Wednesday, DECEMBER 3, 2025 |
Photo – Rawlins Library – Bigfoot99 file photo
Governor Mark Gordon declared Monday, December 1st as Carbon County Library System Day.
During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commission Chairman Travis Moore read a proclamation from Governor Mark Gordon acknowledging that the Carbon County Library System’s seven branches ensure that all residents have free and open access to information, technology, and educational programs.
In his proclamation, Governor Gordon wrote that the Library System has served the people of Carbon County for 100 years. To celebrate the organization’s centennial anniversary, Chairman Moore said the Governor declared December 1st as Carbon County Library System Day.
The Board of Commissioners created a similar proclamation, celebrating the Library System for 100 years of dedicated service.
Chairman Moore delivered the Board’s statement.
Following the proclamations, Interim Library System Director Jenita Calton invited the public to attend the centennial celebrations happening at their local branches. Additionally, the Library Foundation is holding an online auction to raise money for the organization. Interim Director Calton presented those in attendance with special commemorative keychains.
Next, Carbon County Public Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers clarified that the celebrations are not for the library system itself, but the commitment the public and county commissioners have shown to it over the past 100 years. Myers also thanked the Library Foundation for sponsoring the centennial events.
The centennial celebrations come at a time when at least two Carbon County libraries are on the brink of closure, Hanna and Medicine Bow. Statewide property tax cuts left the county with approximately $500,000 less to allocate to outside agencies, including museums and senior centers, resulting in a 53% reduction in the Library System’s budget.
Later during Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones noted that she attended the November 19th Joint Revenue Committee meeting in Cheyenne, where state lawmakers discussed additional property tax relief measures. At the meeting, House District 62 Representative Kevin Campbell, addressing Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers, said Carbon County appears to have carried over more than $1 million in revenue into the current fiscal year.
With this in mind, Representative Campbell asked why the Library System remains so underfunded.
Representative Campbell’s assertion came up at Tuesday’s commissioners meeting in Rawlins. Commissioner Jones disputed Representative Campbell’s claims, saying that the $1 million Representative Campbell referred to has been set aside for future emergencies. Jones called it sound financial practice.
The Carbon County Library System’s centennial celebrations begin today with an event at the Encampment branch. Medicine Bow, Rawlins, Elk Mountain, Little Snake River Valley, Saratoga, and Hanna will all host their own events over the next two weeks. Each branch will receive a commemorative plaque and hold a time capsule dedication ceremony. Visit carbonlibraries.org for more information about the individual events.
