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.

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!