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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - Jeri Miltenberger is the longest-serving public librarian in the Northwest Territories.

She has been head librarian at Fort Smith's Mary Kaeser Library for 23 years.

Jeri Miltenberger has been working as a public librarian in Fort Smith for 23 years. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

However, Miltenberger plans to retire from the half-time position sometime this year.

"I'm just thinking that 23 years in one job is enough," she said.

The 54-year-old has no specific plans about what she will do afterwards, but said she might pursue her interest in the arts a bit more.

Miltenberger was born in B.C. and raised in B.C. and Alberta.

She came north to Fort Smith more than 30 years ago after meeting her husband, who is from the community, while attending the University of Lethbridge.

"Moving up here, it never occurred to me that you would live in one place for so long as I've lived here," she said.

She described herself in university as a "science geek" who had plans to study medicine.

"But I always had a soft spot in my heart for books and reading and literature," she said.

Before becomimg a local librarian, she worked in a number of jobs in Fort Smith - at a young offenders facility, as a weaver, as a picture framer and in various crafts.

Miltenberger said being a librarian has provided a lot of satisfaction.

"There have been enough changes to keep me interested," she said, adding that includes what the library offers and its clientele.

The Mary Kaeser Library provides many services, she said, listing recreational reading material, educational information, a social gathering place and even a safe haven.

"As long as you respect others, you're welcomed in the building," she said.

While she said the number of people coming into the library is still very high, Miltenberger said the number of books being checked out has decreased significantly over the years, especially among teens and preteens who may be more interested in video games and home computers.

"We provide a valuable resource to the community," she said. "I think that there would be a gap in the community without the library here."

Miltenberger is also involved in the community in other ways, particularly as chair of the board at Northern Life Museum.

"A museum is an important thing for a community," she said. "It helps give a community a sense of itself."

She also teaches yoga classes.

Plus, she is involved in the arts community, including painting and attending various workshops.

"I do a lot of that stuff, but none of it really well," Miltenberger said.

She is married to long-time Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger, a former Fort Smith mayor who is currently serving as deputy premier, minister of finance, and minister of environment and natural resources.

Being the wife of such a prominent politician presents a number of challenges.

"Most of the time it's great," Jeri Miltenberger said. "There are always people who take you to task for that."

That might involve people stopping her in the grocery store to talk politics or deliver a message for her husband.

Miltenberger has also had to adjust to the fact her husband is often in Yellowknife or travelling on government business.

"I'm used to it after all this time," she said, adding her friends and family are very supportive when her husband is away on work.

They have been married 33 years and have one daughter and two grandchildren.

Miltenberger said she has enjoyed her time in Fort Smith, noting she has learned a lot and had opportunities in the community that she would not have found elsewhere. "It's been very enjoyable living here."