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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa Library will soon be missing something special, as Library Director Mary Ann Lemon prepares to retire in April.

“I kind of moved up through the ranks,” said Lemon. “I started part-time and had just had twin babies, so I just wanted a part-time job at that time, and then the director at that time convinced me to become fulltime and ever since then I’ve  pretty much worked with the public, got to know the different collections and I've just thoroughly enjoyed my experience here.”

Throughout her 27 years of service, Mary Ann has seen the library go through many changes.

“We just completed a $400,000 renovation and we did a lot of remodeling, painting, carpeting, new furnishings pretty much throughout, all new shelving,” said Lemon. “We've been able to make room for lots of things that we didn't have before. We've increased the amount of computers we have, and people have really appreciated that.” 

Does Mary Ann have anything she wishes to accomplish before leaving in April?

“I'm going to really hope that I can help them, our board, find a new director to take my place and I know that who they find will do a great job, but you know, I'll help them with that. I want to continue working on providing good resources, great books, great movies; just streamlining things. We have a few more finishing touches to do here in the library, like some new lighting and different things like that.”

She has many plans for retirement and hopes to take a long trip to England and Scotland, where her grandparents are from. She also plans to visit her children more and hopes for grandchildren someday.