Garay takes over at Greybull library

The Greybull Public Library has a new manager, and in Cynthia Garay, the Big Horn County Library Board believes it’s found a leader who will bring “a great personality and strong people skills” to the position.

“She is well known in the community and is eager to learn her new responsibilities as the library manager,” said Lisa Chestnut, director of the Big Horn County Library System.

Garay, who took over in middle of November, replaces Tina Ely, who resigned in September after six years on the job.

Garay grew up in the Burlington/Otto area, where her parents were agricultural workers. She has no previous library experience, but is a cook by trade and has spent most of her working life doing that or waitressing. She’s worked at The Hideout, the Wheels Inn and most recently at the Overland Express in Basin. It’s been a good fit for her. “I really love talking to people,” she said. 

Garay admitted, though, that she was ready for a change when opportunity knocked in the form of Alice Davidson, who works at the library in Basin.  “I was delivering burritos to some good friends in Basin when I happened to come upon Alice, who knows me because of the Overland.  

“She told me there was an opening for a branch manager, and my first reaction was that I didn’t really think I was management material — but that I could learn to be,” she said.  “The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of working in a library. 

“A library is a quiet, nice environment … a place filled with knowledge.”

She applied, was called in for an interview and made a good impression.  While she was “very surprised” to be chosen, Garay didn’t hesitate when the job was offered to her.  “My initial reaction was, ‘Of course, I’ll take the job.’”

Since her arrival in mid-November, Garay said she’s been getting a lot of help from Chestnut and the other branch managers.  “I like everything about it,” she said. “I like the patrons, the pages, getting to know the authors and getting to know all the series.”

While she has never been an avid reader, Garay said spending time in the library has inspired her. 

“I know I’m going to read a lot more now,” she said.

Garay is married to Omar Guitron and has four children — Teresa Garcia, Lucia Garcia, Omar Guitron Jr. and Veronica Guitron — who range in age from 6 to 16.

Other than the new manager, it’s business as usual at the Greybull branch, according to Chestnut.  

Hours remain Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chestnut said, “The Town of Greybull and the library will continue to work together to provide access to the meeting room. Just ask a librarian by phone or in person to reserve the room and pick up a key.”