Mary Gillgannon Retires from Laramie County Library System

Mary Gillgannon, Laramie County Library System’s Fiction Collection Development Coordinator, retired at the end of April after a 32-year career with the library. Mary began working at the Central Ave. library in the spring of 1990 as a Circulation Desk Assistant. After ten years, she moved into a new position assisting with the library’s Fiction Collection Development. She took on additional responsibilities when she began her role as a Senior Circulation Assistant and in 2006 Mary was promoted to the Fiction Collection Development Coordinator.
Read More

Seed Library of Laramie County is Open for the 2022 Growing Season

The Seed Library of Laramie County is open and ready to grow! Check out up to 12 packets of seeds from the Seed Library, located at Laramie County Library, and take them home to begin planting your own garden. There are over 170 varieties of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and every seed has been carefully chosen for its ability to thrive in Wyoming’s climate. The service and seeds are free to Laramie County residents and do not require a library card for use.
Read More

Books Coming to the Screen in 2022

With all the streaming services and Hollywood looking for content, there are quite a number of books coming to the screen in 2022. Check out this helpful list to find your new favorite book-based movie or T.V. show.
Read More

Hiring and Training New Employees at Laramie County Library System

Ever wonder what it takes to work at the oldest continuously operating county library system in the United States? Now is your chance to catch a peek!

Jeff Collins, Deputy Director of Public Service, wrote a feature article published in the most recent issue of Public Libraries magazine. The article, Constructing a New Employee Training Program, provides an overview of developing a universal training program for new library employees and is intended to provide information and best practices for libraries of all sizes. Readers can catch a glimpse of how Laramie County Library System hires and trains new employees to provide exceptional public service.

Public Libraries, published six times a year, is the official journal of the Public Library Association (PLA) and the only American Library Association (ALA) journal devoted exclusively to public libraries. Each issue includes important industry news, PLA and ALA updates, and columns and feature articles that offer strategies and ideas for the library profession.

Source: Collins, J. (2021). Constructing a new employee training program. Public Libraries, 60 (6), 20-25.

Laramie County Library System’s Rachael Svoboda Receives Wyoming Library Association’s Outstanding Librarian Award

Laramie County Library System’s Business Services Coordinator Rachael Svoboda received the Wyoming Library Association’s 2021 Outstanding Librarian Award. Given to an individual who utilizes innovative thinking and planning to implement special projects and makes significant contributions to the library and wider community, the award acknowledges a Wyoming library employee who has gone above and beyond in providing services and resources to the community. Rachael’s work to secure funding for and implement the Wyoming Library to Business program was one of her many incredible contributions to the community this year, and her dedication to providing comprehensive business services to anyone who needs them made her an exceptional candidate for the prestigious award.

Ring in 2022 with Virtual New Year’s at Noon

It’s time for our annual New Year’s at Noon! This year we will be counting down to noon at home with fun crafts and projects. You can pick up a New Year’s at Noon activity bag from the second floor anytime between December 27 and December 30 during library hours.

Be sure to join in the countdown from home with our virtual balloon drop and ring in the New Year (virtually) with Laramie County Library!

3D Printing, Video Production Studio, and Specialized Computers

Laramie County Library System has launched the beginning of its Makerspace with two 3D printers, a video production studio, and specialized computers in its Cheyenne facility. The new services provide the community with access to advanced technologies that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from personal projects to marketing for small businesses.

Hogwarts House Cup Beanstack Challenge Drawing Prize Winners

And the House Cup goes to . . . Gryffindor!

The winner of the Hogwarts House Cup Challenge was the house where dwell the brave at heart; as a group, they read the most minutes per participant to secure this year’s House Cup trophy. Gryffindor came in first with 124 points, Hufflepuff second with 93 points, Ravenclaw third with 68 points, and Slytherin fourth with 42 points. Across all four house, participants read over 250,000 minutes!

Gryffindor’s banner will be displayed alongside the Hogwarts House Cup on the 2nd floor of the library until next year’s challenge.

Mike Kamber Appointed as Library’s IT Manager

Laramie County Library System is excited to announce that Mike Kamber, a long-time employee of the library, has been hired as the organization’s Information Technology Services Manager. In his new role, Mike will oversee the management of software, telecommunications, and hardware throughout all three library facilities. He will also ensure that the library provides patrons and employees with access to cutting-edge technology while protecting the organization by adhering to the latest cybersecurity recommendations and innovations.

1% Specific Purposes Sales and Use Tax Election

The Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax (often referred to as SPOT) provides a way for voters to approve local projects that will be paid for with a one cent sales tax. Unlike bonds, this tax does not put governing bodies in future debt by making improvements today. Most Specific Purpose Sales and Use Taxes have taken three to five years to collect, at which point the extra penny drops off until the voters see another need for improvement in their community.

There are 14 propositions (74 items) on the ballot that will be presented to the voters on November 2, 2021. Please review the informational brochure linked below for more information on this year’s proposed projects.

Sit. Read. Think.