SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The top librarian is retiring from Siouxland Libraries.
June 20th is Director Jodi Fick’s last day with the system.
Siouxland Libraries has branches across Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County, except Dell Rapids.
Jodi Fick has worked in libraries for more than 40 years.
The self-described accidental librarian got her start while she was in college at Augustana.
“My freshman year I was assigned work study in Mikkelsen library, which I had never worked in a library. I had used libraries, never worked in one and never thought about working in one,” Fick said.
She later became the assistant director of the Minnehaha County Rural Public Library.
In 1995 the county system merged with the Sioux Falls Public Library, forming Siouxland Libraries.
Fick served in different roles within the system before being named director in 2017.
“A good workplace is one where the staff are appreciated and have a common mission and work together, and I wanted to make sure the staff here was in such a good place that they could provide excellent service to our community because we serve people from all walks of life, all income levels, all ages,” Fick said.
Those who have worked with Fick over the years have noticed her dedication to people.
“She understands that libraries are about more than even books and money and fiscal responsibility, although she’s big on that too, but she understands that libraries are community, and she really has built that community here,” Former Member of Library Board of Trustees Member Jean Beddow said.
“I really appreciate that she tries to get lots of input when she makes decisions. She includes not only the management team, but full-time staff, part-time staff. She likes lots of input. She likes to hear different sides,” Caille Branch Librarian James Borchert said.
Fick’s time with Siouxland Libraries will wrap up in about two months, but she’ll be staying busy once this chapter closes.
“My husband and I have a farm, so I know one of the things I’ll be doing in June, July, and August, all the way through the end of October is helping him on that farm. I’m really looking forward to that,” Fick said.
The search for a new director is underway.
Applications need to be turned in by May 2nd.
