In the heart of Big Horn County, the Greybull Public Library serves as a vital hub for curiosity and connection. This month, we are shining our spotlight on Shawnea Chestnut, the library’s Assistant Manager, who brings a lifelong passion for Wyoming’s close-knit communities to her role every day.
Shawnea has been the Assistant Manager at Greybull for two years, but her roots in the Cowboy State run much deeper.
“I have lived in Wyoming my entire life. I have always loved the close-knit community that every town has.”
For Shawnea, the library isn’t just about books; it’s about the people and the unique culture found within its walls. Whether it’s an inside joke with her co-workers or a breakthrough moment with a young patron, she finds joy in the daily interactions that make her library a second home.
One of Shawnea’s standout contributions to youth services is her After-School Craft Workshop, specifically designed for students in Grades K-5. In a true show of community spirit, the library partnered with the Greybull Recreational Center to fund and plan the activity.
By advertising through the local newspaper, Facebook, and school flyers, the program drew in 10 enthusiastic young artists. Shawnea has turned these workshops into a monthly staple. “They are always evolving to fit the needs of the kids,” she notes.
Looking ahead, Shawnea hopes to broaden these collaborations even further, partnering with more local businesses to showcase everything Greybull has to offer.
“Libraries inspire communities to be curious and seek out answers to their questions, and us librarians will always be there to lend a helping hand.”
Shawnea is passionate about the library’s role as a community anchor. When she isn’t planning the next big craft event, she’s looking for ways to engage older demographics—specifically pre-teens.