Residents urge Fremont County commissioners not to cut library budget; board applicants interviewed

Fremont County residents, library volunteers and patrons told county commissioners on multiple occasions that proposed cuts to the county library budget would shrink services for children, seniors and low-income residents.

Speaking during public comment, the Fremont County Library Foundation president said the foundation had approved a $100,000 contribution “to the library to minimize the cuts,” and warned that a $300,000 reduction would mean “reduced service to our people” and fewer staff. Mary Sanderson, a Lander resident, said she could not afford to buy books if library hours and services were cut, adding she would rather “give that money to the library.” Ray Charles, president of the Lander Library Friends Association, said the library is “a center of learning” and urged commissioners not to impose “disproportionate and drastic” cuts.

The library board also interviewed multiple applicants for upcoming vacancies. Candidates described experience with children's programs, community outreach and volunteer boards; several said they support local control of collection decisions and want to preserve hours and youth programming even as the system grapples with budget constraints.

Why it matters: Commissioners and the library must balance the county budget while maintaining core services. Residents described the library as a free community space that provides internet access, homework support, cooling during heat, early-literacy programs and meeting space for nonprofit groups. Several speakers tied reduced library services to increased demand for other county services.

What residents said and evidence: The Fremont County Library Foundation president told commissioners the foundation would provide $100,000 to reduce the impact of proposed cuts and said the county librarian produced multiple budget scenarios showing the program-level effects of a roughly $300,000 reduction. Mary Sanderson described closed hours and the cost of buying books: “I was surprised that a paperback was $20. I'm so used to library books.” Ray Charles said staff and volunteers provide programs and computing resources that “help those who do not have access to computing resources.” Jasmine McDonald added the library serves as a cooling center during extreme heat.

On governance and policy, candidates for the Fremont County Library Board gave varied views on how to handle contested materials and age-appropriate access. Some applicants recommended local review and parent-controlled restrictions; others said collection decisions should aim to preserve access to vetted materials, with parental oversight for minors.

Where it stands now: Commissioners did not adopt a final decision on the library budget during this meeting. Several applicants were interviewed; commissioners said they would continue consideration on upcoming agendas and would make appointment decisions after completing all interviews.

Clarifying details: The public commenters and applicants repeatedly referenced a proposed budget reduction of about 23% for the library and said the Fremont County Library Foundation approved a $100,000 grant to the library to reduce cuts. Speakers identified Lander and Riverton branches as principal locations affected by possible hour reductions and noted the library is used for story times, computing access, and nonprofit meeting rooms.

What to watch for: Commissioners indicated budget deliberations will continue in coming meetings; the library board appointments were left open until the end of the application/interview cycle.