Friends of Sitka Public Library (formerly Friends of Kettleson Memorial Library)
is a charitable organization organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. The Friends maintains an association of persons interested in Sitka Public Library; stimulates use of Library resources & services; receives and encourages gifts, endowment, and bequests to the Library; raises funds for projects, facilities, and equipment that are beyond the scope of the City & Borough of Sitka’s budget for the Library; aids the CBS Board of Library Commissioners and the Library Director in efforts to make Sitka Public Library a vital community resource; and aid in securing Library volunteers.
Among the Friends’ efforts in support of Sitka’s public library have been their Adult Spelling Bee, traditionally held in May, and their Alaska Day Book Sale. The group was active in the initial planning stages of the proposed expansion of Kettleson Memorial Library, and their significant fundraising efforts contributed heavily toward the successful completion of the project. To join, donate to, or request further information regarding the Friends of Sitka Public Library, please contact their President, Kari Sagel at (907) 752-READ.
For those looking to share their time and efforts, Sitka Public Library has a variety of volunteer opportunities, ranging from regular tasks (shelving, cleaning, mail processing, etc.) to periodic projects (inventories, database clean-up, etc.) to assistance with particular programs. The work may not always be glamorous, but it is greatly needed and appreciated. Library volunteers logged over 1,000 hours over the past fiscal year, many of whom helped us move into our newly expanded facility. If you are interested in helping out at the library, or have any questions about volunteering, please contact the Library Director, at (907) 747-8708 or library@cityofsitka.org.
Support for our Library comes, in part, from the generous donations of its patrons and their loved ones. Monetary gifts should be made payable to Sitka Public Library, and may be made in recognition of others. When donors wish their funds to be used toward a particular purpose, the Library will make all reasonable efforts to honor those wishes.
Sitka Public Library also accepts donations of books, DVDs, and CDs that may be added to our circulating collection. Those persons with 6 or fewer items to donate may leave them at the front desk. Those with larger numbers of items are asked to provide us a list of titles and publication dates first. Donated items will be reviewed by the Director and/or Youth Services Librarian to determine whether to add the materials. Criteria for adding materials include:
In regard to books, we typically look for good condition hardcovers published within the past 3 years, Alaskana, and/or subject matter of particular interest to Sitkans. Materials selected for addition to the collection may either be added anonymously, or upon donor request, may include a book plate commemorating the donation. Those materials not selected for addition may either be held for the Friends of Sitka Public Library Book Sale, or returned to the donor upon their request. The Library also maintains a revolving exchange of mass market paperbacks that patrons may add to, by bringing them to the circulation desk. For questions or further information regarding library donations, please contact the Library Director at (907) 747-8708
or library@cityofsitka.org.
