Longtime librarian closes the book on career

Now Sue Teutsch has the time to read a book.

The longtime Gibson Memorial Library staff member welcomed friends and those who use the library during reception Thursday at the library in honor of her retirement.

“I didn’t think it would be this long,” she said about her 32 years at the library. She started working part time, but finished as assistant librarian and children’s librarian. She will finish the year.

Teutsch said she and her family moved to Creston from Underwood in 1984. Her husband had a career in music sales, now known as Reiman Music in Creston.

Those early years in Creston included Teutsch bringing her children to the library. After getting to know some staff at the time, she said she was asked if she would be interested in being a library employee. The suggestion piqued her interest.

“I started out part time,” she said.

Her full-time status was not until 2000.

As with most everything else in the past few decades, Teutsch has seen the changes with books and magazines.

“I remember when you used to write the numbers on the library cards and stamp it,” she said about the return dates. That has since been replaced with computer programs and touches of the keyboard.

“It’s easier now,” she said about the book check-out procedure.

Another thing she has noticed over the years is the number of regular customers for the library. Some people use the library for specific reasons.

“There are people who only come in to read the newspapers,” she said. “And there are people who come in only for the newest bestseller.”

But libraries are not all books, information and entertainment.

“It was always nice to take a moment to visit, get to know them,” she said about those who used the library.

Teutsch said there are too many books to list which one is her favorite.

“I like to read a little bit of everything,” she said.

And it makes perfect sense. Her retirement gives her some free time.

“I can relax and find a book to read,” she laughed.

Library Director Aric Bishop said he was appreciative of the time work ing with Teutsch although he has only been with the library for more than a year.

But his interaction with Teutsch goes back much further. A Creston native, Bishop said he grew up in the library and remembered her during his childhood.

“I came in and played Oregon Trail,” he said about the popular video game from the 1990s where the player guided himself along the famed route west. “I’d always ask her if I could play another hour.”

Bishop said Teutsch was always patient and and polite to the children who visited and used the library; another strength of having her on staff. '

“We are losing a tremendous asset,” Bishop. “What’s crazy is she’s been here 32 years and I’m 33.”