Dedicated OCS Librarian to Retire After Decades of Service

Dedicated OCS Librarian to Retire After Decades of Service

After more than two decades of serving students through the school library, Doris Feider-Schlenvogt is preparing to retire from her role as librarian.

Doris says she has loved every minute of her work, but this new chapter gives her more time for other things in her life. Her impact on the school library, however, will continue for years to come.

When Doris first came to OCS, the library was not very functional. At the time, she had recently walked through the challenge of teaching English to her son, whom she and Gary adopted from Romania when he was almost five years old.

“I would read and read and read to him,” Doris recalled, remembering her determination to help him build the vocabulary he would need for school.

When she later enrolled her son and daughter at OCS, the library stood out as a place where she could help.

At that time, OCS was still at its Saukville location, and the library consisted of two bookcases in the hallway. Doris organized the books using the Dewey Decimal System, added more shelves, and helped grow the collection. Students once lined up in the hallway to sign paper cards to check out books, and Doris brought those cards home to alphabetize them on her kitchen counter.

Today, the OCS library holds 8,272 books. About 275 books are checked out each library day using the library’s own computer software. Doris built that collection without drawing from the school’s operating budget. Every book was donated or purchased through a grant.

“God has made provisions for us,” Doris said, “that we can have really good solid Christian books for these kids at all grade levels and ages.”

Doris also created library traditions that helped students explore books outside their usual interests. Theme days such as “Paws, Claws, Fur and Feathers” and “Books Starting with B” introduced students to new stories, topics, and authors.

She also worked with teachers to select books that connected with classroom learning, from geography to the Civil War.

Even after retirement, Doris plans to continue serving OCS by writing grants and serving as a board member emerita. And, of course, she will keep reading.

“It’s easier for me to read a book than to watch TV,” Doris said.

Help Move the Library

Beginning May 28, volunteers are needed to help pack and move the school library to the new campus.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the move or applying to serve as a librarian may contact the school office or Chris Bergstresser at `cberg@ozaukeechristian.org`.

Doris’s Top 10 Library Day Themes

1. Spiritual Emphasis Week

2. Around the World

3. In the Beginning, God Created ... Dinosaurs!

4. Praise, Thanksgiving and Gratitude

5. Crafts and Drawing

6. Poetry

7. Black History Month and Other Cultures

8. Books with Red Covers

9. Easter

10. Christmas