From the Dean, October 2025

Dean Cass Kvenild

Published October 15, 2025

3 Minute Read

Preserving & Documenting STatewide impact

Consider Tinkerbella nana, a fairfly wasp from the family Mymaridae. These itty bitty and beautiful wasps are one of the smallest flying insects in the world, at only a fraction of a millimeter long. Magnified images of the Tinkerbell wasp are only one of the unusual specimens featured in The Natural Archive: Glimpses into the University of Wyoming’s Scientific Collections, a new exhibit installed outside the Library Annex in the Biosciences Building. Coordinated by Beth Wommack, staff curator and collection manager at the UW Museum of Vertebrates along with Deborah White, digital collections librarian, this display showcases the work of eight UW collections that support research, teaching, and stewardship of Wyoming’s natural heritage. Come see the tiny wasps, rare desert wildflowers, fossils from the Willwood Formation, mule deer migration patterns, and more. I’m thrilled that UW Libraries could partner with our campus museums to uncover some of the incredible natural history held in our collections and share them in one public exhibit.

Another historical exhibit in the Libraries this fall celebrates the 150th birthday of James Cash “J.C.” Penney, located on Level 3 of Coe Library. I don’t know about you, but this time of year always puts me in mind of back-to-school shopping. While I’m not yet 150 years old, I do remember browsing the aisles of Penney’s every fall for some fresh new looks. Penney began his retail journey in Kemmerer, Wyoming, home to the first JCPenney store. The exhibit features over fifty historic photographs, memorabilia from the former Laramie JCPenney store, and items from UW Libraries’ Special Collections. I extend my thanks to our in-house J.C. Penney historian, David Kruger, along with the Special Collections team, for their work crafting this exhibit.

A close-up image shows fairyfly wasps (Family Mymaridae),

Fairyfly wasps Tinkerbella nana (Family Mymaridae), among the smallest flying insects in Wyoming. Part of The Natural Archive exhibit outside the Library Annex in the Biosciences Building. (Photo by Jennifer Read)

JC Penney interacting with customers in a store

J.C. Penney engaging with customers at a store in Minnesota.

David Kruger, Special Collections Librarian, giving a talk in front of the original J.C. Penney store in Kemmerer, WY.

David with his book, in front of the store during Kemmerer's "Golden Rule Days" on August 28th.

LIBRARY LEGACIES

The Library Advisory Board named eight emeritus members to the board at their fall meeting. The honor of emeritus status reflects their distinguished service, unwavering commitment to our mission, and generosity in giving to UW Libraries. It’s my pleasure to announce the emeritus members of 2026: Lewis Bagby, Darryl Bindschadler, John Cooke, Bobbalu Hoefer, Nora Ivers, Gay Mathewson, Pat Spieles, and Beth Worthen. If you’ve attended an author event sponsored by the Libraries, cozied up in new seating in Coe Library, used technology in a study room, or made a video in our multimedia studio, you’ve benefited from the vision and generosity of these amazing library supporters.

Library Advisory Board emeritus members (left to right): Beth Worthen, Bobbalu Hoefer, Nora Ivers, and Sara Johnson (daughter of Darryl Bindschadler). Not pictured: Lewis Bagby, John Cooke, Gay Mathewson, and Pat Spieles.

current library advisory council members

Current Library Advisory Board Members: Lee Milner (vice chair), Jeane Stratton, Terry Roark, Cora "Dolly" Heyl (chair), Deb White (UW Libraries representative), and Cass Kvenild (Dean of Libraries). Not pictured: Susan Kany, Susan Frye, Anne Levig, Nina McConigley, and Paul Bankes.

If you would like to support the Libraries like these outstanding board members, there are lots of ways to make a difference. You can reach out directly to me if you’d like to learn more about the Library Advisory Board. You can also make a one-time direct contribution to the UW Libraries on Giving Day, October 23-24. By giving to the Libraries Impact Fund, you help us continue to offer outstanding research collections, create innovative learning spaces, and support professional development in emerging areas like AI, data management, and digitization. This year we are excited to announce a $20,000 Giving Day match for the UW Libraries Literacy Excellence Fund. Donations to this fund enhance literacy and promote reading, including campus and statewide initiatives through the UW Libraries. Your support of Giving Day makes a huge difference in our ability to support students and faculty in their teaching, learning and research goals!

See you in the stacks,

Cass Kvenild
Dean of Libraries