If you walked into Natrona County Library on a Wednesday evening, you might hear something unexpected drifting up from the basement: a group of adults, a little hesitant at first, strumming through a song together.
Some are playing quietly. Some are a little off. And that’s exactly the point. For Adult Services Librarian Sarah Neubauer, the class wasn’t about perfecting notes; it was about getting people in the room and helping them feel comfortable enough to stay.
Located in Casper, Wyoming, the library serves about 80,000 residents across a large, rural county. A central community hub, it offers everything from books to technology access to a growing Creation Station. But like many libraries, adult programming often tries to serve everyone at once, with mixed results. This program changed that.
Starting with the Right Fit
The idea was simple: an eight-week beginner ukulele class for older adults. But getting there was less straightforward.
Initial community surveys suggested a strong interest in visual arts like jewelry-making and ceramics. Neubauer reached out to numerous local artists, but none were available at the right time. Meanwhile, during outreach visits to a local senior center, another opportunity emerged. That’s where the library connected with Caleb Smith.
Caleb taught at a local music store, Hill Music, and had a background in music education. Just as importantly, he had experience working in a senior center—something that immediately stood out.
“That combination mattered,” Neubauer explained. Teaching older adults requires a different approach: adjusting for arthritis, vision changes, and varied learning styles. It also requires patience with something less visible: hesitation.
Many participants came in unsure of themselves, unsure of the group, and unsure if they belonged.
“They were so shy at first,” Neubauer said. “You’d hear these really quiet strums… and we’d encourage them to just play it loud. If it’s wrong, it’s okay!”
Finding Caleb wasn’t just about musical skill. It was about finding someone who understood how to meet participants where they were. What began as a pivot from the original plan ultimately became the right fit.
Where Accessibility Meets Confidence
Eleven participants met weekly for 90-minute sessions, each equipped with a ukulele, tuner, and instructional materials. Classes followed a consistent structure: tuning, practicing chords, and learning songs, with Caleb offering individualized support throughout.
The ukulele’s accessibility helped participants experience early success. By the end of eight weeks, many—some who had never played an instrument—could perform multiple songs.
But the most meaningful change wasn’t technical. It was personal.
Participants who initially hesitated began to take risks. They played louder. They connected with one another. And many shared a common sentiment: “I’ve always wanted to learn an instrument. I just saw the class and thought, why not?”
That “why not” became a turning point, building confidence and opening the door to new creative identities.
A Performance Strikes a New, Intergenerational Chord
The program concluded with a Hawaiian-themed public concert at the library. Participants performed for friends, family, and curious visitors drawn in by the music drifting through the building.
For many, it was their first time performing. That alone was significant. But what happened after mattered even more.
When the class ended, participants didn’t want to stop. The library launched an ongoing, all-ages “ukulele jam,” where original participants now return, some even helping newcomers learn.
Children have joined in, learning from adults who were beginners just weeks earlier. What started as a creative aging class has grown into an intergenerational music community.
Expanding the Library’s Role
The success of the program has reshaped how Natrona County Library approaches programming.
Staff are now more intentional about designing programs for specific age groups, recognizing that “adult” programming often overlooks the distinct needs of older adults. They’ve also seen increased engagement, with participants returning for other offerings and forming ongoing relationships with staff and each other.
The program left a tangible legacy as well. Extra ukuleles were added to the library’s “Library of Things,” allowing community members to continue learning beyond the class.
Lessons Learned
While successful, the program required flexibility.
What began as a plan rooted in survey data shifted through outreach, relationship-building, and timing. The connection to Caleb, sparked through the senior center, illustrates the value of staying open to unexpected opportunities.
Neubauer also emphasized the importance of communication and support. Weekly follow-up emails with lesson materials and videos helped participants practice at home and accommodated different learning styles.
Challenges remain, particularly around sustaining funding after grant support ends. But the experience has encouraged creative problem-solving, from low-cost program design to cultivating partnerships that may not align immediately, but can grow over time.
Advice for Other Libraries
For libraries considering similar programs, Neubauer’s advice is simple: “Go for it.”
She encourages others to:
- Look for teaching artists with experience working with older adults
- Build connections through community outreach, not just formal searches
- Be flexible when plans shift
- Prioritize a welcoming, low-pressure environment
Even small or rural libraries, she notes, often have more potential collaborators than they realize.
A Lasting Impact
A recent Ukulele workshop captured in April 2026 at the Natrona County Library, taught by Noelle Clark and Cassaundra Spargur.
At its core, the ukulele program was about more than learning an instrument. It was about reducing isolation, building confidence, and creating opportunities for connection.
What started as an eight-week class continues to ripple outward—in jam sessions, in new friendships, and in a reimagined role for the library itself.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation, and a few chords, to bring people together.
Get to Know the Visionaries
Sarah Neubauer
Adult Services Librarian, Natrona County Library, WY
Sarah has been with the Natrona County Library for over four years and has been an avid event participant and instructor since she started. She is a stellar resource for patrons of all ages and skill levels, helping with everything from tech and computer questions to hobby and life skills courses. Sarah has proudly represented the Library through her efforts to better engage the mature populations of our county. Her projects range from beginner crafting sessions to our more in-depth "creative aging" courses. Sarah ensures that we hold true to our goal of providing lifelong learning for the entire community.
Caleb Smith
Teaching Artist, WY
Caleb, a native of Casper, Wyoming, holds a degree in music from the University of Wyoming, where his principal instrument is the French Horn. Additionally, he demonstrates proficiency in playing the Cello and Ukulele. His primary occupation is that of a devoted father to his son, a role he wholeheartedly embraces. Caleb is also actively involved in several musical pursuits, including membership in the Casper Municipal Band, the Casper Community Band, and the Powder River Symphony. Caleb teaches privately on Horn, Cello, and Ukulele, as well as beginning Band and Orchestra students.