“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” 

—Andrew Carnegie

 Your Homer Public Library (HPL) is a vital community asset, a safe gathering place where people of all ages get a sense of belonging while enjoying an abundance of educational and entertainment resources. In a recent city survey, residents voted the library number six in city service importance, just below emergency services and public works.  The HPL boasts 42,000 books and audio books, 3,100 DVDs, music CDs, magazines and newspapers, large print texts, and a download station.  It has wi-fi and 22 computers to surf the web, apply for jobs and browse the collection.  It’s a place to make copies and print for a nominal cost.  The HPL hosts children’s story time, computer classes and special events; meeting rooms are also available. The HPL website — www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/  — has more. “Friend” the HPL —  https://www.facebook.com/homerpubliclibrary.

City funds pay mainly for library employee and facility costs, as well as new books, audio books and DVDs. Our budget for FY 2015 is here:  http://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/finance/2015-adopted-budget. Tax-provided library funds have increased minimally in the past three years, making it harder to maintain current levels of services and support.

Thus, the library has relied on other sources of income, such as grants and the Friends of the Homer Public Library (FHL). FHL is a non-profit group of volunteer supporters who give hours of time, plus financial contributions — members include residents of Homer, Kachemak City, Fritz Creek, Razdolna, Kachemak-Silo, Halibut Cove, Anchor Point, and Voznesenka.  

Learn more at the Friends’ website:  http://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/friends-library  How can YOU make the library a better place for our community? 

Terry Smith

Library Volunteer

Library Advisory Board Member

Former Summer Library Aide