Construction is moving along for the new Palmer library building. Library Director Joy Bailey and Library Services Coordinator Seina Bell explained in an interview with Big Cabbage Radio that the project is expected to take at least 18 months.
The new library will probably open in fall 2027. The library will remain at its current location until then.
The library collection is spread across storage areas and the temporary building. Staff are already planning how to reunite and organize everything once construction is complete.
The temporary library operates out of the big green building on Arctic Avenue near Napa Auto Parts. It has a range of services for patrons. This includes books, electronic resources, and technology access. Specialty items such as telescopes, CD players, and projectors can be checked out. More information, including hours and event calendars, are available on the library’s website at pplak.org
Everyone is invited to celebrate the new library construction project at the groundbreaking ceremony this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. The event begins at the Palmer Depot. It continues with a ceremony at the construction site and a family-friendly reception afterward. Library staff hope the entire community will come out to celebrate the future Palmer Public Library.
Bailey and Bell noted that the library summer programming is gearing up.
Story times will continue at the Palmer Depot. Larger all-ages events will be held at the Palmer Pavilion and at the Rebarchek Farm on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.
Early registration for the library’s summer reading program opens this Wednesday. The program begins in June.
“Touch a Truck” will happen at the MTA Events Center next Tuesday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children and families are welcome to explore emergency and public works vehicles.
The children’s book festival happens on Saturday, June 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Palmer Pavilion. The library partnered with Fireside Books, the Palmer Arts Council, and United Way Mat-Su for the event. It will feature local children’s authors and family activities.
Check the library events calendar for more info.
Bailey and Bell highlighted the important role of the Friends of the Palmer Public Library. This all-volunteer nonprofit helps fund library programs. It supports the summer reading program. It sponsored writing workshops and visiting authors. The Friends also staff a booth at Friday Fling. They meet monthly at the temporary library.
Bailey and Bell finished with a description of the new library building. The two-story facility will have dedicated children’s, teen, and adult areas. It will also have study rooms, meeting rooms, a computer lab, and an Alaska Room.
Outdoor green space and seating areas are also planned for community programming and gatherings. Parking will be redesigned to create additional spaces.
Library staff are especially excited about a covered drive-up book return system. No more walking through the parking lot in winter weather to return books.
The full interview is on bigcabbageradio.org. Look for it in Inside the City under Podcasts.
Check out our daily pictures of the construction site on our Facebook and NextDoor pages.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.
Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.
Please support Page 2 News. Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.
This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday May 25, 2026.