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Children's librarian retires after 25 years at the Stillwater Public Library
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Stillwater Public Library's Sue Busch has served as children's librarian for 25 years. She retires this week. |
(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Sept. 28, 2011) – For the past 25 years, Busch has made a lasting impression on Stillwater’s youth serving as the children’s librarian for Stillwater Public Library.
Before starting work at Stillwater Public library, Busch was the last person to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in library science from Oklahoma State University.
“I knew I didn’t want to be a librarian at a public school; however, six weeks after graduating, many librarians were being laid off,” said Busch. “A friend told me about a job opening at Stillwater Public Library. Needless to say, I got the job and I’m very fortunate because it fit me like a glove.”
Of all the responsibilities included in Busch’s job, it’s no surprise to those who know her that her strength lies in working with people. “I have never been a very technological person, so anything to do with computers isn’t really my forte,” Busch said. “I think one of the most interesting parts of my job is dealing with so many people. Even if they come in unhappy or disgruntled, I make it my goal to strive to make them feel better than when they came. People are so interesting, no matter what.”
It is not just library patrons who recognize Busch’s affinity for people. “Sue’s personality is infectious. She never fails to bring a smile to not only visitors, but to all of the library staff as well. It definitely won’t be the same around here once she retires,” said Library Director Lynda Reynolds.
“I like to keep things lighthearted” said Busch. “I kid a lot, but that’s because I like to keep tension levels down. Kids especially can hone in a tense situation, if they’re tense they won’t want to go up to people they don’t know.”
Busch has worked hard towards creating a fun and positive environment for kids and the fruits of her labor have definitely showed. “I think one of my favorite things to experience is whenever I’m on my own outside of the library and little kids recognize who I am” said Busch. “It’s funny to see their reaction when they realize that I don’t actually live at the library.”
Busch has been responsible for a lot of improvement at Stillwater Public Library. Throughout her career, she has helped to expand public story time, expanded the summer reading program, as well as created lap-sit reading. She is also helping to launch new programs on quilting.
Despite her retiring, Busch does not plan on going “cold-turkey” when it comes to serving at the library. “Once I retire, I really plan on doing some traveling, getting back to creating artwork, and even writing some children’s books of my own. That definitely doesn’t mean I won’t be volunteering at the library from time to time.”
“We’re going to miss her,” said Reynolds. “Everyone around here keeps wondering who’s going to make us laugh once Sue is gone.”
Busch laughed. “There’s lots of raw material to work with when I’m gone. Surely someone will step forward!”
Busch’s last day is Friday, Sept. 30.
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Contact: Sherry Fletcher, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 405.742.8362
E-mail: sfletcher@stillwater.org
Web: stillwater.org