Grant Highlight: Moose Pass Public Library – Expanding Patron Opportunities

Through the Seward Community Foundation’s annual competitive grant cycle, the Moose Pass Public Library (MPPL) received $2,980 to support their move into a newly renovated space, equipped with tablets that will allow patrons of all ages to access e-books and other electronic media. The funding also helped MPPL purchase a high-quality wireless printer and scanner, and the library is a community meeting space with equipment to project movies and presentations.

Established in 1938, and operated continuously since then, the MPPL has entered the digital age and can now offer virtually unlimited reading material in a cozy, beautiful space. Dozens of volunteers contributed to the construction of the new library within the former fire hall, and construction manager Bruce Jaffa estimates about 1,000 hours of labor and skilled craftsmanship were donated by local residents. “Use of the library has increased dramatically since the new facility opened,” said President Rodger Painter, “and its all-volunteer staff is planning improvements to keep interest high.”

The Moose Pass Public Library was supported by the Seward Community Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund.

Celebrating the Opening of the New Library in Mid-June (L:R) Sen. Peter Micciche, Bruce Jaffa, Jeff Hetrick, Rodger Painter, Rose Hetrick, Jan Odhner, Jeff Estes and Rep. Mike Chenault