BUCYRUS — In the summer of 1970, a charming love story began to blossom amidst the aisles of the Bucyrus Public Library.
Richard Wert, accompanied by his sister, ventured into the children’s department where Cindy Ulmer, a young librarian, caught his eye for the first time.
Despite their initial differences – he a country boy and she a city girl – a spark ignited between them as they were formally introduced.
Little did they know, this encounter would mark the beginning of a beautiful journey together.
A week later, serendipity intervened when Richard’s cousin’s girlfriend (now wife), Pam, who also worked at the library, played cupid by introducing Richard to Cindy. Their first hangout at the Calvary Baptist Church paved the way for a blossoming romance.
Despite their young ages of 21 and 19 respectively, their love flourished, leading them to tie the knot on June 5, 1971.
Over their 53 years of marriage, their union has been blessed with three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, forming a legacy of love and family.
Cindy worked at Bucyrus Public Library as the Children’s Librarian from 1968-1973, before the large second addition was added to the library. During this time, library staff moved books from the first floor to the second by using a dumbwaiter.
After serving as the Children’s Librarian, Cindy worked as a teacher’s aide and then as a librarian at Wayside Christian School for several years.
To this day, Cindy works with the library at her church and would have loved to have gone to school to be a librarian. She loves the way books feel and smell.
As Cindy immersed herself in the world of books as the Children’s Librarian, Richard pursued a career at North Electric before transitioning to ITT in Galion and later Silverline Windows in Marion, where he retired.
Both natives of Bucyrus, they found solace in each other’s companionship, residing in Richard’s childhood home.
Fond patrons of the library, Cindy’s passion for reading and Richard’s newfound love for literature reflect the essence of their shared journey.
Though she is no longer the Children’s Librarian, Cindy is still very involved in the library. She participates in Food Fanatics, the library’s cookbook club, which meets the first Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m.
In addition, she facilitates Sit & Stitch which meets every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Previously, she led the Mystery Book Club for a number of years.
When not browsing the Western section, Richard can be found attending the same programs as Cindy, evidence of their devotion and support of each other.
Their advice for young couples resonates with the wisdom of years lived together — a marriage is not about halves, but wholes, where laughter, resilience, and unwavering commitment form the pillars of enduring love.
“This idea of a marriage being 50/50, you’re already basically telling the other person you don’t have all of me,” Cindy said. “And that’s what a marriage is, that two people become one, and so if you’re starting out 50/50 you’re not one, you’re two individuals, distinct individuals.
“Once you give that 100 percent you become one.”
Do you have a Bucyrus Public Library love story? Email communications manager Kaylene Love at klove@bucyruslibrary.org to share your story.