After more than four decades of service, Carey Hartmann is closing the chapter on her storied career with the Laramie County Library System.

Hartmann, who began working at the library in November 1980 and was appointed executive director (county librarian) in August 2015, will retire on July 1, the board of directors announced Thursday.

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"Her impact on Laramie County Library System cannot be understated," the library said in a press release.

"Carey led the library through the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing the need to provide vital community services with a dedication to protecting employees and community members," the release reads.

"She played a pivotal role in successfully opening the new library building in 2007 and has tirelessly worked to expand the innovative services offered in the Cheyenne, Burns, and Pine Bluffs libraries and on the bookmobile."

A public retirement celebration to honor Hartmann will be held on July 1 at 10 a.m. More details on the event will be forthcoming.

The library says the board of directors has contracted with library recruitment agency Bradbury Miller Associates to search for Hartmann's replacement and has appointed Deputy Director of Operations Laura Block to serve in the interim.

"They are also committed to appointing a new Executive Director and County Librarian who remains dedicated to serving the community and meeting the organization’s mission to 'be a hub for engagement, literacy and learning, and lifelong curiosity and discovery,'" the library said.

The library says the public will have opportunities to provide input and hear from candidates during the search process.

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