Wasilla High School upgrading library for the first time in four decades

WASILLA — Wasilla High School is currently halfway through its overall fundraising and upgrade efforts for the onsite library.

WHS librarian Laura Anderson said they're currently transforming the library into an educational hub that goes beyond books.

As of May 3, the school has raised $52,000 of its $100,000 goal to fully enhance the space with an assortment of cosmetic, functional, and adaptive learning tools and resources to better support students along their journeys from adolescence to adulthood.

“I really want that collaborative, building kind of environment," Anderson said.

So far, thanks to the continued support of community members and dedicated students willing to lend an extra hand, the library has added several new features including new furniture, new equipment such as a 3-D printer, and a new conference/study room that’s used for a variety of purposes, including mock interviews to prepare students for their careers. She said locals have donated their time, energy, and resources in various capacities to help this project take off.

“There's been huge community support," Anderson said.

Anderson said they’re working to further transform the area into a “Makers Space” for hands-on learning and critical thinking activities that utilize tools like the 3-D printer. She said they’re also going to establish a Job Center to promote skills such as resume building, interview skills, taxes, investing, and credit. She said the Job Center will also feature a Job Kiosk where student can link their resumes with local employers for jobs and apprenticeships. Various members of the community across all career sectors will offer speaker presentations throughout the school year.

The goal is to address the local trade worker shortage in the Valley and prepare students for the adult world.

Anderson said they plan to finish all the upgrades over the summer in time for the next school year starting this fall.

WHS Principal Jason Marvel said it’s been over 40 years since the last library remodel and it’s great to finally have the opportunity to offer more opportunities to their students.

“I think it's really cool. I think it's really awesome for our community,” Marvel said. “The kids deserve to have these upgrades.”

For more information on how to support this cause, visit matsuk12.us/WHS.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com