FINAL CHAPTER: Sutton librarian retiring after 35 years

SUTTON — When Nancy Bertels began as the Sutton librarian in 1983, there were no computers in the library. This week, Bertels went back to her roots, checking out more than 200 books to Sutton readers while the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Internet was down as a result of a cyber attack. Bertels plans to retire on August 31, checking out as the most influential Sutton librarian.

Bertels moved with her family to Alaska in 1961 and moved to Sutton two years after she married. She volunteered at the old Sutton library. She was the third Sutton librarian, following Helen Allison and Linda Olson. Olson was planning to attend nursing school. Bertels received education from a technical school as a forest technician, and though she never planned on being a librarian, has thrived among the books and people.

“I thought this would be a really cool place to work and I could do all kinds of fun programming for the community. The borough has allowed me a lot of freedom so I’ve been able to do lots of fun stuff for the community,” Bertels said.

The originations of the Sutton library are traced to the back of the old gas station, currently a tire shop, where ladies stored and checked out books. They then moved into the old firehouse building behind the general store. Six years ago, the new Sutton library was built in emulation to the building that sat on the concrete ruins in the historical park in front of the library.

“We went form that little tiny building to this beautiful building that makes me smile every time I come to work,” Bertels said.

Bertels has ushered in various programs to get kids and adults alike interested in reading. She reads books for preschool story hour. Her favorite book to read for people who don’t think they like libraries is “The Library Lion” by Michelle Knudsen. Among her other favorites are books by Bill Peet, Margaret Wise Brown, anything with animal sounds, finger plays and silly music.

Bertels also oversees a book club in the winter and visits each classroom at Sutton Elementary every week during the school year. Bertels runs after school programs once a month where kids can ride the bus to the library to engage in special programs or art projects. The Sutton library holds more than just books, though. Department of Transportation officials met with residents in the Sutton library on Friday to discuss possibilities of native artifacts on the new Long Lake Hill project. Elections are held in the Sutton library, and as of a few years ago, concerts.

“We get to have music right here in Sutton. It’s cool! It’s the coolest thing we’ve done.

I’m glad that that generation is bringing their energy to libraries and they think it’s important. That just shows that libraries aren’t dead. That generation wants to be here,” Bertels said.

Jason Overby runs the concert series that provides musicians once a month at the Sutton library.

On Thursday, Bertels read to 25 preschool children to start the day. Then, 20 lunches were handed out for free at the library as part of the Kids Covered program. ‘Professor Pickles’ stopped by to read to kids as part of the summer reading program and performed science experiments on the lawn with 48 kids.

Bertels has overseen the Sutton library become a resource for the small town with a deep coal mining history. She weathered the storm when the library took the cards out of books. She heard outrage from ladies who wanted to keep the cards inside the cover so that they would know if their friends had read the same book. Bertels reads with the book club in the winter, and has the freedom to read what she likes in the summer. Currently, Bertels is reading “Threads of Blue” by Suzanne Lafleur. She says she gets her suggestions from what comes across her desk as a librarian. More than the books, Bertels has enjoyed being a part of her unique community.

“It’s really the best. I’ve been able to work in my own community I don’t have a commute, I can walk to work if I want. I get to visit with people in my community all day long and entice them to help me with programs, be a part of a program, come to a program. That’s the best part of it, especially in this new building, people are really excited to see what we can do here. I couldn’t have asked for a better career,” Bertels said.

For 35 years, Nancy Bertels has served as the Sutton librarian. But just recently, Bertels became a grandmother. That is part of what helped her make the decision to retire.

“I love my job and it was a very hard decision to make. I don’t know that i’m going to get through the next week without a lot of tears,” Bertels said.

Bertels praises her coworker, Carol McNamara, as a worthy successor. McNamara is responsible for all of the art inside the library.

“She does the best art with kids you’ve ever seen,” Bertels said.

Bertels is excited for the new chapter in her life where she can go see her grandkids whenever she wants, and for the new chapter in the Sutton library.

“It’s time for this facility to have some fresh new ideas and I hope we get that. I would still love to be asked to do story hour and I hope they ask me,” Bertels said.

“I think the role we play with kids in this community is great and I want that to continue and I’ll be around to make sure it does.”

The Sutton Public Library is hosting a retirement party for Bertels Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at the library. The event coincides with the end of summer reading program potluck and organizers welcome those interested to bring their favorite dish.