Library Champions: Marylee White
For Marylee White, a deep appreciation for public libraries is woven right into her Wyoming heritage. As a fifth-generation Wyomingite- with family homesteads near Laramie, Rock River, and Medicine Bow- Marylee’s roots in the Equality State run deep.
Growing up in Greybull in the Bighorn Basin, Marylee discovered early on that Wyoming libraries were more than just buildings with books; they were welcoming havens. Her earliest memories were of walking two blocks through the summer heat to the local public library, where the building quite literally felt like an oasis. It was there that a thoughtful librarian recommended The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the earliest books she can remember reading. Later, as a high schooler in Worland, she would visit the library in the afternoons, diving deep into books on psychology. She recalls being especially interested in the science of the mind at that time and eager to explore the stacks to learn about different topics
Marylee arrived in Jackson in 1983 believing it would be a short transition between college and a fellowship to go to Peru. The fellowship ended up falling through, and like many stories- she ended up staying permanently, meeting her husband, and laying down roots that have lasted over four decades.
Having seen more of Wyoming’s ‘stunning public libraries’ than most, Marylee now brings her lifelong passion to the Teton County Library Board, where she serves as Board Chair. “This has proven to be one of the most rewarding community volunteer roles I have ever held.”
To Marylee, being a Library Champion means actively defending the right to read and ensuring library doors remain open to absolutely everyone. She believes that true stewardship requires protecting access so that every individual and parent can choose what is right for them.
Through her board service over the last few years, Marylee has observed how the library’s role continually adapts to community needs:
Teton County Library Board of Directors from L-R: Marylee White (Board Chair); Miles Yazzolino (Secretary); Elisabeth Rohrbach (Treasurer); Travis Ward (new to the board, but not the Library); and Peg Gilday (Vice Chair)
A growing demand for meeting spaces: While checking out physical and digital books remains the library’s primary function, the biggest growing demand today is for physical meeting spaces where neighbors can come together and learn.
Diverse & dynamic offerings: From the WonderLab’s tools and digital resources, to the Library of Things, to specialized classes and public programs, the library serves as the ultimate community hub.
Marylee herself accesses the library’s digital collection through Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. And her favorite Library program without a doubt is Page to the Podium.
Marylee’s love of literature extends beyond the walls of Teton County Library. She is in two official book clubs, one locally here in Jackson and one shared virtually with members of her family representing all generations and many time zones. A third, non-official club is with her husband. A recent read that has stuck with her is Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, in which the themes of disengaging from the noise and fighting till the end still resonate.
Library champions like Marylee White help ensure that the Teton County Library remains a free, welcoming, and intellectually open sanctuary for all. Thank you, Marylee, for your dedicated service and advocacy.