Our Vision
To serve as the cornerstone of an informed, connected, and thriving community.
In order to meet the mission and work toward the vision, the Library will focus on the following four goals for FY23 – FY25. These goals will help guide the work and direction of the staff and organization.
- Evaluate library resources, services, and programs and their impact on the local community
- Provide Natrona County a new, more versatile library facility to meet the ongoing and changing needs of our community
- Maintain and build upon the current community-focused service model
- Sustain effective leadership and governance to ensure current and future organizational strength
Our History
In 1905, Casper Mayor, Wilson Kimball, wrote to the Andrew Carnegie library foundation seeking funding for the city’s first public library.
With funding secured, Casper’s new library was completed in 1910 on what was then the edge of town. The building with its classical design cues, high quality masonry, and three domes stood out among the prairie, muddy streets and stick buildings that then made up Casper. It wasn’t long before new surrounding buildings joined the small library, and its contents became too numerous to house.
By the early 1920s, a new design was seamlessly integrated into the original building, adding much needed space for events and collections.
Post World War brought more rapid growth and prosperity to Casper, and a modern addition was opened in 1952.
By the late 1960s, the original sections of the Carnegie building had become obsolete and fallen into disrepair. A good portion of the old building had been relegated to storage. In 1970, the original building was demolished and the final addition we have today was built. On the exterior of the library, visitors can still find remnants of the very first Carnegie library that stood in this same space on the corner of 2nd and Wolcott.