Bozeman, MT— The Bozeman Public Library will feel a little different this fall as longtime Children’s Librarian Cindy Christin is set to retire on August 6, 2021. The City of Bozeman and the Bozeman Public Library wish Cindy the best as she takes on this next part of her life and thank her for over three decades of work spent in the Library. 


Cindy Christin started part-time at the Bozeman Public Library in August 1988. Over the past few decades, Cindy has started Books & Babies, Little Ones toddler storytime, Turn Off the TV week (and Library Sleepover), Kids Book Club, Creative Workshops, Ready2Read early literacy programs, including Ready2Read Reach Out to childcare programs, the Library PlaySpace project providing blocks and other play materials, the Outdoor PlaySpace, and other services for families with young children.


Cindy will continue to organize the Children’s Festival of the Book, which is planned for Saturday, November 13 featuring author Chris Barton and illustrator Don Tate. This will be the 12th year bringing award-winning creators of children’s books. She will also stay involved with early literacy projects with the Montana State Library, and the Collaborative Summer Library Program which provides summer reading materials and resources nationwide.

 
On the topic of her retirement Cindy says, “I hope to spend more time doing all the things I love outside of my job: time with friends and family, reading, playing and listening to music, hiking and walking, and maybe a few new activities!”
 
She adds that she will miss so much about her work, “Most of all I will miss the interactions with families and children on a daily basis, getting to know kids and watching them grow up, and helping readers find books. If I’m lucky I’ll still get to see families around town, and on visits back to the Library!”

 
Susan Gregory, Library Director says, “There are some people in this world who, because of their instinctive understanding of a child’s spirit, will enrich a child’s life in a profound, lifelong manner. Cindy Christin is one of those people.  Her joy in working with children and their families is almost tangible.”

 
She adds, “It’s impossible to count how many children have discovered the wonder of books, words and ideas because of Cindy’s influence not only in Bozeman but through her early literacy work at a state and national level.  We will miss her very much but we’re excited for her future plans and we’re thrilled that she will continue to produce our annual Children’s Festival of the Book.  Her delight in working with our littlest patrons and their loved ones is contagious!”

 
Cindy will continue to work as the Children’s Librarian until her last day on August 6, 2021. All patrons are encouraged to drop by to wish her well. For those wanting to share their appreciation with Cindy there will have a banner in the atrium for people to leave a note. This is for patrons of all ages to leave their mark, just like Cindy has left her mark on patrons of all ages!