Why I Give- Bob Wemple
When Bob Wemple first arrived in Jackson Hole in 1991 as a National Park Service employee to work at Grand Teton National Park, finding a sense of local connection was a priority. He found it almost immediately inside the walls of the Teton County Library.
Thirty-five years later, Bob remains one of the library’s most dedicated champions.
In an era of search engines and solitary screens, Bob believes the library’s physical building offers something irreplaceable.
“At home, it’s hard to find something that prompts you to look up something new,” Bob says. “The physical space is the key differentiator. At the library you walk through the doors and think, ‘Oh, this gives me an idea,’ or ‘I can look up something for this.’”
For Bob, the library’s magic lies in its role as a neutral, county-owned sanctuary that truly belongs to everyone. It is a rare space where the Geology Club (Bob’s favorite program), local voter groups, and nature organizations can gather and present without relying on private or religious venues. Over the years, Bob has utilized the library to study Spanish, meet new language exchange partners, attend lectures in the auditorium, and browse his personal favorite spot: the Book Nook.
Beyond its collections, Bob points out that the library’s true engine is its people. “The staff is wonderful and always eager to help with questions,” he said. “They do so many things people don’t realize- like helping seniors navigate technology problems and supporting the outside organizations that partner with the library. Volunteers play a very important role, too.”
Understanding Library Funding
A common misconception Bob encounters is the belief that because the library is in part county-funded, it doesn’t require private donations. However, private support is precisely what transforms a good library into an extraordinary one, powering the specialized programs, lectures, and community events that public tax dollars alone cannot cover.
That is why Bob chooses to leverage Old Bill’s Fun Run to make his impact.
“Old Bill’s appeals to me because all these incredible organizations receive support at the same time, rather than through scattered fundraising events throughout the year,” Bob explains. The community match provided by Old Bill’s is a major factor: “The match matters- it directly influences my decision to give.”
When asked what he would say to someone considering their very first donation to the Library through Old Bill’s this year, Bob’s response is immediate, genuine, and warm: “Thank you.”
Bob’s Recommendations:
If you’re looking to experience the library’s impact firsthand, Bob suggests exploring these programs:
The Language Exchange Program: A long-standing personal favorite where Bob continues to practice his conversational Spanish.
Geology Presentations: “More people would enjoy it than realize; many people just stumble in and are delightfully surprised at what they learn.’
Winter Wonderland: One of Bob’s favorite annual events to volunteer with, bringing local families and children together for festive community joy. (pictured above)
Current Reading Pick: While Bob’s reading has shifted toward nonfiction like National Geographic and American Scientist, he recently loved Cormac McCarthy’s The Passenger(admitting with some humor that it is ‘very weird’).
Investing in the Whole Community
Whether it’s hosting tax assistance programs that bring in first-time visitors, fostering early childhood literacy through partners like the Teton Literacy Center, or simply providing a warm chair and a great book, the library serves as the ultimate civic equalizer.
For Bob, supporting the Library Foundation and Friends through Old Bill’s isn’t just about books- it’s about civic health.
“I give to the library because I think it’s a good way to support the whole community.”
You can join Bob and many others in supporting the Teton County Library Foundation & Friends during this year's Old Bill’s Fun Run giving season, August 14- September 18, 2026. Your gift - amplified by the Old Bill’s matching grant- ensures our library remains a vibrant, free, accessible space for all.