Friends of the Palmer Library launch new fund-raising campaign for library construction

The Friends of the Palmer Library has launched a fund-raising campaign to raise money for construction and furnishings for the new library planned to replace one destroyed by a roof collapse due to heavy snow in February, 2023. Library services are now operated by the city of Palmer in temporary rented space in downtown Palmer.

The fundraising was announced last Thursday at the Palmer Chamber of Commerce. A month-long series of events and speaking engagements highlighting the importance of the new library to the Palmer community is planned to raise money, said Mardene Collins, who chairs the Friends of the Palmer Library board.

The current effort will culminate in festivities including a parade planned Tuesday, March 17 at The Depot, Palmer’s community center, which also coincides with St. Patrick’s Day. For dedicated winter runners, a 5-K and 10-K race is planned.

Money available to construct the new library building from an insurance settlement supplemented by a state grant secured by Palmer’s state Rep. DeLena Johnson as well as major donations by the Mat-Su Health Foundation and the Rasmuson Foundation. However, funds are still needed for furnishings and materials, Collins said.

Palmer voters also approved $10 million in borrowing, if needed, but this would be though long-term general obligation bonds that the city would repay through property taxes. Funds raised by the Friends of the Palmer Library could reduce the amount needed from the sale of bonds, lessening the pressure on local property taxes.

The Friends of the Palmer Library is a local nonprofit that supports the library through events and raising money, for example the popular summer programs for children, Collins said. The support group was formed originally in 1945 and was eventually incorporated as a nonprofit. There are about 250 members.

The new fundraising effort is a major initiative but the Friends of the Palmer Library has been collecting donations for the library reconstruction since the 2023 roof collapse. About $200,000 has been raised so far. Collin hopes the current campaign can raise another $500,000. “We’d be delighted it we can raise $1 million,” she said.

Donations so far are large and small, including small contributions from children. There have been three $10,000 donations and several contributions of $2,500 and smaller amounts ranging from $100 to $500, Collins said. One of the $10,000 contributions came from an out-of-state family visiting Palmer for the summer who had children in the library’s summer reading programs.

“They were so pleased with their childrens’ experience that on returning home they sent us a $10,000 check as a donation,” Collins said.

Supporting the library’s summer reading program is a major activity of the Friends of the Palmer Library with $3,500 to $4,000 typically raised for various activities, prizes and refreshments for children in the program, which also include activities like a bicycle maintainence workshop. The group also collaborates on events with other organizations like the Palmer Arts Council and Mat-Su Orchestra and helps sponsor safe Halloween and New Year’s events for children.

Credit card donations may be made through the non profit volunteer organization, Friends of the Palmer Public Library, Inc.

Cash or check donations may be made during open hours at the interim library location at 137 E Arctic Ave, Palmer AK 99645.