Jeanne Geibel retires from KCPL, emphasizes impact of libraries for students

By Sophie Foster

News Co-Editor

After 45 years with the Kent County Public Library, Director of Branch Services Jeanne Geibel officially announced her retirement this month, April 2023.

According to Kent County News, Geibel began her career with KCPL in October of 1977 in Chestertown just as the building on High Street that is now the library was being constructed. At the time, the library was being operated out of a small storefront at a different High Street location.

At first, Geibel cataloged library books and managed inter-library loans, a program that has only increased in popularity in the years that followed, particularly on campuses like Washington College. The College’s own ILL program at the Clifton M. Miller Library helps students access resources that would not otherwise be available to them.

That being said, this was not Geibel’s sole responsibility even then. In a time when the branch’s staff was a smaller size, the expectation was that everyone involved would take on multiple roles. So, in addition to her primary responsibilities, Geibel also worked on the repair of audio-visual materials, supervised volunteers at the Rock Hall branch of KCPL, delivered responses to reference questions, and aided with children’s programming, according to KCN.

In 2006, the North County branch of KCPL opened. Rather than turn away from her standing obligations, Geibel took on the role of branch manager for both locations, splitting her time evenly between the two and still ensuring she had the time to regularly host story time at both of the locations.

According to KCN, Geibel’s “good humor, willingness to do what needs to be done, and kindness toward others will remain an enduring part of her KCPL legacy. In all her roles over the years, the library patrons have always been the heart of library work for Geibel.”

This work was celebrated by KCPL on Thursday, April 13, with a series of events designed to honor her and her contributions to the local literary community.

Each branch indicated their admiration and support for Geibel in individualized ways. For example, at the North County branch, from 4 to 6 p.m., those impacted by Geibel’s endeavors in the library system could come sign a community card, watch the ceremony of celebration and recognition, and enjoy a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres.

“I’ve developed close relationships with many of my patrons and I’m going to miss them a lot,” Geibel said for KCN. “I’ll still be visible in the library as a patron checking out my favorite author or enjoying a program.”

According to Editor in Chief of Collegian senior Eylie Sasajima, this visibility of libraries and library figures is crucial to building literary communities on campus and among writers.

“I think many of us take the things that libraries offer for granted,” Sasajima said. “I grew up with books and internet access in my home, but really, that’s a privilege in this country. Libraries help build equity in communities by providing materials and information that people lack. Having access to a public literary space enforces the values of literature, exchanging ideas, and being willing to learn.”

According to Sasajima, individuals devoted to library systems like Geibel are especially influential for children, and libraries can be valuable focal points of childhoods and vital resources for families with children.

“Knowledge, information, and literature shouldn’t be reserved for people who can pay for them,” Sasajima said. “Access to public literary spaces is vital for maintaining a society that values progress and education. I think that as students at a liberal arts college, we should all be able to empathize with that desire.”

For more information regarding programming and events at KCPL, those interested can visit their website at http://www.kent.lib.md.us/, or stop by the Chestertown branch at 408 High Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Elm Archive Photo

Photo Caption: The Kent County Public Library’s Chestertown location is a resource for students when the Miller Library doesn’t meet their needs.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *