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Laramie County Library outlines FY2026 priorities: bookmobile, 'Open plus' rural access and rising reserves
Summary
Librarian Antoni Grama presented the library’s FY2026 budget to commissioners, reporting reserve growth (from about $650,000 to nearly $2 million), a balanced budget approved June 24, a new bookmobile due in December and planned 'Open plus' self‑access service for Burns and Pine Bluffs.
Antoni Grama, Laramie County librarian, presented the Laramie County Library’s FY2026 budget to the county commission during a public hearing; the library board approved a balanced budget at its June 24 meeting and no formal action by the commission was required.
Grama said the library increased reserves substantially—"we went from 650,000 to almost $2,000,000"—and that the board approved a budget that includes no new positions while accommodating increased medical and retirement costs for existing staff. He told commissioners the library secured more than $300,000 in grants for rural services and is finalizing acquisition of a new bookmobile expected to arrive in December.
The presentation listed major investments and projects: facility repairs (roof and chiller at the Cheyenne facility), ADA compliance work, expanded digital collections (library borrowing platforms Libby and Hoopla), increased marketing to reach underserved neighborhoods and a community‑driven facilities master plan and strategic plan to be finalized in September. Grama said the library plans to pilot "Open plus" access—card‑holder self entry—at Burns and Pine Bluffs, and expects the bookmobile and expanded outreach to improve rural access.
Commissioners offered praise and noted the library’s role in community literacy and service; the clerk opened the public hearing and reported no public speakers online or in‑person. The record shows the library presentation was informational and the hearing closed without comment.
Next steps: library staff and the board will implement the projects described, proceed with the facilities master plan and bring any items requiring county action back to the commission as necessary.
