Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

TEN SLEEP – The long-anticipated expansion of the Ten Sleep Library will take a step forward on Oct. 17, when county commissioners will open bids for the 20-foot by 80-foot addition, which is expected to include meeting space, an after-school area, and expanded services for library patrons.

With a total project cost of $185,558, the expansion is being financed by a Wyoming Business Council community block grant in the amount of $136,117, an in-kind loan of $14,520 and cash in the amount of $21,929 from the county and a land donation equal to $12,992 from Washakie County School District #2 in Ten Sleep. In part, the new addition will serve as home to the after-school program, previously administered by the school.

The service, which is free to Ten Sleep parents, has provided after school care, activities, and healthy snacks to kindergarten through fifth graders since 2003. Previously, The Ten Sleep Learning Center rented the old Ten Sleep Fire Hall from Ten Sleep Development for $500 per month, and utilities were paid by the school from the after school fund.

After reaching a financial crisis in 2016, Washakie County Commissioners stepped in and with help from a grant from Youth Alternatives, were able to transfer the program to the library, under a new director. The program is now called “After the Bell,” and hosts students from 3:15 until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday for homework assistance, crafts and games.

“The main focus right now is a safe place for the kids to be,” said Library Director Karen Funk. “We’re excited to be getting the extra space. Right now the kids meet in the front of the library.”

The program resumes at the Ten Sleep Library on Oct. 10.