Anne Kuipers
The Wyoming State Library welcomes Anne Kuipers as our new State Publications Librarian in the Information Services office. Anne comes to us from the Thorp Public Library in Wisconsin, where she served as director.
“I faced a few challenges there, like the pandemic and flooded basements,” she said, “but we were always able to help the public find the resources they needed.”
Anne has a BA in history and English from the University of Wisconsin: Eau Claire, and an MLIS from the University of Iowa. Her undergraduate studies focused on the social history of women and other marginalized populations, as see in literature and popular publications. Her graduate work was interspersed between archives/special libraries and public librarianship.
“We’re so excited to have her here at the State Library,” said Abby Beaver, Information Services Manager. “Her skills and enthusiasm for librarianship make her the perfect addition to our team.”
Anne said she was interested in library work from an early age. “It was my career goal at 7, then I moved to florist and was back at librarian by age 12 when it stuck. Much of my work experience has been in libraries throughout the years, along with some customer experience to help me through college.”
Several things attracted Anne to the position at the Wyoming State Library. Part of her graduate work focused on archives and special libraries, and as a public library director, she missed the scholarly side of things. She also realized how much she loved cataloging and wanted to find a position that allowed her to dedicate more time to it.
“Truthfully, seeing the job offer was serendipitous. It combined a great deal of what I find rewarding to do as a librarian. Plus it’s in a beautiful state and is an opportunity to work at a state library without having to move to a larger city. I want to get a better feel for Cheyenne and enjoy some of the hiking trails around once my lungs adjust to the altitude. I enjoy being outside, but not trying to keep any green things alive. ”
Once she has the chance to get a firm handle on her job duties, she’d like to focus on outreach ideas using the fun and fascinating documents and information in the WSL collections.
Away from the office, she’s a crafter currently into knitting and crochet, although she also dabbles in embroidery, sewing, and “basically any handicraft.” She has a soft spot for children’s books and collects vintage ones (a habit from her father). Her reading is trending to Science Fiction at the moment, and is right now reading Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
“I’m very excited to be here,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone. I loved my patrons and staff, but after being the only ‘librarian’ on staff at a small library, it’s refreshing to be around people who understand the more technical side of librarianship.”