Wyoming Library Association

Wyoming libraries are more than just books!

Happy Wyoming Reads Day! Since the inception of the Wyoming Reads celebration of literacy, approximately 133,000 hardcover books have been given to Wyoming’s first-graders. In 2024, Wyoming Reads became a state recognized commemorative day.

Have some free time this weekend? Do you love libraries? Well then do we have the thing for you! The Ten Sleep Branch Library, recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, will be on Wyoming PBS! You'll have FOUR chances to watch their interview. Too busy? We'll let it slide this time, but only because it'll be on YouTube after it airs. Make sure to check it out!

This week-long celebration of National Library Workers Day has been something truly special. Over the past several days, we’ve shared 36 posts and stories highlighting library workers from across Wyoming, each one offering a glimpse into the passion, creativity, and dedication that make libraries such essential community spaces.

To every library worker who took the time to share their story: thank you. Your words reflect the heart of this profession: welcoming communities, supporting learning, sparking curiosity, and making everyday connections that matter more than they may ever know.

To our Facebook community: thank you for following along, celebrating, commenting, and supporting library workers and libraries throughout this week. Your engagement helps shine a light on the incredible impact libraries have across the state.

And to all library workers everywhere, whether featured this week or working behind the scenes, you are deeply appreciated. This celebration may span just one week, but your impact lasts all year long. 📚

-WLA

Sarah Rhodes, Supervisor of Library Services at the University of Wyoming Libraries, has worked in libraries for about 20 years, beginning as a student employee at UW Libraries while starting college. She later spent a few years at the Albany County Public Library before returning to UW, where she has been a staff member for the past 12 years.

In her current role, Sarah manages most journal subscriptions, both physical and electronic, and enjoys seeing the entire process from start to finish. From working with vendors on pricing to ensuring final access for patrons, she appreciates the detailed behind-the-scenes work that makes library resources available.

For Sarah, it feels a lot like magic: making complex systems come together so patrons can access the information they need. 📚

Thanks for bringing that magic to libraries, Sarah!

Kimee Wilder, Operations Manager at the Albany County Public Library, approaches every question with curiosity and collaboration. When she doesn’t know the answer, her response is simple: “Let’s find an answer together.”

She sees librarians as wayfarers: guides helping their communities navigate the vast world of information. Kimee has long been inspired by the way librarians move through life with curiosity and a commitment to discovery, and she is proud to now be part of that profession herself. 📚

Thanks for being curious, Kimee!

Kim Foster of the Branch Library was inspired to work in libraries because of her love of books and everything they contain. For her, libraries are peaceful places where people can meet new friends, learn about almost any topic, and connect with their community.

One part of the job she especially enjoys is organizing library materials. Bringing order to the collection is deeply satisfying and helps ensure patrons can easily find what they need. Kim also finds joy in helping visitors, whether answering an IT question, locating a book, or helping a child get their very first library card.

For Kim, the best part of the job is the atmosphere. The library is simply a wonderful place to be, and she looks forward to coming to work each day. 📚

Thanks, Kim!

Susan Parkins, Mobile Library & Homebound Coordinator for the Laramie County Library System, says library outreach truly is the best job ever. For the many people who can’t make it into a library building, outreach brings the library directly to them, meeting people where they are.

Susan has been with her library for 37 years, including 25 years dedicated to outreach. She oversees mobile library services and homebound delivery, and being out on the road providing access to library materials and services for those who might otherwise go without brings her great joy.

From the excitement on children’s faces when the bookmobile arrives to the gratitude of seniors receiving their books, Susan sees every day how meaningful outreach can be. She’s especially excited as the library welcomes a brand-new mobile library this month, which will help expand services and reach even more members of the community. 📚🚐

Thanks for hittin' the road to help your community, Susan!

Rhonda Carter, Assistant Librarian at the Ten Sleep Branch Library, says the best part of her job is working with children. Each week, local elementary students visit the library for library time, and she loves helping them discover books they’ll truly enjoy.

Rhonda also helps run the After the Bell program, where she gets to spend even more time having fun and learning with the kids. She enjoys creating engaging programs and eye-catching displays that make the library an exciting place to explore. And, she adds, having wonderful coworkers makes the job even better! 📚

Thanks for everything you do, Rhonda!