Where will the new library be located?

The new library site is at the corner of Swanson Avenue and Crusey Street; adjacent to Wasilla Middle School and is accessible by vehicle and pedestrians. The project includes a trail link between the library and middle school, which is a Title I school and has the most culturally diverse population in the Mat-Su. The proximity of the library building to Wasilla Middle School, as well as coordination with the school's principal, will create a synergy between the facilities that will help promote literacy for both children and their parents.

When will it be built?

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 31, 2015, and completion is anticipated in mid-summer 2016.

How much bigger will it be?

The new library will be about 3 times the size of the current library - 24,451 square feet, all on one level.

What new amenities will it have?

The new library will provide useful amenities to better serve our community.  These areas include Multi-Purpose rooms, small study rooms for more focused work and small group collaboration, a teen area, designated story time space, a fireplace, a business center and over 40 computers for public use.

Will there be more parking?

The current library has 14 parking spaces; the new library will have almost 6 times the amount of parking at the current library building.

How much will it cost?

The total project cost is $15 million. In October 2013, City of Wasilla voters passed a 1 cent sales tax increase, beginning January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2016, until $15 million is available through a combination of sales tax collections and library funding from other organizations and sources, including the State of Alaska, whichever is earlier, to construct and equip the new Wasilla Public Library building. To date, over $6 million has been collected from this 1 cent sales tax increase. Additionally, the four-acre site for the new library building is an in-kind contribution from the City of Wasilla. This land was secured through a transfer process from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. This project has received $1,875,000 from the State of Alaska; a $500,000 outright grant and a $250,000 Challenge Grant from the Rasmuson Foundation; an in-kind donation of approximately $55,000 from the Foraker Group Pre-Development Program and $50,000 from the Friends of the Wasilla Public Library.

How can I help?

In addition to an outright $500,000 grant from the Rasmuson Foundation, we have been awarded a 1:1 Challenge Grant of up to $250,000.  For every one dollar raised for the project from private sources, between November 20, 2014-December 31, 2016, the Rasmuson Foundation will match that dollar, up to $250,000!