City of Palmer holds workshop to collect community input on new library concept

PALMER — Members of the community had the opportunity to provide input on how the new Palmer Public Library should be built during a concept planning workshop at the Palmer Train Depot Thursday, Sept. 21.

Representatives from the City of Palmer and Wolf Architecture held this event to help answer questions, provide information on the new library construction project, and gather data from the public to help guide the design process.

There were several displays and a slideshow with information about the construction project at the workshop. It was an open house style format with community members walking around to different stations. Those who attended could also visualize the various sizes and options of the new library by moving around paper squares on a map.

Visitors had the opportunity to share their input about design elements and building features. There were also interactive boards where they rated the importance of certain elements of the finished facility such as the interior design, landscaping, and the overall style.

"This is a public building. It's really important for the users to be involved with the decision making," Wolf Architecture architect Laura Read said.

Read said this workshop was the final meeting for this phase of the project. She said they've engaged in numerous public outreach efforts such as sending out surveys and holding focus groups with different demographics across the community. The next step of public input will come when the design concept options are developed.

Read said the total time the project will take is ultimately tied to funding and other factors.

"It needs to happen. We need a new library,"

Wolf Architecture owner Gary Wolf said that he and Read were both born and raised in Palmer so they're particularly invested in getting the community the library it deserves. He said that he feels hopeful moving forward.

"I feel good about it. I think the community is very supportive of it," Wolf said.

The Palmer Library was shut down after a partial roof collapse occurred in February, and a temporary library was opened off Arctic Avenue shortly afterwards.

"It's been very, very hard," Palmer Public Library Director Beth Skow said.

According to Skow, the average number of daily visitors has dropped to about 100 to 150 from about 500 to 700.

"We're making it work," Skow said.

Skow said that she's feeling positive about the project, noting that it will be difficult raising the necessary funds but it will be worth it in the end.

"I feel we're on target. Now we have an opportunity to build bigger," Skow said. "It will be like a rebirth."

Skow said that public libraries serve a vital role.

"We're the heart of the community," Skow said.

The temporary library is located at 137 East Arctic Avenue in downtown Palmer. For more information, visit palmerak.org/library.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com