The Park County Library System has been ramping up its outreach recently.

On Feb. 6 Park County Library System Executive Director Karen Horner revealed the second annual report on the system and its accomplishments.

“It’s important to show the county what we're doing with taxpayer dollars,” she said. “It highlights some of the fun things we've done this year.”

Last year was the first full year for the system’s new library outreach van, which was present at many community events, from the fair to the farmers markets to “all the parades,” she said.

“We have a wonderful community and people really love their library and it's shown with the stats we've done,” she said.

The van took part in 118 outreach events.

Last year also saw the opening of the Powell StoryWalk and Horner said they’ve heard nothing but great things about it.

The library has a broad reach. Last year there were 16,982 library card holders in the county, 189,324 total visits and 2,828 meeting room reservations. 

Other new events the library introduced:

A toddler table made by the local high school wood class.

With help from the Friends of the Cody Library and the Park County Library Foundation, Powell now has a meeting room pod and Cody a new room, the Moose Room.

A larger book drop-off was installed by the Building and Grounds Department in Cody.

All three libraries introduced binge boxes, which allow people to borrow up to eight movies.

The Books Beyond Boundaries program was launched, providing library materials for residents unable to visit due to disability or illness.

Cody library director Nicholle Gerharter was named assistant director.

“We like to stay busy,” Horner said. “The staff is amazing — this is by far the best staff I’ve ever worked with.”

Park County Library Foundation vice chair Geoff Baumann noted what Horner has done to lead the way.

“It’s a pleasure to work with her,” he said. “There's always something new.”

For the full report, visit parkcountylibrary.org/2024/02/06/pcls-annual-report-2023/.