Ten Sleep Library addition gaining ground

TEN SLEEP –Ground has been broken on an expansion to the Ten Sleep Library. The 20x80 addition, which is to include meeting space, an after-school area, and expanded services for library patrons, is scheduled to be completed by January.

On Oct. 17, the county commission voted to award the project contract to Fox General Construction, even though the bid was $38,000 over the initial, forecasted budget.

With a total project cost of $185,558, the expansion is being financed by a Wyoming Business Council community block grant in the amount of $136,117, an in-kind loan of $14,520 and cash in the amount of $21,929 from the county and a land donation equal to $12,992 from Washakie County School District #2 in Ten Sleep.

The addition, on the north end of the current library, will follow the design and roofline of the current building, adding space for community meetings and events, as well as a place away from the main library for after-school learning.

After reaching a financial crisis in 2016, Washakie County Commissioners stepped in and with help from a grant from Youth Alternatives, was able to transfer the after-school program to the library, under a new director. The program is now called "After the Bell," and hosts students from 3:15 until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday for homework assistance, crafts and games.

The service, which is free to Ten Sleep parents, has provided after school care, activities, and healthy snacks to kindergarten through fifth graders since 2003. Previously, the former Ten Sleep Learning Center rented the old Ten Sleep Fire Hall from Ten Sleep Development for $500 per month, and utilities were paid by the school from the after-school fund.