Did you know -

On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order that severely impacts the IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) which supports library operations nationwide. On March 31, the entire IMLS staff was placed on administrative leave.

In FY 2025, Alaska received $1.27 million of Library Services and Technology Act funds which flowed to consortia and individual libraries throughout the state.

What this means to us locally -

If Alaskan libraries lose this funding, numerous services will be reduced or discontinued, such as:

• Alaska Reads
• Battle of the Books
• Statewide Summer Reading Program
• Alaska Digital Library (also known as Libby or Overdrive)
• SLED statewide database system
• and more

For more details, https://www.npr.org/2025/03/31/nx-s1-5334415/doge-institute-of-museum-and-library-services

What can we do to help -

Contact our legislators in Washington DC and let them know how important the library system is to you and to your family. 

Please contact Sen. Murkowski, Sen. Sullivan, and Rep. Begich and ask them to prevent the dismantling of IMLS. 

Contact legislators easily through this website:        

                  Ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries

Thank you for your support -

Soldotna Library Friends Board of Directors

                  Julie Gottfried, President

                  Mary Lou Wilcox, Summer Vice President

                  Jane Fuerstenau, Winter Vice President

                  Pam Joslin, Treasurer

                  Barbara Olson, Secretary

                  Vicki Johnston-Freese

                  Jane Gabler

                  Romi Haseo

• The Friends purchased a Button Maker for the library to use in their programs. 
• Time change for Board of Directors Meetings - New meeting time will be noon. Meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday of each month at the library. All members are welcome to attend.
• Congratulations to our new Board President Julie Gottfried. We are all excited to have her take on this role.
• Welcome to new board member Beth Swaby. She's got great ideas and energy.
• 2025 Summer Reading Program theme will be "Color Our World". Be ready to sign up in June. This is for all ages.
• 2024 Summer Reading Program had over a thousand people sign up, and even more participated.
• Check out the 2025 Soldotna Visitors Guide. Our library ad has information for both visitors and locals.
• PickClickGive donations for 2024 were received from 29 people for a total of $1,525. We are a small non-profit and every donation helps us support our library.

Website for Soldotna Public Library - Soldotna.org/library

Calendar of Library Events - Soldotna.libcal.com/calendar

• Programs for children, tweens, teens, and adults

Meeting Rooms - Soldotna.libcal.com/spaces

• Schedule use of conference rooms and the community room