Ten Sleep Library earns national recognition

WORLAND (WNE) —The Ten Sleep Branch Library has received one of the most prestigious awards a library can receive in the nation: the 2025 National Medal of Museum and Library Service, the Institute of Museum and Library Services recently announced.

Although a school library in Lyman and Buffalo’s Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum both received the award in years past, the  Ten Sleep Library is the first public library in Wyoming to receive the award, according to  Washakie County Library System Director Karen Funk. 

“A long time ago I gave a presentation in Cody at the request of the state librarian,” she said. “I remember saying ‘Small libraries can do big things,’ and I guess that has happened.”

The IMLS selected 10 recipients for the award – five libraries and five museums nominated from across the country – and the little library in Ten Sleep made the list.

“Ten Sleep Branch Library (Ten Sleep, WY) provides a combination school and public library that serves the Town of Ten Sleep and the outlying ranching and farming community. The library offers a variety of programs including craft workshops, book discussions, Creative Aging programs for senior citizens, story hours for young children, reading programs, and after-school programming for youth,” reads a statement on the IMLS web page where results are posted. 

The library was nominated for the award by U.S. House Representative Harriet Hageman.

“I don’t know how she came up with us, but it’s pretty amazing,” Funk said.

This story was published on Feb. 26, 2026.