Antonia Gaona
The Laramie County Library Board of Directors has announced the next Executive Director (County Librarian) of the Laramie County Library System, Antonia Gaona. Antonia attended college at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she majored in political science and economics. She paid her way through college by working at the library. She worked in many roles, gaining both a deep passion for public service and an appreciation for free access to information. On the precipice of attending law school after graduation, she realized her true calling was library work. She changed course and attended graduate school at the University of Denver, where she graduated with honors with a Master of Library and Information Science.
With over 20 years of library experience and over 15 years in management and leadership roles, Antonia is a passionate librarian with a focus on providing an excellent user experience, maintaining responsive and dynamic facilities and staff, and forging unique partnerships to expand opportunities for all patrons. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director of the Boulder Public Library, overseeing a department of 80 employees and a budget of nearly $7 million. She was the lead project manager for capital improvement projects including a multiyear, $16 million project building a new library in north Boulder slated to open in 2024. She has achieved success by emphasizing community engagement, incorporating first-hand feedback from library patrons, and bringing out what is special and unique about the community. Along with her skills, experience, and people-first perspective, Antonia seeks to bring that local level of control to the library community in Laramie County.