One woman show 'A Librarian's Epilogue' featured at Palmer Moose Lodge

The Palmer Moose Lodge was the stage for “A Librarian’s Epilogue,” a one woman show presenting the life and dedication of Sally Gwin, Palmer’s first Librarian. Dry, boring stories were not featured; instead the play explored passion and conviction of Sally Gwin, a dedicated woman whose legacy is a touchstone of Palmer’s growth. The story was written by Bridgette Preston, a local writer with Grandmother Raven Productions, who explores stories of local connections between people and place.

The protagonist, Sally Gwin, was played by Diana Bailey who handled the historical biographic role with both emotion and humor. It was an interesting scenario, with librarian Sally Gwin reflecting on her ten years as the first official librarian in Palmer’s growing town.

Bailey nailed the role completely with stories and highlights of the challenging dilemmas of funding, creating, supplying, and moving a new library which was 12 times its original space. Logistics and financing alone were overwhelming. Gwin’s relationships with the movers and shakers of Alaska’s past were discussed including former Palmer City Manager Dave Soulak, Mat Su Borough Dorothy Jones, Philanthropist Louise Kellogg, and supporters Evangeline Atwood and Verna Euwer. These were just a few of the players in the history of the Palmer Library.

Gwin spent time with many local individuals in search of their particular reading passions and interests. Frequenting the library was Ada Blackjack (who became a wonderful friend) along with the storied Wild Bill Nelson—who was also a visitor to the library. Resounding messages were repeated in this dramatic performance, including the need for free knowledge to be available to every person. The importance of books’ to inspire creativity and curiosity was stressed. She also emphasized the value in identifying books that have personal and vivid messages for inspiration and freedom.

Sally Gwin believed in an abundance of diverse reading material along with providing a safe refuge for everyone. The role of a librarian is huge and the tasks are many. One important piece of advice she offered was, “Go to the library when the wind blows because it is a safe place where you can find adventure and courage in solitude.”

The Palmer Historical Society and Grandmother Raven Productions present wonderful meetings and collaborative shows dedicated to history and significance of the Palmer area. Additional shows and events are planned for June and July which include Season Three Stories in Stone; Hearths and Homesteads; and Matriarchs of the Midnight Sun. Grandmother Raven Productions is the Palmer creative collective which develops these theatrical productions along with cemetery and educational tours.