Anticipation grows as the unveiling of the new Wasilla library nears

For 78 years the Wasilla Public Library has served the community of Wasilla. The tale of this amazing little library has been buoyed up through time by the efforts of countless volunteers, staff members, readers, and library lovers. The need for this new library was identified in 1986. It has taken hundreds of hours of advocacy on the part of many people to make this new library a reality. After so many ups and downs, steps forward and backwards, it is almost unbelievable that in a few short months we will be able to access information in our beautiful, new “Library in the Woods.”

For me one of the most satisfying parts of this project will be that the library building will be fully paid for when we open the doors. Thank you to the voters in Wasilla for agreeing to the 1-cent sales tax to pay for this new facility.

You can be a part of this amazing community project by donating to our capital campaign. July 1 will be the last day donors can get their names on the Donor Wall of the new library. You can find the link to donate at www.wasillafriends.org or the City website: www.cityofwasilla.com/newlibrary. In keeping with the “Library in the Woods” theme, there are various levels through which you can donate. Donation forms are also available at the library.

We have already received over $173,000 toward the $250,000 match with the Rasmussen Foundation. While donations have been gifted from community organizations and big businesses, many of the donations have been given from small businesses and individuals! This project of 30 years continues to be a testimony to the power of community and the value of our library to our community.

I know you are as excited as I am to see the new building. First, I know you are going to appreciate the increase in parking spaces! But, I also know you are going to love the inviting spaces to search for and read books, browse for information, and meet with community members. My heart skips a beat each time I think of the design of the building, the artwork, and the lovely spaces for gathering this facility will provide. I believe you will agree with me that the hundreds of hours of work by the staff, elected officials, Building Committee, and architects has created a facility we all be proud of in Wasilla.

While it appears the project is on track to have the building turned over to the city on June 30, there is still an incredible amount of work to do following the completion of the construction. We will be going from seven to forty-three public computers, new furniture and offices have to be set-up, and all the books have to be moved and re-shelved. The library will be closing for approximately fours weeks at the end of July or the beginning of August to facilitate the move. Please be patient while the new library is organized! Watch for details about the grand opening on the Friends of Wasilla Library webpage and/or the Friends Facebook page.

The annual meeting of the Friends will be Monday, September 26 at 7:00 at the new library! Please feel free to join us!

Our next used book sale will be September 16-20 at the American Legion. Proceeds support the new Wasilla Public Library.

Thanks for your continued support!

Jeanne Troshynski is the President of the Friends of Wasilla Public Library and the Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee.