It may be that people whistle while they work, but do they sing? That may have been the question of anyone passing by C.H. Booth Library on Friday, March 20, prior to its 11 am opening. The tune was a familiar one, wafting out of the meeting room: Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” but those words?

“And now, retirement is here / And so I face the final book drop. / My friend, I’ll say it clear / I’m trading boots for a pair of flip flops … much more than this, I did it Ralph’s way!”

More than 20 Booth Library staff members were responsible for the performance (with apologies to the blue-eyed crooner), a serenade to longtime library custodian, Ralph Scogno.

Mr Scogno has been the sole custodian for over 15 years, responsible for overseeing upkeep on the interior and exterior of the building.

He arrived at Booth Library from the New Fairfield school system, he said, in response to a small advertisement. He was looking for a change and liked the hours the library offered: 6:30 am to 3 pm, and no weekends. He was confident his carpenter and mechanic skills would be an asset to the library. He started his job in Newtown on March 21, 1999, and will depart almost 16 years to the day, when he swabs the last floor on March 27.

“The people are great here. It’s been really nice,” Mr Scogno said, as he filled his plate from the buffet (including Mr Scogno’s signature rice pudding) set out to fete his retirement. Seating himself at the head of the table, he was framed not only with well-wishers, but a huge poster behind him declaring “Welcome To Ralph’s Red Letter Day!”

“For the past 15 years, not only has Ralph taken good care of the building, but of the staff and public,” said Brenda McKinley, director of C.H. Booth Library. “We’ll miss him. He’s been a friendly face at the library. He has built relationships with people over the years, and has been an important part of the fabric of the library,” she said.

How much will Mr Scogno be missed? It will take the hiring of two part-time custodians to fill his shoes.

“We’re open over 60 hours a week, plus the staff hours,” Ms McKinley said. Two custodians will allow the library some additional coverage on evenings and weekends, as well.

While library staff continues to toil in the lingering chill of early spring, Mr Scogno and his wife will be off to enjoy retirement.

“I decided to retire while I can still remember people’s names and still walk,” he joked. “We’re moving to Cape Coral, Florida, permanently. Since, 1980, I’ve been going down there every year, and I love it. I’m making up some cards and I’ll be a handyman, when I want. Otherwise,” Mr Scogno said, “you’ll find me on the beach or by the pool.”