(From left: State Treasurer Mark Gordon, Lander Library Branch Manager Barbara Oakleaf, Foundation member Mary Wendell, and County Library Board members Jackie Meeker and Barbara Gose at the check passing. Joshua Scheer photo.)

(Lander, Wyo.) – The Fremont County Library Foundation made a number of presentations this afternoon, including a $50,000 donation to the Fremont County Library system. The donation will be put toward the second phase of the Carnegie building’s remodel.

Foundation President John Angst was the emcee for the day. He introduced Wyoming State Treasurer Mark Gordon, who played a role in the presentations.

The day began with the presentation of a book honoring Wyoming Honor Flights, in which some of the state’s World War II veterans were sent to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorial. Each library received a copy of the book.

Gordon then talked briefly, detailing his family’s history in the area. “I’m thrilled to be here,” he said. “I think this is a great library.” He said he could recall memories of concerts in the Carnegie Library during the 1980s.

Angst spoke of various fundraising efforts the foundation has ongoing, including donor trees and “Paint the Future” paint brushes.

Foundation board member Mary Wendel was honored for service, which she will be retiring from next month.

State Librarian Lesley Boughton and State Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander, were also in attendance.

This article can be found at: http://county10.com/2013/05/21/library-foundation-donates-50k-to-the-local-library-system/

Pictures from the Wyoming Reads Celebration in Buffalo, Wyoming. Around 120 first graders enjoyed the afternoon in City Park and received their books.

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On Saturday, May 11, the University of Wyoming presented its highest award, the honorary doctoral degree, upon Sheridan native Nancy Gwinn, director of the Smithsonian Libraries.

Annually, UW alumni, current or former trustees and faculty are eligible to nominate, for honorary degrees, individuals who embody the university’s high ideals; exemplify the values of excellence, service and integrity; and have distinguished accomplishments in their professions or contributions to the sciences, arts, humanities, public service and service to humanity. Submissions are referred to a joint committee, headed by UW President Tom Buchanan, and nominees who receive votes from two-thirds of the committee are recommended for approval.

Gwinn received her Bachelor of Arts in English at UW in 1967. She advanced through increasingly responsible positions at libraries in California and Washington, D.C., and began work at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries starting in 1984. She was named the director in 1997.

Maggie Farrell, dean of libraries at UW, says Gwinn has led the Smithsonian Libraries through significant technological changes that increased the profile of the libraries within the Smithsonian as well as within the profession.

“Once viewed as a special library serving only Smithsonian staff, the Smithsonian Libraries are now considered an international leader in modern library methods, especially in the area of digitization,” Farrell says. “Through (Gwinn’s) efforts, the Smithsonian Libraries are contributing content to critical research projects, ensuring that the American public has access to the deep resources of the Smithsonian Institution.”

As a leader in librarianship, Gwinn has been active in the American Library Association (ALA) and the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Since 2003, Gwinn has held several leadership positions within IFLA, including the Publications Committee and serving on the Governing Board.

Among her publications, two were awarded, respectively, the Waldo Gifford Leland prize of the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association’s Blackwell North American Scholarship Award. Her most recent work has focused on aspects of the joint history of the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress.

Gwinn’s many contributions have advanced national and international librarianship — she was a leader in preservation during a period when libraries transitioned from primarily print collections to a variety of print, micro and electronic collections. Her outstanding accomplishments have instructed librarians and assisted libraries worldwide in developing preservation and digital programs.

“Her work within IFLA and with national libraries attests that she is a global citizen extending Smithsonian collections and assisting libraries around the world to improve access to rich collections that benefit humankind,” Farrell says.

Photo above: Dean of UW Libraries Maggie Farrell with Nancy Gwinn, Director of Smithsonian Libraries, at a special reception on Friday, May 10th in Laramie. 

Patty Myers is retiring after serving nine years as the Campbell County Public Library System director. Her retirement celebration was held on Wednesday, May 1 in Gillette.

In celebration of Law Day, Chief Justice Marilyn S. Kite announced the winners of the 2013 Wyoming Supreme Court Poster Contest.  Nicole Sagner of Chugwater Elementary in Platte County received first place, Titan Edwards of Pioneer Park Elementary in Laramie County received second place, and Madisynn Weber of Manderson Elementary in Big Horn County received third place.  There were over 90 entries and participation from eight different counties.  Accompanying each poster was a one paragraph statement describing how the poster reflected the theme of the contest: Western Justice: Celebrating Our Freedom in Wyoming.  Law day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in this democracy and the importance of jury service to maintaining the integrity of the courts.

“Today marks over 50 years of celebration of Law Day, a day designed to underscore how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all American share. Our poster contest brings together diverse fifth graders from across the state for an exciting opportunity to express their creativity and celebrate this special day,” Kite explained.

The winning posters will be on display at the Wyoming Supreme Court, 2301 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, through the month of May.

Posters, from top to bottom: Top: First Place: Nicole Sagner of Chugwater Elementary in Platte County; Middle: Second Place: Titan Edwards of Pioneer Park Elementary in Laramie County; Bottom: Third Place: Madisynn Weber of Manderson Elementary in Big Horn County.