38 Years of Cooking Up Community with Michelle Kallas
In the southwest corner of Wyoming, tucked inside the Uinta County Library in Evanston, you’ll find a woman who has spent nearly four decades transforming the “quiet library” stereotype into a whirlwind of puppet shows, foam parties, and pancake breakfasts.
Michelle Kallas, the YA and Children’s Services Coordinator, celebrated 38 years on the job this March. For Michelle, the library isn’t just a place for books, it’s a family affair and a community hub.
“I grew up in Green River and have always loved Wyoming. It is home,” Michelle says. “This job has been a blessing to me. I was able to bring my kids to work when needed… I now have started using my sons-in-law and grandchildren as Paw Patrol, Christmas characters, and just anything I need!”
Michelle’s secret sauce for a successful program? Collaboration and calories. Her recent YA Pancake Day—targeted at the 11-17 age group—was a massive hit, proving that the way to a teenager’s heart is definitely through their stomach.
Partnering with the local Club for Boys and Girls, Michelle hosted a breakfast that combined a hearty meal with a powerful message. After fueling up on pancakes, the group read The Cookie Thief by Kirk Weisler, and transitioned into a creative session making “I AM” posters.
“The kids ate until the batter was gone! We talked about how important it was to be able to read or tell a story when you babysit or someday when you become parents. The ‘I AM’ posters are positive words written on an outline of yourself—words like ‘I am hardworking’ or ‘I am loved.’ It fills your mind with good things.”
The event drew 54 attendees, and while it was a soaring success, Michelle has one takeaway for next time: “I wished we had an extra griddle. Those kids could eat pancakes!”
If you ask Michelle what she does on a typical day, be prepared for a long (and colorful) list. Whether she’s cleaning the fish tank, feeding the library’s 29-year-old albino corn snake, or setting up nearly 40 Christmas trees, she embraces the chaos with a smile.
Her favorite part? The wardrobe.
“I love dressing up every week as some great book character for storytime,” she shares. “Mrs. Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Queen of Hearts are a few of my favorites.”
Beyond the costumes, Michelle remains deeply dedicated to the teens in her community, especially those who “just need to be seen.”
Despite her infectious energy, Michelle’s tenure hasn’t been without challenges. The Uinta County Library operated without a book budget from 2013 to 2023. While they have a small budget now, Michelle has become a master of “pinching a penny” and using “recycled treasures” for crafts.
With nearly four decades of service and a heart as big as the Equality State, Michelle Kallas is proof that libraries are powered by people, not just budgets. Whether she’s flipping pancakes for hungry teens or donning a Queen of Hearts gown for storytime, she continues to serve Uinta County with the same spark she had 38 years ago. Next time you find yourself in Evanston, stop by to say hello—and maybe bring an extra griddle!