Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Friends of the Washakie County Library members accept a check for $3,000 as runner-up for the Carol Mead Literacy Award. Accepting the check are (l-r): George Sheaff, Angela Leone, Carol Sheaff, Kim Birchfield, Karen Funk, Bonny Tyrrel, Alisa Martin, Jenny Fabela, Laura McDonald, Kathi Morrison, Georgette Heller, Bonnie Nickelson, Jodie Hoffman, Brianna St Clair and presenting the check for the Carol Mead Literacy Award group is State Senator Jeff Wassenburger.
WORLAND - Friends of Washakie County Library were selected as the runner-up for Carol Mead Leaders in Literacy Award and received a certificate and $3,000 to support the construction of a new library in the county.
The award was presented to the Friends of Washakie County Library Board by State Senator Jeff Wassenburger on Thursday, May 6.
According to a release from the University of Wyoming, who administers the award, board secretary Laura McDonald nominated the group. Friends of Washakie County Library has supported literacy by sponsoring the annual Read Across America celebration in its libraries, by providing free reading materials at locations, such as community centers and Little Free Libraries installed in local parks, and also by providing nearly $20,000 the last decade to support literacy projects and scholarships in small communities.
McDonald said this is the first year they sought the award. She said exactly what the $3,000 will go toward is uncertain and will be determined once the move is complete this summer. She said the Friends want to see exactly what might be needed in the new library on Big Horn Avenue.
The winner this year of the Carol Mead Leaders in Literacy Award, receiving a plaque and $4,000 was John Jorgensen, founder of the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation & Wyoming Reads.
According to a release from the University of Wyoming, John Jorgensen has demonstrated a passion for promoting literacy not only in Natrona County, but also across Wyoming and outside the state. He first established the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation in 1996, in honor of his late wife, to commemorate her commitment to literacy and books. His work expanded statewide in 2006 with Wyoming Reads. Each year, the program gives the state's first graders the opportunity to choose one of six hardcover books free to take home. Nearly 7,500 Wyoming first graders received a book in 2019, and the program has grown to include other states, including Oregon and Minnesota.
Any Wyoming citizen, organization, business or community may be nominated for the Carol Mead Leaders in Literacy Award. Accomplishments that are noted should reflect contributions made in Wyoming that exemplify a commitment to the literacy development of Wyoming citizens.
Previous Leaders in Literacy recipients will not be eligible for nomination in the following year, but nomination of previously unselected nominees will be encouraged. Award recipients will be eligible to re-apply after a five-year period has passed.
Award winners will be announced at the Wyoming Business Alliance meeting in November in Cheyenne.
