By Karen Haave
For beloved Peotone Library Director Noreen Bormet, retirement means she finally has a chance to catch up on her reading. Bormet quietly stepped away from her administrative post during the summer, after 24 years in library information science.
“I have always loved reading and visiting libraries,” she said, recalling her earliest connection to libraries. “My mom took us to the Mount Greenwood Branch of the Chicago Library when I was young, and I was hooked. I do not remember ever not having a library card. It’s one of the first things I did whenever I moved to a new home.” 
Having worked in retail, Bormet was familiar with the often-stressful environment that goes along with it.   
“I have worked in retail, and the atmosphere is completely different. Library employees have a helpful non-stressed approach to helping anyone who comes into their building. They want to assist and find the answer to the public’s questions and, of course, help them find their next great read,” she said. 
“The best part (of the job) is to help someone find the answer to a question, help solve a problem and/or find the book that will inspire life-long reading. 
“The hardest part, for me, was the paperwork and reports that kept me in the office, which kept me away from my favorite part of libraries – the people.”
Bormet’s career started at the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District in 2001, as administrative assistant, then head of adult services. She was named director of Peotone Public Library District in 2013.
“During my time at Peotone, the board and staff have been on a mission to create an environment where the public would enjoy spending time. I think we have succeeded,”  she said, adding that “the Chambers of Commerce of both Monee and Peotone have offered great opportunities for the Library. 
“They are great brainstorming and networking resources. The Peotone Public Library District has been a highlight of my career and life,” she continued. 
“Libraries are a remarkable place to work, and every day is a learning experience. I have met and worked with many remarkable people, not only at the library, but also in networking opportunities.”
Succeeding Bormet at the library helm is Sarah Ehlers.
“She has the enthusiasm and experience to continue to serve the communities of the Peotone Public Library District,” Bormet praised. “I know she is a great fit and will share her enthusiasm with the staff and board of trustees.”
Her plans in retirement include family time and personal interests, which sometimes were back-burnered over the years.
“This may sound funny, but I have to catch up on my reading – as they say, too many books, not enough time,” she smiled. “Family time will now be a primary focus, also. I have two adorable granddaughters to spoil, and my mom will be relocating back to Illinois so I will be busy –enjoyably so. 
“On my list also is to dust off my sewing machine and get some quilting projects completed, including a quilt or two for the grandkids.”
Speaking of family, Bormet voiced thanks for their support as she pursued her dream job.
“My family has been very supportive of my educational pursuits and career,” she said.  “Without the assistance of my husband, Dale, and children Allison, Christine, and Phillip, I would not have been able to follow my dream of a library career.”
Bormet graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, in 2007, with a MLIS (Masters of Library Information Science) degree, which she said was made possible by the program offered by RAILS (formerly PALS) Library System.
In addition to serving the library district, she also was elected a director of the Chamber of Commerce of Monee in 2014 and shortly afterwards held the office of secretary until early 2024.
“(They are a) great group of people who care about the businesses. I will miss the wonderful people I have met while working in Peotone. Everyone was so welcoming when I arrived – the board of trustees, staff, and communities in the district all made me feel at home.”