Get a passport at Colony High School Library

PALMER — For those who do not have the time to make it to a post office and process a passport, the Colony High School library is the new official passport facility and is the first library in Alaska to shoulder this heavy task.

Colony High School library opened its doors to the public as the new passport center on Sept. 26.

“We have been looking for a way to provide another opportunity for people to process passports, and Colony makes a great central location between Palmer and Wasilla,” said librarian Prudence Plunkett.

Before the library began this service only the Wasilla and Palmer post offices provided the community’s passports, she said.

Both Plunkett and librarian assistant Brenda Winders underwent extensive state department training and are now certified to process passports.

Colony High School Principal Cyd Duffin said she’s very supportive of the new program.

“I’m so impressed with the innovation and creativity of our librarian, Ms. Plunkett. She’s transformed the library into a place that is exciting for students and staff to research, learn, and study,” Duffin said. “Getting the passport service at our school is just one more step in her efforts to provide a comprehensive media center where many services are available to our students and our community.”

Principal Duffin said she also encourages business and community members to stop by Colony High’s medic center and explore its resources.

Passports purchased at the Colony High School library have the same rates as any other passport facility. The difference however, is that all funds raised go directly to the library to purchase more reading materials and office supplies.

“It helps the community and the school,” Plunkett said.

Primarily, customers come and pick up the required paper work then stop by later to drop it off with all the necessary attachments. However, if only one stop is desired the forms require a copy of one’s birth certificate, identification, and two passport photos that can be taken at multiple locations such as Walgreens for a minimal fee of $10.

For those who are under 16 years of age, a parent is required to fill out paperwork, the cost is $80, and the passport will last five years. Passports for people older than 16 cost $110 and are valid for 10 years. For regular processing, allow four to six weeks for completion.

In its first month, the Colony High School library staff already has processed seven passports. The library is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit travel.state.gov, or call the library at 861-5538.

Casey Branch is a senior at Colony High School.