Cristine Braddy
Cristine Braddy was recently named the Director of Goshen County Library after serving as Interim Director since the beginning of January. As Director, she’ll supervise the library’s full and part-time staff, manage the budget, plan and conduct programming, and continue the library’s modernization process.
“I took the interim position because I thought it would be a fun adventure for a few months,” Cristine said. “I found myself invested in the people and the projects we were working on. There are many times I’ve thought, ‘If I ever change careers, it will be to be a librarian,’ and then this came around.”
Cristine spent her elementary school years in Goshen County and returned there with her family in 2011. Her previous work experience includes teaching classes for Eastern Wyoming College, directing programming and groups at SONrise Church, supervising students and managing grants for the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and working with at risk youth for the University of Wyoming. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wyoming and her Master’s Degree from Liberty University.
“My background is counseling and human services,” Cristine said, “and the library is as much a human service organization as any I have worked with. The public policy issues are the same, the people are the same, the heart and mission are very similar.”
She’s passionate about reading, whether for entertainment or for lifelong learning. Over the years, she’s transitioned from purchasing and building her own personal library at home to becoming an advocate for library use. “I’m a believer in the role of the library as a hub for a community. I love how books open our eyes to the world around us and let us see the world through someone else’s eyes.”
One of Cristine’s goals is to reach equally into all age demographics through programming and facility improvements. “Goshen County is very community-oriented. The people of our county look out for each other and are always willing to pitch in.” As the library undergoes its face-lift and staff work to have a broader reach into the community, she hopes to get local residents on board as part of the process.