Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
In the tiny town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming—population 247—sits one of the most celebrated public libraries in America. This year, the Ten Sleep Public Library became the first public library in Wyoming to receive the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Medal, one of only five libraries nationwide to earn the honor.
Wyoming PBS host Steve Peck sits down with Washakie County Library System Director Karen Jean Funk to explore what makes this small-town library so remarkable. From a creative decades-long partnership with the local school district, to serving rock climbers, tourists, and students side by side, the Ten Sleep library has become far more than a place to borrow books — it's the community's living room, classroom, conference center, and safe harbor all in one.
We also learn how a question from a student sparked a statewide research resource on Wyoming's World War II prisoner of war camps, how the library serves visitors traveling to Yellowstone through the Big Horns, and why authors like Craig Johnson and Andrew Child make a point of stopping in.
With 24/7 WiFi, a DaVinci reader for the visually impaired, free state park passes, afterschool programming, and access to over 200 research databases — all free with a Wyoming library card — the Ten Sleep Public Library proves that great things really do come in small packages.
🏅 Learn more about the IMLS National Medal: imls.gov
📚 Find your Wyoming library card and free databases: wyominglibraries.org
🌐 More Wyoming stories at wyomingpbs.org
#WyomingPBS #WyomingConnections #TenSleep #Wyoming #PublicLibrary #SmallTownWyoming #NationalMedal #IMLS #BigHorns #LibrariesOfInstagram
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 – Introduction: Ten Sleep's Award-Winning Library
0:25 – One of Only Five National Medal Libraries in America
1:13 – Meet Library Director Karen Jean Funk
2:02 – How the Nomination Came About
3:45 – The National Medal & $10,000 Award
4:34 – More Than Books: A True Community Hub
5:09 – Serving Rock Climbers, Tourists & Travelers
6:06 – Free Wyoming State Park Passes at the Library
6:49 – Karen Jean Funk's Library Career Since 1997
7:40 – Wyoming Library Law & Why Ten Sleep Doesn't Have to Exist
8:36 – The School District Partnership: A 50-Year Arrangement
10:03 – School Kids & the Public: Side by Side
12:03 – Library Assistant Carol Greet & Statewide Impact
12:32 – Famous Visitors: Craig Johnson & Andrew Child
14:11 – Trivia Night at the Brewery
14:54 – The Da Vinci Reader: Accessibility for All
16:14 – Wyoming's WWII Prisoner of War Camps Research Project
19:04 – Wyoming Library Databases: A Free, Underused Resource
21:22 – The 2019 Expansion: More Space, More Services
23:13 – After-Hours Access & Community Trust
24:19 – Afterschool Programs & Friends of the Library
25:28 – A Safe Place: Ten Sleep Library's Unofficial MottoSonnet 4.6
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
In the tiny town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming—population 247—sits one of the most celebrated public libraries in America. This year, the Ten Sleep Public Library became the first public library in Wyoming to receive the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Medal, one of only five libraries nationwide to earn the honor.
Wyoming PBS host Steve Peck sits down with Washakie County Library System Director Karen Jean Funk to explore what makes this small-town library so remarkable. From a creative decades-long partnership with the local school district, to serving rock climbers, tourists, and students side by side, the Ten Sleep library has become far more than a place to borrow books — it's the community's living room, classroom, conference center, and safe harbor all in one.
We also learn how a question from a student sparked a statewide research resource on Wyoming's World War II prisoner of war camps, how the library serves visitors traveling to Yellowstone through the Big Horns, and why authors like Craig Johnson and Andrew Child make a point of stopping in.
With 24/7 WiFi, a DaVinci reader for the visually impaired, free state park passes, afterschool programming, and access to over 200 research databases — all free with a Wyoming library card — the Ten Sleep Public Library proves that great things really do come in small packages.
🏅 Learn more about the IMLS National Medal: imls.gov
📚 Find your Wyoming library card and free databases: wyominglibraries.org
🌐 More Wyoming stories at wyomingpbs.org
#WyomingPBS #WyomingConnections #TenSleep #Wyoming #PublicLibrary #SmallTownWyoming #NationalMedal #IMLS #BigHorns #LibrariesOfInstagram
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 – Introduction: Ten Sleep's Award-Winning Library
0:25 – One of Only Five National Medal Libraries in America
1:13 – Meet Library Director Karen Jean Funk
2:02 – How the Nomination Came About
3:45 – The National Medal & $10,000 Award
4:34 – More Than Books: A True Community Hub
5:09 – Serving Rock Climbers, Tourists & Travelers
6:06 – Free Wyoming State Park Passes at the Library
6:49 – Karen Jean Funk's Library Career Since 1997
7:40 – Wyoming Library Law & Why Ten Sleep Doesn't Have to Exist
8:36 – The School District Partnership: A 50-Year Arrangement
10:03 – School Kids & the Public: Side by Side
12:03 – Library Assistant Carol Greet & Statewide Impact
12:32 – Famous Visitors: Craig Johnson & Andrew Child
14:11 – Trivia Night at the Brewery
14:54 – The Da Vinci Reader: Accessibility for All
16:14 – Wyoming's WWII Prisoner of War Camps Research Project
19:04 – Wyoming Library Databases: A Free, Underused Resource
21:22 – The 2019 Expansion: More Space, More Services
23:13 – After-Hours Access & Community Trust
24:19 – Afterschool Programs & Friends of the Library
25:28 – A Safe Place: Ten Sleep Library's Unofficial MottoSonnet 4.6
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
