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Home, Far and Away
by Mary O. Fumento
October 2009
“We may sit in our library and yet be in all quarters of the earth.” ~John Lubbock
Regardless of library size, librarians in the state of Wyoming gather annually for the Wyoming Library Association (WLA) conference. Our opinion counts equally as members of this organization whether we are from a rich or poor county. The conference introduces us to people who can solve our daily industry issues. The time is very well-spent, and the knowledge gained is invaluable.
The meeting also gives us a chance to be heard, and our ideas are taken very seriously. In a moment of tremendous Washakie County pride, last week Ten Sleep library branch manager Karen Funk presented Wyoming State Librarian Lesley Boughton with WLA’s Unsung Hero Award. If there is a Wyoming hero around whom all song should resound, it’s Lesley.
Karen had nominated Lesley for her tremendous efforts in organizing the donation of MP3 players and library cards to the many soldiers departing Wyoming for yearlong tours. Over 900 soldiers left with an ever so tangible part of Wyoming in their pockets.
With the library cards, soldiers are able to download audio books to their MP3 players while serving overseas. The Wyoming State Library web site offers more than 4,000 free audio books in addition to periodicals and magazines for library card holders. Lesley's activities help provide Wyoming soldiers with a touch from home and give them a way to stay connected.
Not so ironically, Karen’s son Sam Funk is a sergeant in the Wyoming National Guard, and he has seen his share of overseas duties.
In his nomination letter for Lesley, Sam wrote, “The significance of this is that it helped in showing from home the support of the soldiers, aided in giving soldiers a way to help relieve stress through reading, increased the awareness and utilization of the online archives of the Wyoming State Library.”
Kudos to Lesley and to her brilliant ideas. Thanks to Karen for recognizing her efforts.
It is just one more expression that your library system is ready and willing to contribute to you as a person.
Upcoming Events
Please note the Worland library will be closed Oct. 10-12 for the Columbus Day holiday. The Ten Sleep library will be open on Columbus Day and closed instead on October 16 in conjunction with a school holiday.
Look for the Washakie County Library System’s table at Raising Readers in Wyoming Bookfest and Feast. Join us there! The breakfast fundraiser will be held October 10 from 8:30 – 11 a.m. at the Worland Community Center Complex. The library supports our county community. How can we assist?
Buy your copies of Bill and Carol Wallace’s children’s books at the both libraries now. The Wallaces will be here next week to present at the schools, and the library system is hosting a reception for the authors in Worland on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Please attend and meet them. There is no charge for the event.
Seeking Volunteers
Are you good with numbers? We need you!
The Worland library would like to offer, in cooperation with the IRS, free tax filing assistance from January to April. The IRS will train you as a volunteer, provide all materials, and write you a letter of recommendation. If numbers are your business, this is a great opportunity to market yourself.
To volunteer, please call 347-2353 or email washakiecountylibrary@gmail.com.
Volunteering is just one more way you can help keep our community wonderful
