Counting Our Blessings

By Brenda Thomson, Community Relations Coordinator

December 30, 2009

Gift-giving is a hallmark of the holiday season.  As the New Year begins, kids of all ages will try out new toys, learn to use technological marvels and sport new sweaters, scarves and socks found under the tree.

Hopefully, as we begin to enjoy our “loot” we will also be grateful for those who gave the gifts. As the holiday season closes and we embark on a new year, it seems a good time to thank those who give of their time and money to make the library an excellent resource for county citizens.

The Natrona County Public Library and those who use it have several blessings for which be grateful.  Some come from people working behind the scenes.  Others are more public gifts.  Some are so silent that most citizens are barely aware of their impact.  Nevertheless, these gift-givers deserve recognition for how they bless our community and specifically, our library.

Like many nonprofits, the public library employs volunteers who faithfully work alongside staff.  They call patrons when a requested book arrives, repair well-worn and damaged books, and perform countless other tasks. 

Friends of the Library volunteers work tirelessly organizing donated books and planning book sales.  These sales perform the dual function of providing low cost books to community members and raising funds to improve the library and its services.  “Thank you” to our Friends and volunteers whose work helps keep the library relevant and useful to our community.

Another group that blesses the library and its users is the NCPL Foundation.  This private 501(c)3 organization raises funds that help the library go beyond basic services available through tax revenues to provide county citizens with programs and materials of true distinction.

This year the Foundation board and its generous donors successfully raised funds for a Wyoming Library Endowment Challenge, receiving matching funds from the State.  In addition, they raised enough private funds to purchase a piece of property as a potential library site.
Though the library trustees do not plan to move forward with a building campaign at this time, this incredible gift will reduce the cost to each and every citizen of Natrona County when it comes time to build a new facility.  “Thank you” to the Foundation and those who contribute financially to its efforts.

A final “thank you” goes out to the citizens of Natrona County.  Without the generosity of voters who approved One Cent #13, the library would have no funds for purchasing new books, movies, CDs, and other resources.  This support allows your library to provide up-to-date and relevant materials for citizens to use.  Such funds are well-spent, as the library purchases one item and many people use it.  Individuals save money, and quality resources are made available for all who need them.

As you can see, the library and the citizens who use it have many blessings to count as the year comes to a close.  Your library will continue to provide the best service and materials possible this New Year, in honor of those gift-givers whose vision, finances, and hard work contribute to the library, and to each citizen who uses it.  “Thank you” and Happy New Year!

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