We’re happy to announce the acquisition of a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica as the latest addition to our outreach vehicles. The purchase was made possible by two generous $25,000 grants – one from Casper Area Transportation Coalition (CATC) and another from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. The Pacifica will be an additional outreach vehicle, as the Library owns a 10-year-old Toyota Sienna, and marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Library’s outreach capabilities and strengthening community engagement.
After the Library received a $25,000 grant from CATC, we turned to our Natrona County Library Foundation to help fund the rest. The Library Foundation, which exists to support the goals, services, and programs of the Library through private fundraising, was able to secure a matching grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.
The acquisition of this vehicle elevates our ability to extend its services beyond the Library’s physical walls and bring educational and cultural opportunities to various neighborhoods, schools, and community centers throughout the county. The new van will be easily recognizable as it travels around our community thanks to a grant from the Margaret H. and James E. Kelley Foundation to wrap the vehicle with the library logo and brand.
“We are beyond excited to add this second outreach van,” said Lisa Scroggins, our Executive Director. “This allows us to meet our community members where they are, delivering our resources and programs right to local daycares, senior resident facilities, and community centers. We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to CATC and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund for their invaluable support in making this vision a reality, and to the Kelley Foundation for allowing us to make it easily recognizable when it is out and about in our community.”
CATC’s support played a pivotal role in this project, which will benefit so many local residents. While no longer providing transportation services, CATC remains committed to using their remaining funds to help move people and resources around the community.
The $25,000 grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund showcases the Fund’s dedication to fostering cultural enrichment and educational initiatives throughout the state. This matching contribution was needed so the Library could purchase the much-needed minivan, ensuring that we can remain at the forefront of promoting literacy and education, and creating more robust connections throughout the community.
Having only one outreach vehicle limited our ability to schedule community outreach. This second vehicle means the Library will be able to send more staff into the county, taking library services and programming to more locations and partners than ever before. It will serve as a vital resource, bridging the gap between the Library and the community, and providing access to invaluable resources and educational opportunities.
Keep a lookout for our shiny new vehicle around our community!