Creemore library clerk retires after 20 years

After almost 20 years on the desk, Clearview Public Library clerk Rita Madill has checked out her last book and is looking forward to more time for leisure reading.

On April 22 Madill put in her last day at the Creemore branch, where she has worked for a number of years, but has also worked at the Stayner and Sunnidale branches.

Madill said she had second thoughts after she handed in her resignation but is now settling into retirement.

“I really do miss the library, the staff and the people, and the job,” she said. She originally applied for the position of circulation clerk, which eventually turned into a permanent part-time. The job over the years involved a little of everything to do with circulation and customer service.

In that role, Madill has gotten to know many people in the community over the years.

“That’s the part I loved,” she said. “You do get to know a lot of people and that’s one of the things I missed the most when I first retired.”

She said she felt like she had lost a little of her identity because she was no longer associated with the library.

“I’m getting resigned to it now and I’m enjoying my time off,” said Madill.

A crafter and gardener, Madill said she has no shortage of actives to fill her time. She and husband Jim are also

planning two trips, a road trip out east in the summer and a trip to Europe in the fall.

Madill is also an avid reader, which is another reason she loved her job at the library. The community may remember her late therapy dog Kodi who was part of the PAWS reading program at the elementary school.

Madill said the patrons at the library are a great bunch of people and she thanks everyone for their best wishes.

The library is hosting a Come-and- Go Tea for Madill from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 21 for those wishing to sign a card and wish her safe travels. The event will be held at the Creemore Branch, located at 165 Library St.