Casper Cares, Casper Reads 2005

By Hilery Walker, Community Relations Coordinator

May 18, 2005

Natrona County Public Library will be bursting at the seams with children on May 31 as Casper's first graders gather for Casper Cares, Casper Reads. In its seventh year, this "celebration of literacy" is presented by the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation, an organization devoted to helping children discover the joy of reading.

The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation was established in 1996 by John Jorgensen in memory of his wife Sue. As the former director of elementary education programs at UW/Casper College, Sue Jorgensen was a strong advocate for children's literacy. Jorgensen, who is the foundation's current director, recalls that "she believed that until someone can read, they can't really do anything else." Jorgensen hopes to expand Casper Cares, Casper Reads to "Wyoming Reads" in 2006 - a dream that would have pleased his wife a great deal!

This year 885 students are expected to join in the festivities. The students will be divided into three groups for the event and will enjoy a variety of activities at the both the library and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. NCPL will also issue close to 150 new children's library cards during this time.

John Jorgensen will be at the Nic to present the first graders with books of their very own. With the help of actors from Stage III, Jorgensen will also share a fairy tale about the Good Queen Sue, which he wrote as a tribute to his late wife's commitment to literacy.

Twenty-five community leaders, including Susie McMurry, State Auditor Max Maxfield, former Wyoming Governor Mike Sullivan and his wife Jane, Casper Star-Tribune Publisher Nathan Bekke and his wife Christi, former Ambassador Tom Stroock and his wife Marta and Jane Wold will be volunteering their time as "Celebrity Readers." Stationed around the library, these special readers will share some of the books selected for 2005 Casper Cares, Casper Reads with the students.

This year's book selection includes "Mustang Canyon," by Jonathan London; "Diary of a Wombat," by Jackie French; "The Toughest Cowboy," by Frank John; "My Little Sister Hugged an Ape," by Bill Grossman; "Stellaluna," by Janell Cannon; and "Make Way for Ducklings," by Robert McCloskey. Earlier this spring children had a chance to choose the book they wished to receive. With 225 requests, "My Little Sister Hugged an Ape" was the most popular book, followed closely by "Mustang Canyon" with 216.

To ensure the first-graders' safety throughout the event, sections of the streets surrounding the library and Nic will be blocked off, and the library parking lot will be closed. Normal operations should resume by 2 PM.

Casper Cares, Casper Reads marks the beginning of a fantastical summer at Natrona County Public Library. All young lords and ladies of Natrona County are cordially invited to the library for "Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds," 2005's summer reading program. Teens can "Joust Read!" for the most fabulous prizes in all of the land. Drop by your library soon and celebrate the magic reading has to offer.

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