Shari Haskins was named as the new Riverton Branch Library Manager early this month, beginning her new role on Feb. 4. Formerly working at Riverton as Teen Lead Librarian/Adult Services, she began her 18th year with the Fremont County Library System in January. She takes the place of Gloria Brodle, who retired after 31 years.
She’s notorious for her high energy, matching that of the teen patrons she’s so passionate about. “I love how energetic they are and how open-minded they are,” she said. “They’re so willing to be open-minded and grateful for anything that appeals to them or any person that shows interest in them. Young people are always appreciative of that person.”
Haskins has a B.S. in K-12 Education from the University of Wyoming. When she moved to Riverton in 1992 for her husband’s job, Haskins was unable to find a full-time position in teaching. She did some substitute teaching and coaching until she saw an opening at the main library in Lander. It seemed a natural fit for her. Not finding any teen programs in place when she started, Haskins began developing them at Lander, and then continued when she moved to Riverton a year later.
Haskins has been an active member of the Wyoming Library Association. She joined when she started at Riverton. She did a few stints as the Children’s Teen Section chair then, when WLA changed its organization in its bylaws, became chair of the Youth Services Interest Group. This gave her the opportunity to participate in the Collaborative Summer Library Program at the national level.
In terms of what direction she would like to see for the library, “I love this whole new philosophy of the user experience. As public libraries diversify and become the social hub of the community, the user experience is at the top of re-envisioning what libraries should be focusing on and looking forward to.”