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.

Click here to review information about the 1% specific purposes sales and use tax election.

Welcoming New Board Member Keyosha Atwater to the Library

Laramie County Library System recently welcomed Keyosha Atwater to its Board of Directors. Keyosha’s first term on the Board will last from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. Board members for Laramie County Library System are appointed by the County Commissioners who are required by Wyoming State statutes to provide library services to their constituents. Individuals who are interested in serving on the Laramie County Library Board must fill out an application and turn it into the Commissioner’s office at least two months in advance to an open position. Every time we welcome a new member to our Board of Directors, we like to offer the community an opportunity to get to know a little bit about them and their goals for Laramie County Library System. Keyosha shared a little bit about herself and her future contributions to Laramie County Library System.

Laramie County Library System’s Strategic Plan For Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023

Laramie County Library System recently concluded its strategic planning process and has released a new strategic plan which includes revised vision, mission, and commitment statements to help the organization meet the needs of the Laramie County community. The strategic plan establishes a direction and vision for future library services, and allows the organization to purposefully plan for the continued expansion and progression of resources, collections, outreach efforts, and more.
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Summer Reading Drawing Prize Winners

Our 2021 Summer Reading Challenge ended on August 16. With thousands of participants, millions of minutes read, and lots of prizes passed out, this year’s challenge was an absolute success! Keep an eye out in the coming months for more activities and reading challenges in Beanstack.

To review a list of our youth, teen, adult, and treasure chest drawing prize winners, please click here.

Senior Outreach Specialist Susan Parkins Receives Excellence in Outreach Award

Senior Outreach Specialist Susan Parkins was recently announced as the winner of the 2021 John Philip Excellence in Outreach Award. The award, sponsored by the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) and Farber Specialty Vehicles, is given to an individual in recognition of their outstanding contributions and prominent leadership to ABOS.
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