Several outstanding Wyoming library professionals were honored for their hard work and dedication to excellence at the Wyoming Library Association’s (WLA) Awards Banquet held at the 2025 WLA Conference in September.
2025 Outstanding Librarian Award-LaDonna Leibrich, Sheridan High School For 21 years, LaDonna has fostered creativity and imagination to students at Sheridan High School, tirelessly providing them with the best resources for their learning. Described as being helpful, having a smile that brings joy, and always being willing to listen, both students and staff recognize her as a tireless, hardworking, and vital part of their school.
“My joy is connecting young adults with books that will build a passion for reading. I never stop reading or trying to connect students with their next great book,” said LaDonna of her work as a librarian.
Wyoming Library Association 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award-Anita Marple, Fremont County Library System (FCLS)
Anita began working at the Lander Library in Fremont County in 2011 and became the branch manager in 2017. She has been the library director at the FCLS since 2021.
“From my earliest memories of going to the library with my family to each morning walking into my office at the Lander Library, I have always experienced this sense of possibility that libraries represent,” said Anita. “My life continues to be enriched and expanded by reading, researching, and exploring—fueled by the people and resources of the library.
Wyoming Library Association 2025 Outstanding Hero/Heroine Award-Caitlin White, Albany County Public Library (ACPL)Caitlyn began as a volunteer at the ACPL, and she was hired as the Public Relations Specialist in 2012 and the part-time Foundation Director in 2013. After growing the organization, her role increased full-time in 2016.
“This award represents the steadfast dedication of the Legislative Committee and our coalition of supporters,” said Caitlyn. “This year has been busy, with nearly daily advocacy needs arising, so I am lucky to work on these issues alongside a team, who continues to tackle these issues tirelessly, optimistically, and with a bit of humor.
WLA 2025 Outstanding Library Award-Goshen County Library (GCL)
“The Goshen County Library serves as a true cornerstone of our community,” said GCL Board Vice President Katherine Hawes, “The staff is exceptionally warm, knowledgeable, and always willing to assist with genuine care.”
GCL Foundation President Cathy Marsh said, “In the last five years, our library has catapulted to a thriving community hub, offering space and programming to serve our county’s unique population.”
Wyoming Library Association President 2024-2025-Lindsey Travis
Lindsey began at Sweetwater County Library System in 2014 as the Public Relations Specialist. After serving in Library Manager and Assistant Library Director roles, she became the Library Director in 2022. She has an MLIS degree from San Jose State University and has served on the WLA Legislative Committee since 2022.
“It was a honor to serve as the president of the WLA,” said Lindsey. “While it was a difficult year as we battled harmful legislation, our association is strong and we have great support from our dedicated library patrons. I am thankful for the support and friendship of WLA members. Together we worked hard and accomplished a lot.”
Nora Van Burgh Grant-Michelle Ottoes, Laramie County School District #1Michelle Ottoes is the elementary library TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) for LCSD #1 in Cheyenne. She oversees the collections and 27 library paras that serve 6,595 PreK-6th grade students at 27 elementary library sites throughout the district. Before this position, she was the teacher-librarian at Dildine Elementary for 6 years and a stay-at-home mom when she studied to add a library endorsement to her teaching certificate. She also been a secondary English and U.S. history teacher in Nebraska and Wyoming. She was recently awarded the Nora Van Burgh Development Grant to pursue her M.Ed. in Literacy from the University of Wyoming, hoping to bridge the gap between what we know works to grow kids’ literacy and their required time in the library specialist class each week. She recently completed a library curriculum for use by LCSD#1 students up to 2nd grade and is working on library curriculum for grades 3-6.
“I am honored to received this award,” said Michelle. “I hope my work lives up to the award’s goal of lifelong learning and improving the efficacy of time that LCSD #1 elementary students spend in the library.”
Debbie Iverson MPLA Scholarship-Megan Bratton, Natrona County LibraryMegan is the Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Natrona County Library where she also previously worked as a Children’s Librarian. Megan has her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Denver, and has a professional background in marketing, branding, communications, and website production.
Congratulations to all award recipients for their hard work and dedication!