Sally Seifert was happy leading classes of elementary school students in Holt when she discovered her true passion. Working part-time in the summer at Charlotte Community Library, Seifert realized she could still impact the lives of children while tapping into her love of books.
She made the decision to leave the teaching profession nearly 20 years ago, opting instead to serve as the Children’s Librarian at Charlotte Community Library.
“This is my community, these are my people,” Seifert said of the decision she made back in 1999. “I wanted a job where I could make an impact in my own community.”
Making an impact may be a bit of an understatement. During her time as the Children’s Librarian, Seifert, working with the entire library staff, has grown the youth programming tremendously during her tenure. When she started, the library had just one regular youth program in place. This year the library offers nearly 20 children’s programs per month.
Seifert’s accomplishments have been recognized by thousands of children over the years, as well as countless parents. Her efforts were also recognized this year by the Charlotte Frontier Days Board, which made the decision this summer to select Seifert as the 2017 Charlotte Frontier Days Grand Marshal.
“I’m just completely amazed and overwhelmed,” Seifert said. “It’s an absolute honor.”
It’s also an honor Seifert is not entirely comfortable with, as she is a woman who doesn’t necessarily enjoy the spotlight.
“I could not have accomplished any of that without the completely awesome team we have here,” Seifert said. “No one could have asked for a better team.”
Charlotte Community Library could not have asked for a better individual to lead the children’s program. It will be a tall task filling Seifert’s shoes going forward, as the Librarian announced her retirement this year. Her last day comes one week before Frontier Days begins.
“I think that being chosen as Grand Marshal is the perfect way to end my career in a community that I love,” Seifert said.
