A Window to the World

By Nicholle Gerharter, Reference Librarian

May 5 , 2010

The more times change, the more they stay the same.  One hundred years ago, Casper residents celebrated the beginning of an era of literacy, learning and community, heralded by the opening of a brand new Natrona County Public Library. 

The library has now served our community for one century, and continues to foster literacy and education as community values.  County residents will have several opportunities to celebrate this milestone, culminating in a large community celebration on May 20th – exactly 100 years after its opening.

 “When the Carnegie library was nearly complete, city and county officials held an open house to celebrate the five years of work involved in creating a free public library.  The ceremony took place on Friday, May 20, 1910, and began with a reception from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the library.  Three hundred people were present, including Mayor Wilson S. Kimball and Library Board Chairman John E. Shulte, both of whom spoke briefly.  The Casper Concert Band performed and the community’s Civil Club served ice cream, lemonade, and cake.  Then a dance took place until 1:00 a.m.  Cut flowers, a rarity in Casper at that time, adorned the library.”

The quote above is taken from “A Window to the World: The First 100 Years of the Natrona County Public Library” by Walter R. Jones.  An author, historian, and Casper native, Jones will unveil his new book at several library events in May.  The book is available for purchase at the library and local bookstores.

Jones will speak at two events on Thursday, May 6, 2010: a brown bag lunch will be held at noon, and an evening presentation at 7:00 p.m. in the library’s Crawford Room.

Learn about the interesting pieces of local history Jones discovered during the five-year process of researching and writing the library’s history, as well as details about the buildings, people, and services unique to the Natrona County Public Library.  An entertaining and informative speaker, an evening with Jones is not to be missed.

Walter Jones will also be the keynote speaker for the 100th Anniversary celebration on May 20, 2010.  The evening will feature an Edible Book Festival, singing by the Yellowstone Harmony Chorus, and a cake cutting ceremony and reception.  Jones will conclude the evening, speaking about and signing copies of his book. Jones’ presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Crawford Room.

Several other authors will join the anniversary celebrations throughout the month of May.  Meet Wyoming author and creator of Sheriff Walt Longmire, Craig Johnson on May 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Casper native C.J. Box will be at the library May 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m to talk about his newest book, Nowhere to Run featuring game warden Joe Pickett. 

John Erickson, author of over 52 “Hank the Cowdog” adventures beloved by kids and adults alike, will be at the library May 13 at 7 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.  To find out more about the library’s 100th anniversary events, call 577-READ, visit www.natronacountylibrary.org, or stop by any library branch. 

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