New Library Project Well Underway

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
Yesterday, representatives from the Kodiak Public Library Association joined KMXT’s Talk of the Rock to give an update on the new library project. Erin Harrington is the chairman on the KPLA board and said the hope is to have the library done before the holidays.

— (KPLA Update 1 :14 “You know I talked with the …when we’ll be in there.”)

Harrington said the complete skyline and outer structure of the library should be complete sometime in February. She said one of the great things about the project is the construction has all been done through local workers who have worked diligently under all kinds of inclement weather to keep the project on track. The new library, which will be on Borough Hill next door to KMXT, is also right next to two large satellite dishes, and Harrington said KPLA is working with AT&T on removing one ore both of them.

— (KPLA Update 2 :39 “People that have been able …those kinds of things.”)

Kelly Longrich is the capital cabinet coordinator and co chair of the publicity and events committee for KPLA and said the project is pretty much fully funded. She said the last leg of fundraising was done locally through events and community donations.

— (KPLA Update 3 :21 “I’ve been working with … standing behind this.”)

She said fundraisers like monthly book swaps and the upcoming altered book art show are two examples of KPLA’s fundraising efforts through events. In addition, more than 200 community members and families have donated directly to the project.
Sarah Short co chairs the publicity and events committee with Longrich and is the secretary for the KPLA board. She said part of the Library’s community capital campaign has been generating a dialogue among community members about ways they can support KPLA.

— (KPLA Update 4 :33 “Um, this idea has been … doing in this community.”)

Short said the concept of generating dialogue and support is something that can be done for any organization, and hopefully it can be used in future capitol campaigns in Kodiak.