As the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge draws to a close, Laramie County Library System invites you to help complete The Story Garden—a vibrant, immersive community art project guided by local artist Desirée Brothe.
Centered around the color, imagination, and exploration found in reading and engaging with stories, The Story Garden has invited individuals of all ages to create and contribute to a collaborative art installation that brings these themes to life. Throughout the summer, Desirée has led interactive workshops across all library locations, encouraging participants to discover new ways of connecting with stories through hands-on art-making.
Now, there’s still time to add your voice—and your creativity—to the garden.
On Wednesday, August 6, teens and adults are invited to join Desirée in the Cottonwood Room for a special workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. In this session, you’ll build a miniature bookshelf inspired by a favorite story. Using small boxes with shelves, decorative papers, and a variety of tiny items, you’ll design your own tribute to the worlds and ideas sparked by reading. All materials will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring miniature items of their own. Please RSVP to help ensure we have enough supplies for everyone.
Then, on Saturday, August 16, we’ll come together once more in the Cottonwood Room from 3 to 4 p.m. to celebrate The Story Garden and the many community voices that helped it grow. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the big book and flower elements were created, learn where your recorded stories were shared, and discover the results of the Story Garden scavenger hunt—complete with prizes and small giveaways. The event will wrap up with one final art activity exploring storytelling and imagination, led by Desirée.
The Story Garden is more than a project—it’s a colorful expression of how stories invite us to wonder, to create, and to explore. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this imaginative journey and the community that brought it to life.