The Palmer Public Library: The heart of downtown Palmer

Last week our Public Palmer Library collapsed. It was a harsh event which strikes deep into our town and community.

Some will say, oh well. Some will say a library isn’t necessary. Some will say they never used it. Some will say, get over it. Some will say it’s old school. Some will say there are better uses for the money or the location. Some will say, it was a conspiracy. Some will say it’s the devil’s work. Some will say it’s God’s lesson.

We know these dismissive attitudes will surface. But let’s look at the Palmer Public Library in a geographic light. It is, without a doubt, the heart of our town of Palmer. It is physically smack dab in the middle. This was no accident of location; it was planned. As a public space, it needed to be in a central location. Because of this, it receives so much use in a variety of ways. Not only is it a public space, it is a landmark and the epicenter of our community compass. The collapse symbolically damaged and scared all of us; interestingly the value of our library gained instant clarity.

Many would agree that any small town is judged by four things: the condition of its library, its post office, its sidewalks, and its cemetery. These four aspects of a town are services which are open to everyone, citizens and visitors alike.

I thank the variety of wise Palmer people who shared the following thoughts with me—for this column—so this isn’t just a “Palmer Buzz Personal point of view.”

“It’s devastating at this moment, but in time we will have a library again. People are anxious to help—but it's too early. We have to wait for the structural reports to know how much damage and what can be done. There is the immediate loss of important community space, but it can and will be rebuilt eventually. There is huge concern about the state of irreplaceable historic items, and hoping beyond hope that they are okay. This includes items on loan from Palmer Historical Society. General books will be easy enough to replace, but people need to understand it takes a lot of time to catalog and process each item.”

“We are so thankful that no one was injured. And for the future, it’s important to be aware of snow load capacity. For many, the children’s book area is a treasured and formative space. It is where children learn and dream about their own interests at their own levels; plus children learn about responsibility and respect of others.”

“We hope the library can be repaired and damaged books can be replaced. Community efforts will happen and will be amazing. The community is standing up tall and support is coming in. Advocacy for the library is growing and will continue to grow. Palmer loves its own library and this will be apparent in so many ways. At the Sunday fundraiser, there are stories about small children clutching their allowance coins and crumpled dollar bills to donate to the cause. Big and small businesses, individuals and organizations stepped up to assist with the event. As always Palmer collected together to grieve, heal and continue to support a well-loved institution. With the strong spirit of the enduring Palmer community, we will have an eventual good outcome from this sad situation.”

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She 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