Mertz set to leave Custer County Library

Custer County Library has been fortunate over the years to have many effective long-term librarians and Doris Ann Mertz is in that lineage.
Mertz came to Custer in 2011 from Williams, Ariz., where she had been working as a school library resource manager. The library board was looking for someone who could integrate into the community and help the library be a vital point of contact in the community. It succeeded.
Mertz is so involved in the community activities that when someone says “Doris Ann” that is all that needs to be said as nearly everyone one knows the library director.
In reflecting on her time at the helm of Custer County’s two branch libraries, Mertz said the most surprising event was the day a Rav 4 vehicle collapsed a piece of the west wall of the Custer branch library.
“I just didn’t know that a car could hit a building and still drive away,” she said.
Mertz said another aspect of work at the library is insight into Custer County patrons’ taste in reading materials, especially with an older than average population. People here like thrillers, suspense and mystery, she said. Some also like it hot.
Mertz recalled trying to help a little white-haired lady find a novel, when the lady stopped her and said, “I like them a little hot.”
Mertz always strives to meet the community’s literary desires.
The library received the Newport, Tenn., native in part courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service, when her husband, Dave, transferred to Custer to be the natural resource staff officer. Mertz studied forestry resource management at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville before going to work for the Forest Service. While working on a hotshot crew in Ashville she met Bismarck, N.D., native Dave Mertz and her career path changed.
She continued working for the Forest Service after their son Sam was born. After daughter Elizabeth was born she stayed home to care for the children when the challenges of work travel schedules and finding childcare became unmanageable for the busy couple. The family’s path then led them through Tennessee, Kentucky and Arizona before bringing them to South Dakota. The Black Hills was an area they had visited on vacation and which Dave had always liked.
Mertz is ready for new challenges.
“The library is in a good place, the board has strong leadership, the staff is excellent and the county commission has been supportive,” she said. “I am looking for a better work/ life balance since Dave has retired and my dad, back in Tennessee, is facing health issues. I want to have more time for summer travel and be close to family. I am also excited  about being around kids more. They have so much energy and that energizes me!”
Mertz is set to become the library coordinator for the Custer School District. Both the Custer and the Hermosa library branches look forward to working with her and students she will support.
A public reception honoring Mertz and her 11 years of service will be at the Custer Library July 20 from 3-6 p.m.