Jim's Retirement

A few years ago I had the great privilege of serving as Chairperson of the Oregon State Library Board of Trustees. This meant that once in a while Jim would call me with an issue about which he needed to inform the Chair and maybe ask for some input or direction. I remember thinking, more than once during these calls, "There is something seriously twisted in a world where Jim Scheppke is asking Doug Henrichs for advice. About anything."

When it comes to listing Jim's many successes, as have been done in these messages, I can only nod and say, "Yes. Those and many more." But here is what I am just as much impressed with: Jim's failures, disappointments and opposition. Or, more accurately, his handling of them. Make no mistake, he has taken his lumps. Not every new program or library district or tax measure he pushed, succeeded. And for all the fans he has, he also has some detractors. Ignorant, posturing politicians. Disgruntled staff (and even some staff that I thought were gruntled.) A goofy board member. Or two…. And here is what he does: He listens. Steps back. Takes a breath. Considers. And reconsiders. Adjusts, if needed. And moves ahead. For me, this is one of the most impressive things about Jim Scheppke. I intend to be more like him when I grow up.

Here is something else about Jim. A life spent in curiosity has resulted in somebody who knows a lot of stuff. (When you put that on the poster, remember I said it.) Books. Literature. Poetry. Libraries, past, present and future. Yes. But also, Music. Technology. Cars. People. Sports. Architecture. History. Food. You name it. And for all he knows, he will be interested in what you know. And he's funny, to boot. If you can't have an interesting conversation with Jim Scheppke then give it up.

Finally, I will, with great pleasure and sincerity, say what I have heard him say about others, "He's a really good guy."

Thanks for everything, Jim.

Great Regards,

Doug Henrichs

Thank you Jim!

Jim,

Thank you for your dedication to Oregon libraries! Your support of our District formation in Deschutes County has had a huge impact in our ability to enrich lives! Your vision for increased shared services helped lead to great cooperative services between Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement!

Todd Dunkelberg,
Library Director
Deschutes Public Library

Many thanks

Jim,

As a current librarian and a retired teacher, I have valued your support of both public and school librarians. You have tirelessly advocated for library professionals and support staff throughout the state.

As one who has worked in TBABS, I appreciate your support of the program to expand the services that Oregon offers while still keeping the cost to the State manageable. You have also encouraged staff to find more efficient and more functional tools with which to do their jobs. On the national level, for years you actively promoted providing downloadable books to the blind and visually impaired, long before they were available to public libraries.

As a citizen of Oregon, I especially want to thank you for your support and advocacy of the creation of new public libraries and library districts throughout the state. As one result of this, Alsea, the small Oregon town in which I live, has a wonderful and truly functional building which meets many of our community needs in addition to housing a spacious, beautiful, and much appreciated library as a branch of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library System.

You have truly lived up to the title “State Librarian.”

And on a personal level, Jim, I cheer your advocacy of Apple computers! And all the devices that have followed!

Enjoy your retirement—you have definitely earned it.

All the best,

Carolynn

Your amazing State Library career!

Jim,

I want to thank you for being such an amazing and approachable Oregon State Librarian!

While serving on the OEMA Board and getting to know you and Ann through the Candalaria PTA, your continuous support of literacy and the Oregon Battle of the Books program has led me to understanding how deep your passion truly is. May you find many new niches in your upcoming retirement to foster your keen insight and quiet sense of humor.

Fondly,

Libby Hamler-Dupras

Jim's virtual retirement party

Dear Jim,

I sat down to write an email to tell you that our library was chosen as one of Library Journal's Star Libraries of America. And that's when I realized that you really are going to retire. While I am delighted for you, and your family, I am feeling quite sorry for myself. To whom shall I brag now?

Thank you for answering your phone, for supporting the little libraries too, for believing that Oregon Libraries are great (and they are), for making me feel like I want to be the best library director possible because you believe(d) I could be. Somehow, you even quietly made me know that I have to keep moving ever forward (no matter how much I dislike all things technical) so that Port Orford Public Library is always able to meet the needs of the community it serves.

I will miss your wonderful voice--the way it sounds and the sounds it makes. You are my star librarian. Congratulations!

Fondly,

Tobe

Port Orford Public Library

Congratulations

You are ever a voice of calm and reason in a room full of crazed school librarians. I have appreciated your wise insight, your thoughtful approach to every situation, and your ability to help the people around you work harder and more effectively. I'll think of you every time peach season rolls around!

I hope retirement treats you well. You've earned it.

Cheers,

~Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn

K-8 District Media Coordinator, Library Services
Gresham-Barlow School District

Best wishes for your retirement!

Jim – I hope your retirement years bring great joy and good health. I’ve learned a great deal from you and your team over the past four years.

Thank you!

Jaime

Jaime Hoard
Senior Program Officer
U.S. Libraries

Many Thanks

Jim, thanks for your outstanding leadership as Oregon State Librarian and within the Oregon library community. I especially value the way you worked with the Oregon Legislature to make significant improvements in the delivery of library services in every corner of our state. I also appreciate the guidance you gave to the State Library Board of Trustees and to your excellent staff.

Best wishes to you as you start a new chapter in your life's story.
--Cliff Trow

Kim Stafford comment

Jim,

I was one of many to benefit from your encouragement to apply for LSTA funds to serve library patrons in Oregon. A humble poet, I had not imagined my work might find a place in the daunting world of grants and statewide service, but with your hospitable perspective and broad welcome, I worked with others (tremendous help all around) to create a traveling program to mount literary programs in "sixteen rural and remote" Oregon communities, where "libraries will serve as studios for cultural creation, not warehouses for completed work." That work was my finest professional hour! I am proud to have been part of your benevolent reign as our monarch of generous service to one and all. As you remember Cornelia Marvin Pierce, and built on what she wrought, we will build on what you helped us be together.

While a multitude of wranglers struggled to top one another
in the capitol building under the golden pioneer,
you carried on unhurrried the long kindness of the book
in the cathedral, the tribal hall, the guild of thinkers
that we call a library, a state of grace in a crazy world,
and with a big Texas view for our little Oregon
you tipped the levers that opened a thousand hands
and offered talking books, traveling books, the food and grace of service
to the hearts and minds of this lucky place.

With gratitude,

--Kim Stafford
Lewis & Clark College

Thank you for your service

Jim – Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you all the best as you move into this next chapter. Thanks for your service to public libraries in Oregon and for our partnership over the years.

Best Wishes,

--Jill Nishi Deputy Director
U.S. Libraries & Special Initiatives