Wyoming Reads
May 16, 2006

For the past 7 years the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation has annually presented hardbound books to Natrona County first graders during Casper Cares, Casper Reads. Many students also receive their first public library card at this festival. The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation now has a vision to expand this program throughout Wyoming.

Wyoming Reads Book List 2006

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
• Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Tough Boris by Mem Fox
• Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert

Wyoming Reads Downloads

1) Timeline of activities (Microsoft Word document)
2) Library Card Distribution Tips (Microsoft Word document)
3) Book Order Form Sheet (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet)
4) Area Coordinator Letter to Teachers (Microsoft Word document)
5) Notecards (PDF document)
6) Stationery (PDF document)
7) Sample News Release (Microsoft Word document)

Wyoming Reads Governor's Proclamation

Wyoming Reads Newsletters

Read the Governor's Proclamation

Participating Counties and Points of Contact

Library Cards

Video/DVD

Related Sites

• Casper Cares, Casper Reads
• Klamath Cares, Klamath Reads
  Klamath Falls, Oregon
• My Book Day
  Sponsored by Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club
  Eden Prairie, Minnesota

For More Information, Please Contact:

The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation History

The Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation was created in 1996 to benefit libraries and advance the cause of childhood literacy in Wyoming. After making a significant contribution of books to the library of her children's elementary school, the foundation learned of a community that held an annual drive to raise enough money to give every first grade child a book to encourage early enthusiasm for reading. With the support of local teachers, administrators, and parents, the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" project was born.


A steering committee of teachers, librarians, school administrators and parents was formed in January 1999. Six hardback books of varying reading levels were selected to be distributed to each first grade classroom in the school district. Each student then had the opportunity to select the book of their choice. Orders were compiled and placed through an independent local bookstore. In June 1999, all of the Natrona County School District first graders gathered on the campus of Casper College for the very first CC/CR festival. One of the many exciting aspects of this program is that it benefits all children -from great readers to those who are just "breaking the code," from those with veritable libraries of their own to those without a single book in their home.

John Jorgensen leads this group of extraordinary educators and civic leaders. John established the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation and the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" celebration to honor his late wife's commitment to literacy and books. "She was always very dedicated to children and to literacy," says John. "She believed that until someone can read, they can't really do anything else." This is the vision fueling this important community enterprise.

Wyoming Reads Contributors