Sheridan Public Library Director Steve Martin will retire on Dec. 31 after 12 years of service.
During his career, Martin was a Physician Assistant in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. He has worked at numerous libraries and organizations across Indiana, including the Kokomo Public Library, Atlanta-Jackson Township Public Library (Hamilton North PL), North Madison County Public Library System, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority (INCOLSA).
When Martin became director of the Sheridan Public Library, he found it important to instill a sense of friendliness between the library staff and its customers.
“As a small community library, we are able to interact with our customers on a personal level. It is that reaching out – that one-on-one relationship – that means so much to people,” said Martin. “I feel that is perhaps the primary reason why the library has become such an important ‘go-to’ spot in this community. I fully expect it to continue.”
Martin continued, “This community has been a pleasant experience for me because of its size. I grew up on a farm in a small community in western New York, so Sheridan is a very comfortable fit for me. I immensely enjoy chatting with and getting to know the people in the community.”
Martin says he will miss the daily interaction with the library’s customers more than anything else. Over the years, he has made many friends in the Sheridan community. He spends most of his days helping customers, taking immense pleasure in making sure his office door is always open. He has helped craft countless resumes, created online job applications, opened email accounts, searched the internet for official forms, and many other things.
“The most enjoyable part of being a librarian is seeing the smiles on the faces of the customers after I have been able to help them find or do what they need,” said Martin. “And as the library staff will tell you, it does not have to be library related for me to help with something. It is just in my nature to be helpful and more often than not, I prefer to provide that help behind the scenes.”
During his retirement, Martin will enjoy day trips with his wife, Vicky, and time spent interacting with his children, granddaughter and grand dog. A self-proclaimed homebody, he still likes places to go and things to do during the busy times of the day. He plans to pursue volunteer positions in the many non-profits in the Hamilton County area.
“The experience and fellowship are important to me,” Martin said.
And while he doesn’t have any aspirations of seeking a public office, the thought of becoming more politically involved has occurred to him.
While Martin may be retiring from the library, he will not be retiring from the Sheridan community, where he is involved in several community boards, committees and program events.
“I will not become a stranger to the community,” said Martin. He will continue to be part of Sheridan’s development through his work as the vice president of the Sheridan Historical Society, president of Economic Development Commission, a member of the Sheridan Coalition, and a member and officer of the Sheridan Rotary Club.
“If you are looking for me, the first place to try is the new Sheridan Historical Society Museum on Tuesday and Friday afternoons,” said Martin.
A Retirement Open House will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29 in the Community Room at Sheridan Public Library. The library board invites the entire community to come and wish Steve well.