Plans begin for Wasilla Library expansion

Though the current Wasilla Library was built and opened just nine years ago, the city’s rapid growth has led to a need to expand the building. Plans are underway to expand the current library, and Wasilla City Council voted to approve nearly $270K to fund architectural services to provide for the schematic design, design development, and construction documents during the November 10 City Council meeting.

The proposed expansion would allow the current library plan and prepare for anticipated growth in library usage in the near future.

The current 24,000-square-foot library Wasilla Library was completed in the fall of 2016 project was completed in the fall of 2016, and boasts housing over 90,000 books and periodicals, and spaces to host various community events and trainings with enough room to host nearly 200 people.

Earlier this year, the City Council allocated funding to hire an architect to evaluate and recommend the most effective approach for this expansion. The architect from ECI presented a plan to the council in July recommending a 2,000-square-foot expansion at an estimated price tag $3,000,000.

According to a staff report submitted by Wasilla Library Director Zane Treesh submitted September 8, 2025, the current library facility no longer has room to add staff workstations, and the four 20-hour a week part-time workers share two workstations. This expansion would allow for the hiring of more staff over the next several years, meeting the expected growth in the area and allow for an increase in the hours of operation.

The proposed expansion will enable the library to extend its operating hours, improve the efficiency and accuracy of materials check-in, and provide a more functional and effective processing area; and have a direct benefit to the residents who currently use the library, as well as welcome people from surrounding neighborhoods to utilize the facilities.

During the September 8th Council meeting, City Council approved Resolution 25-30, which stated that the council would support funding up to $1.3 million dollars toward the library expansion, while supporting the Library Director to seek additional funding through city partnerships and philanthropic organizations and city partners, which includes other government agencies, businesses and the Friends of Wasilla Public Library.

The ordinance was passed unanimously.