As 2025 comes to a close, we at the Natrona County Library reflect on a year of creativity, community connection, and challenges that tested our resilience.
Our programs continued to engage and inspire our community. Programs for children, including StoryTimes and a wide range of Summer Reading presenters, nurtured literacy and imagination for young readers, while the Dolly Parton Imagination Library helped our youngest residents build personal at-home libraries.
Hands-on experiences, from crafts to maker activities, provided deeper learning opportunities, and programs for teens encouraged exploration, creativity, and skill-building in a welcoming environment. We were thrilled to be selected to receive a $35,000 grant from the Natrona Collective Health Trust to update our Teen Space, and we are actively gathering input from teens to help shape their future library experiences.
Adult programs such as Reading the West, Books on Tap, and the Women’s Mental Health Book Club offered meaningful conversation and shared experiences. Living Room Conversations created space for neighbors to listen to different perspectives, fostering understanding and thoughtful dialogue without anger or conflict. Patrons of all ages explored Creation Station, taking on creative projects such as CNC design that encouraged innovation and collaboration, while a local organization used The Studio to capture and preserve recordings of personal recollections of Casper from years gone by.
This year also brought its share of challenges. A lean budget required careful prioritization, and public discussion and legislative scrutiny of library materials underscored the importance of sharing accurate information about the vital role libraries play in intellectual freedom and lifelong learning.
Amid these challenges, we celebrated several successes. We expanded our Library of Things, with radon detectors quickly becoming a community favorite. A grant is helping us replace our lift to improve accessibility, and two new privacy pods on the second floor now serve as a Business Center for quiet work and study. We also received a national Big Read grant and will host related community events in early 2026. In addition, we welcomed two new board members, Ivan Anchan and James Worthen, who joined Chris Mullen, Cathy Carr, and Nimi McConigley in guiding the Library’s work.
Perhaps the greatest joy of the year came when two staff members, both of whom had been out on long-term leave, returned to us healthy. Their return was a true reason to celebrate for our Library family.
As we look ahead to 2026, we are grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters, and community members who bring the Library to life every day. Together, we look forward to another year of creativity, learning, and connection.