Celebrating Ann Honchell's Story

Libraries are full of stories. And librarians, well, they’ve got plenty of stories as well. New Castle Branch Manager Ann Honchell talks fondly of New Castle, and all the people she’s come to know over the last few decades. “It’s the first place I’ve ever worked that I saw a goat in a tutu!” she said while chuckling and showing a library photo album. Sure enough, she’s even got a picture of that goat from one of the Burning Mountain Days parades.


Ann started her library career as Branch Manager at the Westminster Branch of the London Public Library in London, Ontario in Canada in 1981. After a decade, Ann and her husband moved to Colorado, and she began working at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library. She soon became Assistant Branch Manager in New Castle. But in 1997, she moved to Wisconsin with her husband. “The Wisconsin winters proved too much for this Canadian girl” she said about moving back to Garfield County in 2004. She again began in Glenwood Springs before ending up as the Branch Manager in New Castle in 2006.


Over the years, Ann has been a part of many efforts to help in the community. She has served on the Rifle Animal Shelter board, and put together a team for Literacy Outreach’s “Spellebration” event every year she’s been here. “We have never won the first prize, but we have had a lot of fun in the process of raising money for a good cause.”


It’s clear that Ann’s dedication over the years has strengthened the community. Recently retired Branch Manager of the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, Pat Conway said of Ann “I have always especially appreciated the way she can strike up a conversation with any customer and ensure they feel welcome in the library. She loves to chat about books and recommend a good read. She cares about people so she takes time to talk with them and share a good laugh where appropriate.”


Ann described the pinnacle of her career as when a long time library patron came up to her at a library concert and told Ann that her daughter became a librarian because of Ann’s example. “I really love my job,” said Ann “it’s the human connection.”


On Friday, Ann Honchell will be retiring for the library to return to her native Canada. There she will be closer to her family. “It’s going home for me,” said Ann “I’m excited about getting my hands on my grandson.” But when asked if she will be able to stay retired in Canada, Ann responded “I love libraries so much that I can’t picture it not being a part of my life.”


A reception in Ann’s honor will be held on Friday, Sept. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Castle Branch Library. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to attend. Please join us to celebrate the career of this dedicated and fun librarian.

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