City seeks landlord, library needs bigger space

WASILLA -- The search for a new space for the Wasilla Pubic Library was formalized with a request for proposal (RFP) issued earlier this month. If RFP's were classified ads this one might have read, "28-year-old city government seeks landlord for 64-year-old library. Ten-year lease and at least 21,000 square feet required."

The library was founded by the Wasilla Library Association, which formed in 1938 to qualify for grant money from the territorial government and place books for adults in a locking cabinet at the Wasilla school. The city of Wasilla was incorporated in 1974.

So far two prospective landlords have picked up the RFP-- the managers of the Carrs-Safeway mall Sears moved out of last year and the management at Cottonwood Creek Mall. City officials have visited both spaces, and according to deputy administrator John Cramer, they have also visited with staff at the Dimond Center Mall branch of the Anchorage Municipal Library.

The RFP includes availability by Sept. 1, 2002 -- Cramer called that a tentative occupancy date and said if things go well the library could start moving then.

"We're doing this now so that we can build a budget necessary for the space," Cramer said.

This isn't the first time the Wasilla library has moved, but it will be

a major increase in space. The current building is about 8,000 square feet. It was built in 1977 and expanded in 1985.

There is a report on the library's history compiled by Friends of Wasilla Public Library and a book, "The Library and I" by Edith Olsen, a long time library volunteer. In 1942, the association purchased a 12-foot-by-14-foot cabin on Main Street for its growing library.

The city government and the library association were once roommates -- they shared office space in what is the current library building in the late 1970s. The library association ran the library under contract to the city up until 1985 when it dissolved and transferred all of its holdings to the city government, according to the Friends' report.

Cramer said Mayor Sarah Palin has been studying the library space and parking needs for more than a year. The deadline for prospective landlords to submit proposals is April 8. Proposals will be scored according to rental rate and also criteria such as availability, vehicle parking and access, location and use of space. There is a 300-point scale with 150 points available for rental rate and the other 150 divided amongst 13 criteria.

Cramer said the timing of the RFP allows the city council to include the new library lease in its 2003 budget process. When asked what would happen if Wasilla's leaders decide the winning bid is too expensive or not good enough, he indicated the process could start from scratch.

"Usually, you take a few steps back and you punt -- you have to reevaluate what it is you're trying to do and how you're trying to do it," Cramer said.