find a $99 high definition television.

"There's a lot of strange requests — I don't even know where to start," he said.

"We do cater for a lot of things other than books.

"If they need a JP, people just ask at the library."

Mr Zirilli said the award was "quite nice" but he was not entirely comfortable with the attention that came with being a star trainee.

"Lucky I didn't have to do a speech.

"I don't really like all of the attention," he said.

"At least I can fix the sink if there's a problem in the office."