Wasilla Library unveils Alaskana collection, holds silent auction

Most know that the public libraries are one of the few places that house hundreds and hundreds of works of literature. Old dusty reference books, nonfiction, classics, modern classics, best sellers, how-to books, and movies- the list is endless.

Libraries also hold pieces of history. Little journals or thick volumes of carefully crafted works that document what the world looked like hundreds of years ago, discoveries of new worlds, new peoples, and new breakthroughs.

All of these things made free and available to the public. And the Wasilla Public Library is no exception.

Often, historical books and reference materials are made possible through donations gifted to the library.

The Wasilla Public Library has recently received 2 rather sizeable donations of books to add and improve the Alaskan collection. On Wednesday night, Zane Treesh, the Wasilla Public Library Director made a presentation to the public about the donations.

One collection came from Katie Hurley, a well-known public figure in Wasilla, having served as representative as well as serving as a secretary in the 1955 Alaska State Constitution Convention.

“She donated nearly 300 Alaskana books,” Treesh said, adding that readers will be able to distinguish them as they will have a special plate in the front page of the book, marking it as part of the Katie Hurley Collection.

The largest donation came from Wells Fargo Museum in Anchorage.

“The museum closed a little over a year ago. They had artifacts and a book collection and while Anchorage had first dibs, after they went through everything that might be used in Anchorage, they donated to the Wasilla Library,” Treesh said.

Treesh said that the donation came with a stipulation-if the books were not going to be added to the library’s collection, they must be used to help raise funds for library programming.

That’s where Friends of the Wasilla Public Library (FWPL) came in.

After Treesh went through the donations, added and traded out the Alaskan collection, the rest were made available for events like the silent auction.

FWPL President Jeanne Troshynski, members of the FWPL, and other volunteers helped coordinate the silent auction. Some of the books available for bidding were dated as far back as the late 1700s. One such book featured world literature of the time.

There were many books detailing arctic expeditions, exploring the Northwest Passage, and nautical discoveries of the 19th century.

Others were written by historical figures important to Alaska, such as William H. Seward, who had a book detailing his world travels and featured pen illustrations.

“This will be the first. I’ve no doubt there will be more. People are interested in these books,” said Troshynski, who was pleased with the turnout.

“You never know who’s going to turn up. People seemed to have fun, we shared some fascinating books, and made a little money for the library.”

Indeed, many who took part in the auction were able to take home little pieces of Alaskan history.

One highly coveted book of the evening was a collection of Native Alaskan stories called “The Raven.” It feature beautiful woodcuts by Dale Armond.

“I wanted this book because I worked at a cultural native Headstart (Early Learning) and worked a Native Alaskan director who does very wonderful raven stories, and I loved them,” said a very excited Marci Hawkins as she collected her books.

Not everyone attending took a chance to bid on something, but rather enjoyed seeing what was offered and found new books of interest at the library.

“I just came when I saw the signs. I just love books, so that’s what brought me,” said Barb, who brought her friend Sue Hecks.

“I love reading books on Alaska,” Sue commented.

When asked if they will take the opportunity to check out books from the Alaskan collection, Sue said, “Of course. I kind of knew it was there but never really went there. But seeing they have quite a collection, I’m going to come back.”

For Treesh, the Alaskan collection is a bit of a passion project, as he is very interested in history.

“Not just history, but US History, and specifically Alaskan history.” He is also particularly interested in Alaskan mining history.

Treesh and his staff at the library want to make sure these books remain in the best possible condition for the public, so he will trade out the popular, or as he likes to call them ‘well-worn’ copies.

“When I got here, I noticed our Alaskana collection of books were ‘well-loved.’ A lot of them had tape holding them together, wear and tear. So I made it my mission to try and trade out worn copies for ones that were in better condition,” Treesh said.

“We’re a public library. We don’t have a rare book collection-I keep going back and forth if we should have one, but I lean more towards the idea that people like to use things,” he said. He wants to keep things circulating and moving in the library, so most of the books in the Alaska section are available for people to check out, take home and read.

As for the Alaskan collection, Treesh is always interested in what’s out there and what people donate to the library.

“We have room to add to the collection. And as opportunities arise, we’ve been adding and trading out books and bound magazines.”

The Wasilla Public Library is open six days a week. For more information, visit www.cityofwasilla.gov/services/library.