Laramie County Library System was honored with the Compassion-In-Action Award from Compassionate Cheyenne in a small ceremony at the library last week. The award, which seeks to recognize organizations or individuals who are helping foster compassion throughout the community, acknowledged the library’s efforts to welcome and support every single member of the Laramie County community. The award extends to all library facilities including the libraries in Cheyenne, Burns, Pine Bluffs, and the Bookmobile.
Ed Boenisch nominated the library in January of 2019 and Beth Howard, a member of the Compassionate Cheyenne working group, presented the award. Howard read from Boenisch’s nomination, stating, “The Library, like many others in the country, has consistently opened its doors to the homeless and those in need of support. The Board of Directors and the Executive Director and all employees have committed to this compassionate service and have made it a priority through staff training. Without this long-term commitment, those in our community who find themselves on the margins would not have these comprehensive services, caring and support.”
Boenisch’s nomination cited the library’s modern computer lab, which provides access to the Internet for individuals from all walks of life; it’s warm, welcoming, and accessible building that provides a safe place during the cold winter and hot summer months; and an abundance of library resources available for free to those in the community. Howard went on to recognize the library’s efforts in serving the community during the COVID-19 crisis by providing contactless pick up of library items and by safely reopening its building.
Executive Director Carey Hartmann accepted the award certificate along with a $100 donation from the Sunrise Rotary Club, with funds provided by RBC Wealth Management. Hartmann said that the award was extremely meaningful for Laramie County Library System and stated, “all employees at the library care deeply about the people that we serve.” She continued that to have the library’s efforts acknowledged during these difficult times provided great meaning for the organization.
Laramie County Library System strives to provide lifelong learning and adventure for its entire community and is honored and delighted to accept this incredible award from Compassionate Cheyenne. The organization will continue to foster compassion and understanding towards everyone who walks through its doors.