(Greensburg, IN) – The Greensburg/Decatur County Public Library recently announced the retirement of its longtime bookkeeper.
Steve Brown called it a career after 45 years of service.
“My life journey began July 1, 1981, with the Greensburg Public Library when the late Alice Rust became the new director at the library, and she said to the board, ‘I’m not a bookkeeper and don’t intend to be one.’ She called and asked if I would be interested in being the accountant, and I said yes. That is where it all began.
“I started at the old library and worked two days a month to post all receipts and expenses, handle all payroll, and type out earnings statements for each employee, etc. Each month, you would see me carrying my typewriter, adding machine, and briefcase up to the third floor of the library to go to work.
“We moved to the new library in 1993, and as the years went by, my duties expanded. I was working full-time at BCA when I started, and one day Alice asked me when I was going to retire from BCA. Well, that happened on June 14, 1995, and the Library decided to automate its accounting system and wanted me to take charge,” Brown said. “We put the system in place in January 1996, adding the payroll system two years later, and about 4 years later, we added the time clock.”
During my time, I had six directors, and my duties became more complex with each director: Alice Rust from 1981 to 1997; Kim Porter from 1997 to 2001; Vickie Butz from 2001 to 2008; Andrea
Ingmire from 2008 to 2016; Vanessa Martin from 2016 to 2025, and Brenda Campbell from 2025 to the present. Each one has their own identity, but working with each one was truly a pleasure,” he said. “We worked closely together to ensure the library stayed in good financial condition.”
In November, we hired a young lady to replace me, Nichole Kalinowski, to have hands-on training, and I can ensure the library I leave is in good hands,” Brown said. “Nicole has done a great job in training, and I know she will continue to do great.
I must say the retirement is bittersweet, but a time comes when your mind says yes, but your body says no, you don’t. I love what I do, but at the age of 87, I believe it’s time to slow down
and smell the roses,” he added.
The library says Brown made a lasting impact on all of the staff, whether by greeting them every morning with a smile and asking how they are, having deep conversations, or just by keeping the library financially in check.
“I’ve been working with Steve for 28 years, and I consider him ‘chosen family.'” said Public Services Manager Lori Durbin. “He has taught me a great deal about responsible finance and budgeting, but more importantly, he’s shown me how to be a good person – kind, loving, considerate, and reliable. He’s a wonderful role model.”
“I know I could go to Steve with questions. He was always patient as he explained budgets, spreadsheets, and procedures,” said another staff member.
“Steve always showed up ready to work with a smile on his face and kindness in his heart. No matter what he was doing, he always made time to check on others, wish them a good morning or afternoon, and make sure all finances were taken care of,” said Marketing Coordinator Hannah Hassler. “He will always have a place in my heart.”
Steve, thank you for your hard work, dedication, kindness, and the amazing 45 years you contributed to making the library a smooth-running and better place for the community,” reads a statement from the library. “Enjoy your retirement, and don’t forget to visit us at the library!”
