Bill could help build Valley libraries

WASILLA — City public library personnel and supporters are hopeful a state Senate bill could help Wasilla build a new library.

Senate Bill 119, proposed by state Sen. Donald Olson, D-Golovin, began as a grant program to provide school libraries with money to buy new materials. The bill has evolved with the addition of a grant program that could also provide funding for the construction or expansion of public libraries in communities that qualify. The amendment was brought forward by Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka.

If approved, the bill would require libraries receiving the grant be located in communities with a population of less than 10,000. The library must also be publicly owned and operated. Moreover, a grant would provide no more than 50 percent of funding and local government would be responsible for at least 20 percent. Private donors would make up the rest of the costs.

KJ Martin-Albright, library director of the Wasilla Public Library, said news of the bill is welcome in Wasilla and across the state.

“I thought it was great,” Martin-Albright said. “I think there are 17 different libraries around the state trying to build new libraries, so it will be a big help.”

In Wasilla, the need for a new library has been an issue for years.

“We outgrew the current size of the library about 20 years ago,” she said, adding space isn’t the only issue. “In order to meet the needs of the population we need more of everything, basically.”

Along with the library director, other public library patrons are following the bill on its journey through the Legislature.

Jeanne Troshynski, president of Friends of Wasilla Public Library, said she’s glad to hear the state is considering such a beneficial bill.

“This is so exciting not only for Wasilla, but for communities across the state,” she said.

Troshynski said smaller communities in Alaska also need libraries or library expansions. Just down the road from Wasilla, Big Lake Public Library has also outgrown its facility, a common problem with libraries built in small but growing communities.

Troshynski said SB 119 might be that one step that could provide the final push for a new library. During the last year, Friends of Wasilla Public Library has raised $23,000 for a new library through a program called One Brick at a Time. Community support has been good, but Troshynski said she hopes the new bill and a new city council resolution could increase the community’s interest in a new library.

On Monday, Wasilla City Council will introduce an resolution that reaffirms the city’s support of the Wasilla Public Library. Sponsored by Deputy Mayor Kristofer Larson, the resolution not only reaffirms the council’s support of the library, but it also states the city should maintain its municipal library.

Larson said the resolution is a response to recent meetings held with Friends of Wasilla Public Library. In the past, the Mat-Su Borough had considered becoming the controlling entity of public libraries in Wasilla and Palmer, but the cities have been hesitant. In Wasilla, that hesitation was voiced at the last joint meeting between the council and Friends of Wasilla Public Library.

“We all pretty much decided to hang on to the library and not turn it over to the Borough,” Larson said.

Larson and Troshynski agree the library should remain a city entity to provide the best possible services for the community.

“The Wasilla Public Library serves so many people and gets drawn on from people around the Borough,” he said. “It’s a huge community asset and I want it grow and do well.”

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@-frontiersman.com or 352-2284.