Denise Lawver — Wahoo Public Library Director, Wahoo, NE

For 38 years, Denise Lawver has shown up for the same community that has always shown up for her. As Director of the Wahoo Public Library in Wahoo, Nebraska, she has helped shepherd the library through more than three decades of growth, change, and even disaster, all while keeping one thing constant: a deep commitment to the people walking through the door.

This year, the Wahoo Public Library celebrates 103 years of service, a milestone Denise doesn't take lightly. "I am proud of how our funders and community members have supported us in so many ways throughout 103 years," she says. That support was put to the test when a water disaster forced the library to be closed for over 9 months. Rather than slow things down, the crisis brought the whole community together, from the Library Friends and Foundation to city employees, rallying around the library until it could return home.

Looking ahead, Denise and her team of five, who together bring over 80 years of combined experience, are preparing for a renovation project that will expand the children's area and create new gathering spaces for programs and meetings.

For fellow small and rural library workers, Denise's advice is straightforward—know your community, build partnerships, and lean on your professional network:

"Join ARSL and your state association. Librarians are the most helpful and always willing to help a colleague."

It is that spirit of generosity and connection that has defined Denise's career, and the library she has spent nearly four decades building.

Written by the ARSL Office