Jacqueling Wyatt is going to attend the Commissioners meeting on Monday morning on behalf of Sundance library patrons, her letter is listed below. Your support of the library is greatly appreciated! 

I would like to speak on behalf of (number of) patrons of the Sundance library. At the end of the meeting, I'll leave you with the letter that I'm holding signed by these patrons. 

The undersigned ask that you reconsider the cuts to the library budget that have been proposed.

We all use the library for what everyone probably thinks of first when they think about a library – we check out books. We are among the 1,197 patrons who have checked out 20,194 physical materials from the Sundance library over the last fiscal year. 

In the last fiscal year, 11,090 people walked through the doors of the Sundance library to take advantage of the wide variety of services provided by the library. Many of us participate in the chair-based exercise class held two days a week in the Sundance library. These classes get high marks from local healthcare providers. We use the notary services provided by the library, we participate in craft nights, we use the computers, we attend evening programs offered by the library on topics ranging from Wyoming and local history to musical and other cultural enrichment. 

We observe how children and teens feel welcome and valued at the library, and firmly believe that encouraging these young readers will ensure not only that they are better students but also that they will grow into informed, healthy, contributing adults. 

Moreover, we can all attest to the professionalism and care with which the staff of the library do their jobs. Words that come to mind include helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and resourceful.

After I began to circulate this, it was noted that I hadn’t mentioned the value of the library to children and young families. Jamie Jessen shared her thoughts with me: The Sundance public library is a vital part of our community. For families, they offer socialization, education, experiences like S.T.E.A.M. and so much more for both the parent and the children. Creating lasting relationships with the librarians is something that children will never forget. Building literacy in children is something that will move with them through their entire lives. Limiting library resources would be detrimental to the kids and our community. 

I will close by asking that you make sure your budgeting process reflects the value that your constituents place on the library system in Crook County.

 Jacqueling Wyatt on behalf of: