Ipswich librarian to retire

Ipswich librarian Ruby Bosanko will check out her last book on October 31, her retirement day.

Ruby has seen plenty of changes in the Marcus P. Beebe Library during the 30+ years she has been the head librarian.

Of course the biggest change has been the addition of computers and wifi. Many of the Ipswich Library customers don't even go into the library to check out books. They can check out and read e-books through the South Dakota library system with your Ipswich Library membership.

Ruby has been working with her replacement Cindy Percy in the library, to become familiar with the facility.

Cindy has been a teacher for 43 years in Arizona, she said. First as a Social Studies and a guidance counselor for 20+ years. She moved to Ipswich to be close to her daughter Stacy Ann and her husband TJ Fitz-Patrick. Cindy will be moving into an apartment in Ipswich soon.

Ruby said the library's 2022 census book count was almost 19,000. The library has 919 adult customers and 467 junior members. They have 20-30 e-book readers each year.

Ruby said the summer reading programs for children have been popular. Library Board member Deb Gillick said the program started with four young readers. Now they have had more than 50 youth. "Grants help with the summer reading programs," Gillick said.

The Library Board is planning a Retirement Reception for Ruby on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. That will include mini-golf in the library during that time.

"Ruby has done a wonderful job," said Cindy. They have a beautiful facility. She does hope to make some changes with board permission.

"Our little library is doing well," Ruby said. Now she plans to work on puzzles and enjoy life.