Homer Alaska - News -

"We're getting busier and busier and keep running out of space with more stuff to put in it," Craig said. "There's no room for people to sit down and read a book."

As a result, with almost $6,000 in its building fund, the Anchor Point Public Library has begun to seriously look at raising funds necessary to have a new base of operations.

In the late 1980s, a community development grant built the existing structure, with plans for it to be used jointly by the VFW, the senior center and the library, according to Craig.

Construction was completed in 1990, and the senior center was the first to suffer growing pains.

"They got some generous donations and qualified for some more money for grants and so away they went," Craig said.

The library has stayed put, gradually filling approximately 1,500 square feet. As more books have been acquired the library's materials currently total almost 16,000, including videos and DVDs and as the daily number of library users has grown to between 40-50, that space just isn't enough. Add to that four computers, all with Internet hookups and available to the public, and the library's use as a meeting place and it has become a very busy place.

"It would be nice to have about twice the size we have or at least half again as much," Craig said.

Several years ago, a piece of land was donated to the library. Whether it is suitable for their building needs is uncertain.

"Whether it (a new library) will be built on that property or whether we'll do some horse trading or purchase different property, that all depends on what money comes in and what opportunities open up," Craig said. "Nothing is set in concrete at this point."

Except, that is, the PFD fund-raiser. That's where Spencer comes in.

"We're trying to get the community involved and get people aware of this (need)," Spencer said. "It's become necessary (for the library) to move on, to take care of ourselves. We are out of space."

In addition to the dinner, Spencer also is collecting items to be auctioned off later this year as part of the fund-raising effort. She's looking for donations of art, fishing charters, "anything Alaskan," she said.

"Chainsaws and a flat-screen television would be great. Hotel packages. Massages," she said. "I've been to 55 places already. Everybody has been awesome, very supportive."

The raffle will take place at the library's annual Cabin Fever Variety Show the end of January, an event Spencer also is organizing. Tickets will go on sale soon.

In addition to raffle items, Spencer is looking for entertainers and people to bake the pies that are traditionally sold in a silent auction the same evening.

Joanne Collins at the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce can testify to the library's use, not just by residents but also visitors.

"We've sent a lot of people down to the library to rent movies since we don't have a video rental here in town anymore, and also to use the Internet," Collins said. "(The library) is doing a great job. ... It's a busy place."

To donate raffle items, sign up to bake pies or perform at the Cabin Fever Variety Show or for more information on PFD, "Pasta For Dinner," call Debra Spencer at 299-4257.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.