Grateful for the Palmer Library

There are so many things to appreciate in our Palmer Community. And this is “thankful week” because of Thanksgiving. Listing all the good things about Palmer is easy but focusing on a single service and place takes a bit more time, especially if we dig down and really examine it. The Palmer Library deserves this concentrated attention because it is the ONE PLACE—in our town—which is safe, inviting, and open to the public.

You Don’t Have to Buy Anything—The Palmer Public Library is welcoming to everyone. If you need a rest, a sit or a calm environment, the library is your destination. No one quizzes you why you are there. No one watches your time at the table. And it seems that everyone is there for their own personal reason. Maybe it is to check out a book. Or look at the computer. Or be warm. Or wash your hands. Or write a letter. Or fill out a job application. Or study a map. Or pick up a movie. Or read the newspaper. Or watch the snow fall. Or just to see other people because you’re lonely. It is a destination for personal purposes.

You Must Behave Yourself—That is a rule. Plus you must be quiet. This means that you can’t disturb others. Walking into the library is practically a holy act. You know you won’t be assaulted with loud music. You know you won’t have to listen to somebody else’s speaker phone and responses. There are no buzzers or commercials. It means that you get a moment of respite—to focus on your task—whether that is reading a book, checking a reference, or doing some business or homework. .

The Librarians and Library Workers—Their primary job is to be available and they do it well. Of course their job changes with needs and sometimes their job demands the skills of a social worker, the brilliance of a researcher, and the compassion and the patience of a saint. They help people with questions ranging from technology, logistics, safety, algebra, high-protein reptilian food sources to local homelessness. Many of us can remember library workers suggesting the exact right book title at the exact right time. Perhaps it was at that moment when we fell in love with the library and the purpose of the library.

It’s a Community Depository—You can drop off food donations or pick up Covid testing kits at the library. You can find IRS tax forms and PFD applications. You can see Trail maps or the Local Alaska Resource Guides. It’s far more than just books of course, although books are comforting backdrop and appeal.

Busy Place with Busy Community Room—The Palmer Public Library has only one Community Room which is booked fully and used constantly by various groups. Rock collectors, Bird watchers, Painters, The Grange, Craft Makers, and Community Information meetings occur over and over in this functional community hub which brings people together. Not only is the Palmer Public Library a connector, it is also free and open to all.

Palmer Library is “Ground Zero.” —We’ve heard this and when you think about it, it’s quite true. The children who don’t have a ride; the person just released from jail; the homeless man who just wants to get warm; the young family who was evicted from their home; the shy child with no friends; the Senior whose wheelchair collapsed; the travelers who needed directions …many of these people end up at the library with quiet needs. Vulnerable people seek the safety of the library. Learners, families, teens, elders, veterans, handicapped, immigrants, homeless, and the mentally ill are all welcome at our library. The Library workers step up and respectfully help them with their needs and connect them with services and programs. Sometimes the Palmer Police are called in to assist. Library workers are often considered “second responders” in a crisis. They are definitely a part of our community’s resilience network and help Palmer stay healthy and well.

Palmer Public Library Friends—These are the volunteers who help create potential events and happenings which support the library. They build bridges into our community. They sponsor and partially fund various programs, including “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics” also known as STEAM which has free kits available. There are Craft & Chat meetings; Stamp Kits; Saturday Story Time; Middle School Movies, Musical Presentations with “Sundays at 2” Community Events; Free WiFi; Children’s Reading Times; Lesson Plans for the National Park Service’s “Matanuska Colony”; Online Newspapers and a variety of Magazines are available; Laptops and I-pads available for check out; and the favorite Summer Reading program. The Friends Group meets monthly and commits to assisting the Palmer Public Library’s goal of being a life-long and well-loved destination.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. Barbara shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222