This is my responce to a survey that I received from the Friends of Wasilla Library.

     I am very much in support of public libraries. (You’d be surprised how much my children have paid in overdue book fees to the Wasilla Library.    :)

1. Do I see public libraries as an essential government service?
        Absolutely, individuals can’t afford to acquire, house, and make available to the public the vast resources that public libraries can. The Internet cannot replace the real and social aspects of the library, only supplement it. I see public libraries as the intellectual center of the community.
2. What is my vision of the public library in Wasilla?
        I’d like to see us have something like Palmer has, only bigger and better. We need a library with more parking, easier access, and more room for public meetings and classes. I’d like to see more and newer computers. Could something like the Community Technology Center and other educational services be included?
3. What are my ideas for equitable funding of city libraries in the long term?
        I don’t know the percentages, but the Borough needs to contribute its fair share. We live just outside the city limits and have used the library ever since we moved here in 1986. However we do pay a lot of Wasilla sales tax. Can companies like MTA, MEA, and GCI be partnered into help public libraries? What about the NEA and IBEW? Are there other sources of funding like private, state, and federal grants?

I hope to be in a position to help soon.
Sincerely,
Dan O'Barr
dan@obarr.net
http://www.obarr.net



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