Friday, October 2, 2026
MANSON - After nearly three decades of story times, book clubs, and community-building, Manson Public Library’s longtime librarian Cindy Simmons officially retired at the end of May. Her departure marks the end of a 27-year career rooted not only in books but in deep and lasting relationships.
Simmons’ journey with NCW Libraries began modestly. She first volunteered and worked as a substitute before applying for the Manson librarian position when it opened. But long before stepping into library work, Simmons’ path wound through various service-oriented roles—from chiropractic and dental assistant to preschool teacher.
“I worked for Lakeshore Preschool and Kindergarten… and that was really fun too,” Simmons recalled. “But then when this opened up, I thought, this is where I want to be.”
The idea of a small-town, one-person library branch was exactly what appealed to her.
“I just thought that it would be a dream job… to get to know community members better, their families, visitors,” she said. “I liked the idea of a small library. I got to do everything—a variety of things. Story times, book clubs, adult programs, working with teens. I really liked that because I thought it would just be a lot of fun.”
But beyond the programming and daily operations, it was the people who made her time at the Manson branch most rewarding.
“My favorite part was just getting to know community members and being part of their everyday life,” she said. “I got to know some patrons really well, and that was probably my very favorite part.”
Over the years, Simmons witnessed multiple generations walk through the library doors, especially for story time.
“I’ve had some kids come in as children, and then they would come back when they had kids and bring them to story time,” she said. “That was really neat to see.”
Asked what she’s learned from her decades of service, Simmons pointed to the importance of understanding and responding to individual needs.
“Every community is different… I think it was learning what the community needed and finding ways to meet those needs,” she said. “Treating people as individuals, not everyone needed the same thing.”
Now in retirement, Simmons plans to remain involved—volunteering when she can and continuing her participation in two local book clubs. Still, she acknowledges that stepping away will be bittersweet.
“I think I will miss the story time. That will be the biggest thing, besides just interacting with people,” she said. “But I plan to spend more time with our grandkids in Boise. They’re at an age where they’re doing swim lessons, ballet, gymnastics and just to be able to spend more time with them is a blessing.”
She also looks forward to helping care for her mother, whose health is declining, and to travel more.
“With the library, I had very structured hours,” Simmons said. “So this will be nice to have that flexibility.”
Her retirement coincides with a significant transition for the library itself. The Manson branch is currently closed for a major remodel, part of a system-wide renovation effort across NCW Libraries.
“I felt like I was able to really put a lot of input into that and work closely with my Library Board to suggest changes that will really impact the community and their access to the library,” Simmons said. “We did a lot of community engagement and got a lot of opinions. When it reopens, I think the community will be very pleased.”
NCW Libraries Area Manager Michael McNiel said Simmons’ impact is hard to overstate.
“Cindy knows everyone in her community and she loves people,” McNiel said. “The way she ran the library and the programming she developed was built around her understanding of her community. Because of her longevity at the library, she was able to build relationships over long periods of time.”
“Her legacy is that she has instilled a love of reading, libraries, and lifelong learning in a generation of people in Manson,” he added.
NCW Libraries Executive Director Barbara Walters reflected on their shared history in the system.
“I had the privilege of working with Cindy for nearly 27 years—back when I was working in the IT department and we were both figuring out this ‘internet thing’ together,” Walters said. “Cindy has always met new challenges with curiosity, and a deep commitment to her community.”
Simmons’ pride in her profession and the system she worked in remains strong.
“I so appreciate the library system as a whole—my Library Board members throughout the years and the community, because the community has always been very supportive of our little library,” she said. “The school district too—we’ve worked very well together and supported each other.”
Even in retirement, Simmons continues to advocate for libraries as essential public institutions.
“If people use their libraries, I mean, it’s just so worth it,” she said. “I know people sometimes complain about taxes and everything, but it’s the best bang for your buck that you can get.”
“Libraries are for everyone. Everyone is welcome that comes through the doors,” she added. “It was a great career. It was a great place to work.”
Quinn Propst: 206-923-8706 or quinn@ward.media
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