Ten Sleep Branch Library Staff-(left to right) Veronica Risch, Karen Funk, Carol Greet, Rhonda Carter
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently announced the Ten Sleep Branch Library in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, as one of 10 recipients of the 2025 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This award is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 30 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
The Ten Sleep Branch Library is located in north central Wyoming at the western base of the Big Horn Mountains, and their service area extends outside of town to encompass the eastern half of Washakie County. The branch serves not only local residents but also serves as the school library for Washakie County School District #2, a K-12 school with 110 students. They are a unique library as they are a public building built on school property. In the summer, the Ten Sleep community grows with rock climbers and tourists from across the United States and other countries who routinely use their facility as they use our high-speed internet for work, school and keeping in touch with family and friends.
The 10 recipients of the 2025 National Medal for Museum and Library Service represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.
“I am so honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Washakie County Library Director Karen Funk. “A long time ago I told people that I believed that small libraries can do big things! This award certainly validates that statement. The team at the Ten Sleep Branch Library has consistently tried to give some large library experiences in a small rural town library setting. We have provided good customer experiences with small town hospitality. I think that is what stands out about us.”
The award will be presented at a ceremony later this summer. For a complete list of 2025 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal awardees, visit the IMLS website.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.