Retirees

Julie McKeague, Graves-Hume Library children’s librarian, left, and Connie Beetz, library director, are looking forward to spending the summer with their families. After 9 and 22 years, respectively, they will retire at the end of this month. (Reporter photo by Jennifer Sommer)

Open House: An open house for retirees Connie Beetz and Julie McKeague will be held at the Graves-Hume Library on June 20 from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by the library board and Friends of the Library.

MENDOTA – After 22 years at the Graves-Hume Library, Connie Beetz, library director will retire at the end of this month. Joining her in retirement, will be Julie McKeague, children’s librarian.

Beetz started as a clerk, working a couple nights a week. After only six months, the children’s librarian position opened up and Beetz moved into that position. She was the children’s librarian for 12 years. When Beetz took the librarian director position, Julie McKeague began her role as children’s librarian. McKeague has filled that position for almost 10 years now.

The longtime friends, both decided this would be a good year to retire. “This is kind of our hurrah together,” said McKeague.

Finally, the pair will have an opportunity to spend the summer with their families. “Summer is our busiest time here and I haven’t had a summer off in many, many years. It’s grandchild time,” said Beetz who has eight grandchildren.

McKeague has already planned a trip this summer to see her two grandchildren in Texas.

Beetz and McKeague are ready for the next chapter in their lives. “It is definitely bittersweet. I am going to miss everyone,” said Beetz.

Beetz remembers when she started working at the library. There were no computers and cards in the books were punched with return dates. She has been there for the library renovation and has planned many special programs.

McKeague has started new programs like the Lego Club and cooking clubs. “All the kids like the food programs,” she said.

Several qualified applicants applied for the new positions. In the end, Emily Kofoid will be taking over the library director position on July 1. Kofoid formerly worked at the St. Charles Library. Current Graves-Hume Library clerk, Carolynn Ohlendorf will head the children’s department.

Beetz offered some advice to Kofoid, “I want her to remember that we are a small library and I think closeness with the patrons is important.”

McKeague commented Ohlendorf is very creative. “I think she will be able to take the programs we already have and just add some fresh new ideas to them.”

Beetz and McKeague have no reservations about handing over the reins. Both expressed their excitement to see what Kofoid and Ohlendorf do in their new positions.

Beetz also hopes Kofoid will have some new ideas to get more patrons to come to the library. “I think that is a struggle that all libraries have. I want patrons to come check out books, use the computers, check out movies, sit in the reading room, read a magazine, use the microfilm reader... we have a lot of things here I think people forget that we have,” she said.

With the accessibility of resources online, libraries are trying to stay relevant, noted Beetz. “I think the future role of libraries is going to be more of a community center.”

Athough Beetz and McKeague will not be working at the library, they plan on returning to use the resources and attend the special programs. “This time we can be the patrons,” said Beetz.

An open house for Beetz and McKeague will be held at the Graves-Hume Library on June 20 from 5-7 p.m. Kofoid and Ohlendorf will be at the open house, as well. Refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by the library board and Friends of the Library.