Wasilla Library celebrates 5 years at new facility

WASILLA — Wasilla Public Library staff and volunteers recently celebrated five years of operation in the new building off North Crusey Street with the community.

“It’s always a good day when we get to celebrate in the new building. It’s a happy day. It’s something to be proud and it’s something that will be here for a long time for our families,” Wasilla Library youth services librarian Sara Saxton said.

The five-year anniversary event was a full day of family oriented games and activities such as a scavenger hunt, art activities, and a guided tours with information about the library’s various stages of evolution.

Numerous local families attended the event. Megan Luke brought her daughters Evelyn and Jailynn. She said they were out running errands when they stopped by and found out what was going on, ending up spending three hours enjoying the festivities.

“It’s been a really fun day,” Luke said.

Luke said they spent their summer visiting the library, participating in various activities, especially ones involving art. She said they usually leave with stacks of books.

“I think it’s really nice. I really like having to so close and right in town,” Luke said.

Evelyn said she loves visiting the library. She said that she had a lot of fun coloring jellyfish and was eager to pick up more books.

“The funnest books from the library are the princess books,” Evelyn said.

Jeanne Troshynski, president of the Wasilla Library Association, commonly referred to as the Friends of Wasilla Library, said it was amazing to be at this point. She said the library started in 1938 with just 91 books where Wasilla City Hall currently resides, moving from place to place before settling at its longtime location off Main Street.

The new facility marked a historic turning point and the start of many new adventures.

“It’s a great facility… I’m just really proud of it. I think the library is such an important part of the community,” Troshynski said. “Our usage has increased so much with this bigger building because it’s just easier to access… This is a great, comfortable, safe place to come, which of course is a big purpose of a library.”

Saxton said that she’s enjoyed being a part of an ever-evolving mission that’s fueled by local generosity. She has countless memories of families enjoying their ever-growing array of resources.

“There’s so many special things. All the good stuff is here,” Saxton said.

Saxton said it’s taken countless hours and resources to get where they are today.

“It’s building community. We are a part of their lives and that’s one of the most special parts of working at the library. It’s just proof of a community that loves learning. It took a lot of work and it’s always the people who make it work and make it happen,” Saxton said. “Your building is as good as the people working with you. The people who come here to use the library and the people that come here is what makes my job so satisfying.”

The Wasilla Library is offering virtual storytelling events with plans to hold their annual Spooky Writing Contest in October, according to Saxton. She said they’re also offering to-go programs for families such as STEM and STEAM kits and storytime bags. They’re also planning to host a Story Walk in the summer of 2022.

For more information, call 907-376-5913 or visit cityofwasilla.com/services/departments/library

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