When Genifer first moved into her Dot Dot Dot flat in Ham, she was looking for a shorter commute and a space of her own. Three months later, she’s found much more than that: a quiet sanctuary surrounded by greenery, a rekindled sense of identity, and a brand-new volunteering role that perfectly aligns with her lifelong love of literature.
We caught up with Genifer just as she finished her induction to volunteer at a local Oxfam bookshop.
Books have always been a central part of Genifer's life
A lifelong chapter
Books have always been a central part of Genifer’s life, though her relationship with them has evolved drastically over time. Growing up in Romania, access to technology was limited, and the cultural approach to reading was starkly different to the UK.
“I grew up when reading culture there was very different,” Genifer explains. “We were forced to read certain books, which actually created an aversion to reading in general. Moving here, it was amazing to see that someone reading on the Underground is a very normal and common sight.”
Her passion for reading blossomed during her university years. Without a laptop, she turned to physical pages, developing a deep love for ancient history and classics – particularly Jane Austen. Genifer adds, “I like to use books to understand other cultures and behaviours, they’re a great resource for that”.
Today, Genifer has turned that passion into a career, working in a public library that also hosts inclusive activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Genifer has turned her passion into a career - working in a public library
From Romania to Oxfam: A history of giving back
Genifer’s dedication to community impact started early. “I first volunteered ages ago in high school in Romania,” she recalls. “Along with our teachers, we visited a mental health institution each month. We brought gifts and spent time with the patients. Most of them couldn’t go out, so we were a source of interaction. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience.”
That early experience centered around inclusivity mirrors her work in the library, and it’s what drew her to her new volunteering role with Oxfam.
At the Oxfam bookstore, Genifer will be doing everything from front-of-house customer service and researching older texts, to sorting donations in the back.
“They have mountains of books, even really old ones – like a Bible that looks hundreds of years old,” she says. “It’s wonderful to know I can help people find exactly what they’re looking for and it feels good to give books a second life.”
For Genifer, working and volunteering with books has also dispelled a common modern myth: “There’s a stereotype that the younger generation aren’t reading, but it simply isn’t true. It’s so nice to see so many children coming in and requesting books.”
Finding space to reconnect
Genifer first discovered Dot Dot Dot when a flyer landed on her desk at the library. After 15 years of living with others, the opportunity to live alone, save money, and be closer to work felt like the perfect alignment.
“I’ve been able to reconnect with myself," she shares
While the practical perks of guardianship are undeniable, the emotional benefits have been the real highlight for Genifer.
“I’ve been able to reconnect with myself,” she shares. “When you live with others, you don’t always have much time or space to yourself. Guardianship has given me the freedom to reacquaint myself with who I am. I have the space to do what I want, and decorate how I want.”
Setting roots in Ham
Now settled into Ham, Genifer is relishing the balance of London life and countryside tranquility. As a self-described ‘nature person’, the local environment has been the perfect antidote to the bustle of the city.
“It can be hard to find an area in London that doesn’t feel busy and overwhelming,” she says. “Having parks right where you live, with a quiet, small-town village vibe while still keeping the city close by, makes it a great location. My neighbours are lovely, and the area is so green – it’s filled with squirrels and foxes!”
Whether she is welcoming new neighbours, guiding library visitors, or cataloguing hidden gems at Oxfam, Genifer is proud to live in Ham and benefit the community.
“Promoting the public library and property guardianship is something I really want to do right now,” she smiles. “I want to help as many people hear about them both as possible.”
