A retirement celebration for children's co-ordinator Susan Klinck will be held on Jan. 22, from 4-6 p.m. at the library.
She’s been a warm, guiding presence for countless youngsters and families over the years and now, Renfrew Public Library is celebrating the remarkable career of children’s co-ordinator Susan Klinck.
Klinck is retiring after 36 years at the Renfrew library and 43 as a librarian. In terms of her decision to retire now, Klinck said it just seemed like the right moment for her, and for the library.
It was February 1988 when, after having been born and raised here, she was able to join the Renfrew library team and lead the children’s department, which was a dream come true.
Klinck has always believed in getting little people in on the ground level when it comes to reading, and she’s proud of having initiated the early literacy programs.
She loved keeping up to date on the latest books and helping young patrons find selections that suited them perfectly – even non-readers or children who had to read for school – Klinck said she always had lots of book suggestions up her sleeve.
Among her biggest accomplishments is the summer reading club, complete with a large game board, special activities and community outreach.
What will she fill her days with when a daily shift at the library is no longer on her schedule? She’s still figuring that out, saying her library career was a lifestyle – she was always looking for an idea or thinking about a program.
She loves to cook and bake and, with a laugh, said maybe she’ll have time to read an adult book.
She’ll certainly miss the people at the library, particularly the children who brightened her days, but Klinck has every confidence that her replacement Jana Tamosetis and the rest of the team will keep things in good shape.
A celebration will be held on Jan. 22, from 4-6 p.m. at the library. Refreshments and cake will be part of the fun and the public is welcome to drop by with their well wishes.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)