From his time in Denver’s music scene to his work in an Austin library, fostering a sense of community has been a top priority for Sitka’s new library director Andrew Murphy. KCAW’s Katherine Rose brings us this profile- 

Downloadable Audio

When Robb Farmer, Sitka Public Library’s previous director, moved away at the beginning of the summer, he shared his job description with thousands and thousands of librarians via Facebook. “I posted it onto the ‘Library Thinktank’ on facebook, 27,000 people, most of whom I have not met, with five random pictures from my phone,” said Farmer. This job is open, here are the kind of views that await you, apply!”

And that’s just where Sitka’s new library director, Andrew Murphy, found it. “Robb previously posted some photos on that same page,” Murphy said. “That really caught my attention because it’s so stunningly beautiful here.”

Murphy moved to Sitka from Austin Texas, where he spent the last 5 years studying and working as a librarian. But before that, he made a living in the music industry. As a young college student in Denver, Colorado, he even created his own record label, devoted to music from Denver.  “I was always very interested and active in the local music scene in Denver,” said Murphy. “The first album I released was by an instrumental surf band. The next record was by a hardcore punk band. The next was by a folk artist.”

An eclectic mix of genres, but Murphy says the small music scene in Denver in the 80’s and 90’s had a familial vibe. “That was one of the things that drew me to it initially. I’d go to a concert and it would be three local bands that sound completely different but they were all friends.”

When he was 23, he moved to San Francisco, and worked for a record distributor, running his Denver record label from 1,200 miles away. But after 9 years, he realized that a career in the music industry wasn’t for him. “I felt much more drawn to doing public servant work rather than working for a company that was motivated by profit,” Murphy said. “It’s nice that the library is for everybody and everything is free.”

And it doesn’t hurt that Murphy is somewhat of a “legacy” librarian. “My great grandmother was the city librarian in Worthington, Minnesota, for many years including throughout the Depression,” said Murphy. “The newspaper of that town at the time did an article about her- it was highlighting the libraries value during the Great Depression — how circulation of books increased, even back then directing people toward jobs, a service libraries still provide.”

And when he began working as a librarian, Murphy saw first-hand the added support libraries give to those who are struggling. “In Austin I was pretty involved with a community of people experiencing homelessness,” said Murphy. “Basically any issue or service that is not provided by the city the library ends up taking on that role.”

Murphy prioritized providing more services and activities. He started a monthly poetry program, using the skills he learned in the music industry to expand the program into both a podcast series and several volumes of books. And as with his record label, he published works from a range of writers, from patrons experiencing homelessness, to children and master’s candidates. “It really created a bigger sense of community,” said Murphy. “It was a way for everyone to feel a part of something bigger instead of just a monthly event at the library.”

Now, Murphy is trying to get a feel for the community here in Sitka. On his reading list? A book on the history of Kettleson Memorial library. “I found that very impressive that so much history was known about the history of the library here,” said Murphy, “and I’m happy to be a part of that history now.”

And as for the spectacular views Robb Farmer described in his facebook post, unfortunately Murphy hasn’t seen a whale from the library windows…yet. “I hope it’s not a busy moment,” Muphy said, “because it’s certainly going to distract me.”

Sitka library director Robb Farmer. (KCAW file photo)

Robb Farmer reflects on his time as the Director of the Sitka Public Library, as he and his wife Kathy prepare to leave the position this month to work in Virginia as director of the Smyth County Public Library system. Farmer discusses how the Sitka Public Library has changed (the new building and new programs) as well as its future.

Farmer arrived in 2014, when the library was named Kettleson and temporarily located on the Sheldon Jackson campus. Under his tenure, the library received a new name, new location, and expanded programming.

Maite Lorente will take the helm as the library’s interim director, as the director search continues.

Downloadable audio.

Correction: A previous version of this article mistakenly said Farmer will be moving to Alabama. 

Since opening in 2003, Fortress of the Bear has salvaged 13 cubs. Fortress director Les Kinnear is hoping to expand the facility to make more room for the black bears. (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

Assembly gives $27 million general fund budget first approval 

The Sitka Assembly approved the city’s budget for the upcoming year on first reading Tuesday night (05-23-17), but postponed a decision on buying more office space for the hospital.

Sitka Community Hospital requested $400,000 for a modular unit to add much-needed space at the clinic (Memo SCH Modular). But the Assembly wasn’t ready to invest in the physical future of the building before hearing from the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium about their idea for a merger.

Assembly member Steven Eisenbeisz said that $400,000 was no drop in the bucket. “It’s not a small amount of money. I’d rather spend a million dollars on something that is permanent for the next 30 years than $400,000 on something… a short term fix to me is less than 10 years,” Eisenbeisz said.

SEARHC will present their merger proposal to the Assembly at a work session on May 30th.

Sitka Community Hospital also plans to present their plan for an independent future at a separate meeting. SCH has hired an outside consultant – Stroudwater Associates – to guide that decision making. The consultant arrives this week.

The budget also includes a $400,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Electric Fund to meet the bond obligation for the Blue Lake Dam, due July 1st.

The Assembly approved the budget by a vote of 4-1, with Eisenbeisz voting against. Assembly members Tristan Guevin and Aaron Swanson were absent. The budget will be up for final adoption on June 13.

City incurs savings on health insurance

While putting the final touches on the city’s spending plan, City Administrator Mark Gorman had some good news to share about savings.

Paula Scott, the city’s insurance agent, negotiated for a 12% increase in employee health insurance. The city had been budgeting for a 17.5% increase. This translates into a $105,000 savings for the school district and $50,000 savings for the general fund, which could mean less coming out of reserves.

Gorman said, “Paula has done yeoman’s service for our community. This is fast breaking news and a little bit of sunshine on the budget.” He does not yet know how much savings will be gained from hospital employees.

Budget includes $6.6 million for Sitka’s School, but further cuts from state may come

The Sitka School District will receive $6.6 million for schools and $150,000 for building repairs and maintenance. The Assembly had initially planned to cut that contribution by $239,000, but after hearing about challenges facing the district at a May 2nd Special Budget meeting, restored $200,000 to schools.

The district is still awaiting critical funding decisions from the legislature. The Senate has put forth a 5% cut to Alaska schools, that students recently protested. That translates into $800,000 less dollars for Sitka’s schools. Superintendent Mary Wegner said, “Where they end up, we don’t know. But there is very likely going to be a 1 or a 2% cut.” That would translate into fewer elementary school teachers and an increase in classroom sizes for 2nd and 5th graders.

Wegner told the Assembly she’s also authorizing the immediate hire of a new music teacher for Blatchley Middle School, as Michael Kernin is moving to Sitka High School.

See the school district’s budget plan here: SSD FY18 Adopted Budget Book

Search for interim administrator expands; decision on June 1st

In preparing for the departure of City Administrator Mark Gorman, the Assembly is opening up the search for an interim administrator beyond depart heads.

They’re currently accepting letters of interest and resumes for the position, which would start June 16th and last for three to four months. They’ll select that individual at a special meeting on June 1st at 6 p.m.

The Assembly is still seeking the future administrator of Sitka.

Fortress of the Bear to see 99 more years of bear care

The Assembly approved extended the lease for Fortress of the Bear for another 99 years. The non-profit, which shelters orphaned bear cubs, began in 2003 on a plot with two clarifier tanks from the pulp mill.  

Co-owner Les Kinnear remarked that what started altruistically, earning plenty of doubt the then-Assembly, has become a booming business. “We’ve salvaged 13 little bears. We’ve entertained 150,000 people. We generate in the community, I’m guessing, in excess of $1 million a year,” he said.  Along with his wife Evy, Kinnear wants to continue that operation and add more habitat for the black bears.

The Assembly approved the lease renewal at $50 a month, but asked Kinnear if he’d consider shortening the lease

Mayor Matthew Hunter: I won’t be here 99 years. As long as you’re around, I have no doubt that this place is going to be working very well. I wonder if there’s a shorter time frame that you would be comfortable with.

Kinnear: 98

(Laughs from audience)

Hunter: Good answer.

A motion to tie the lease to the Anchorage Consumer Price Index failed by a vote of 3-2. 

Boat and plane rates for Baranof Warm Springs dock

The Assembly also approved – on first reading – a final subdivision plat for a cottage neighborhood on Halibut Point Road and set summertime moorage rates for boats and planes at the Baranof Warm Springs Dock.

The city acquired the dock in 2016 and is implementing new fees to pay for maintenance expenses. They amended the resolution to establish seasonal rates for float planes.

• Vessels up to 20 feet in length: Daily Fee $10, Weekly Fee $40 and Seasonal Fee $100
•  Vessels 20 to 35 feet in length: Daily Fee $20, Weekly Fee $80 and Seasonal Fee $200
• Vessels 35 to 50 feet in length: Daily Fee $30, Weekly Fee $120 and Seasonal Fee $300
• Vessels 50 to 65 feet in length: Daily Fee $40, Weekly Fee $160 and Seasonal Fee $400
• Float Plane: Daily Fee $20, Weekly Fee $80 and Seasonal Fee $200

The proposed rates would kick in May 15th through September 15th. See the full resolution here: 2017-07 Baranof Warm Springs moorage rates

Farewell to Robb Farmer

Sitka Library Director Robb Farmer is leaving the position to head up community libraries at a county in Alabama. He arrived in 2014 when the library was named Kettleson and temporarily located on the Sheldon Jackson campus. Under his tenure, the library received a new name – Sitka Public Library – new location, and expanded programming.

Tuesday was Farmer’s last Assembly meeting and he used that time to do what he’s always done – promote events and programs at the library – which he called “our library.”

“I’ve been honored to be here. Family reasons are taking me away. But I will be back to visit. And I want to thank and commend the hardest working library staff I know. They’ve made everything much easier for me,” Farmer said.

Maite Lorente will take the helm in mid-June as the library’s interim director.

Correction: A previous version of this story stated that the city incurred $500,000 in savings from reduced health insurance increases. KCAW regrets the error. 

The Sitka Public Library will now be closed on Sundays, reducing weekly hours of operation from 63 to 58. Digital services will remain 24/7. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)

Book-loving Sitkans are facing a major plot twist. City budget cuts are bringing the Sitka Public Library to a close every Sunday, starting last Sunday (07-10-16). The new facility, which opened doors in February, will maintain its current schedule the other six days of the week. KCAW met with Library Director Robb Farmer to ask how both staff and patrons are adjusting to the reduced hours.

Downloadable audio.

To help close Sitka’s budget gap, city administration began talking with Library Director Robb Farmer about closing the library – one day a week. And his choice boiled down to Mondays or Sundays.

Monday, the library is open for ten hours (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) and Sunday, five (1 p.m. – 6 p.m.). So, Farmer chose the shallower cut. “No day was great, but Sunday had the least downside,” Farmer said.

He adds that fewer regular employees work on Sunday. And Monday is a weekday, when supply companies and other libraries in the loan system make deliveries.

With the decision to close Sundays, the city estimates a cost savings of $47,000, though the final figure won’t be known until the end of the fiscal year. Taking into account one less day of operating costs, Farmer estimates it could be less – somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 in savings.

Farmer says his staff is disappointed and no matter how you slice it, the cost does sting. “I think libraries are people. They’re not things,” he said. “Anytime money decisions are made it affects people. And that’s the worst part of money crunches.”

Foot traffic on Sundays is steady. Walk in and you’ll see students printing projects for class and harbor residents checking their e-mail.

Farmer especially worries about patrons who seek out the library for safe haven, as is Fred Fayette. I find him seated by the window. “We have people here that are homeless, that come here every day. It’s warm and welcoming. Taking a day from them means they don’t have that,” Fayette said.

Fayette was on his laptop. He doesn’t have Internet on his boat, so comes to the library to keep in touch with his daughter in Seattle who is expecting a baby. The soon-to-be-grandfather think there’s no good day to close the library, though for him, there may be logic behind Sundays. “The employees here would have that day off. It’s a weekend and if they’re married, their spouse would have the day off,” Fayette said. “I guess if we have to have a day, that’s probably a day.”

Other library patrons weren’t so sure, especially parents who seek out the library for family time. Like Summer Mayo, who hadn’t heard the news.

Mayo: No way! Oh. Where are we going to go read book to the children? The whole school year? For what, budget?
KCAW: Yeah.
Mayo: Oh.

Mayo often brings her daughter, Song, by the library after church. They read together for half an hour every day, so I asked Song what she thought.

Song: Awesome!
KCAW: You want it closed on Sundays?
Song: Yeah.
KCAW: Why?
Song: Because then we get more play time with friends.

Dean Goodwin wasn’t worried either, saying, “I’m a Saturday guy anyway.” Goodwin added, “This is one of the most accessible libraries – in the communities I’ve lived – this one is by far the most user-friendly.”

Goodwin’s comment has some truth. With this closure, Sitka’s library is open 58 hours a week. That’s more than 15 other libraries in the state and same as Ketchikan. Petersburg is also closed on Sundays. But it’s a far cry from two years ago, when Sitka Public Library – then Kettleson Memorial Library – was open 71 hours a week.

City Administrator Mark Gorman called the library a “vulnerable area” for cuts this year and said a request by Farmer for $8000 in temporary staff wages was denied. “Further, it came to my attention that some staff are putting in additional hours they’re not compensated for – largely Robb – and I just didn’t think was sustainable,” Gorman said. “So, the decision to reduce one day a week I think was pragmatic though not necessarily popular.”

Unless the city can find more sources of revenue, Gorman does not think the library will open on Sunday anytime soon. However, Gorman added, “We’ve got a first class facility and I would like to believe in the future if our fortunes change that it will be open again seven days a week.”

As for Farmer, he’s heard plenty of negative feedback from Sitkans, though he interprets this as a positive sign that the building is truly beloved. :They see the value of why it’s here. And I hope they can focus on value of what’s here,” Farmer said. “So if they can’t be here on Sunday, please come on Saturday!”

Farmer reminds patrons that digital services will continue 24/7, which means that even when the doors are closed, you can still place a hold, use a database, and download an audiobook at will.

Rowen Gebler, 2, plays in a porthole in the children’s area at Sitka Public Library. (Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)

The renovated and enlarged Sitka Public Library is now open for business, with thousands of books having been moved back from temporary quarters on the Sheldon Jackson campus. Residents showed up in force to check out the new digs Thursday (2-4-16) night.

Downloadable audio.

Before the new Sitka Public Library opened its doors it was just a big building full of books.  A beautiful building, but still just a building.

It didn’t actually become a *library* until after the ceremonial ribbon cutting, when eager Sitkans streamed into the facility to get their first peek.

Kids made beelines to the new children’s area to check out puzzles and play in a see-through porthole.  An elderly man found an atlas and a seat, pulling out his magnifying glass to get a better look. And people of all kinds lined up to check out books for the first time in a month.

Library director Robb Farmer was overwhelmed at the opening, after more than a decade of planning, $6 million and a year of construction.

“This really shows what a library can be for a community,” Farmer said. “Because everyone has a different need that we want to try and fill.”

And the new library really focuses on that. There’s a teen lab with a digital fabrication area, electric guitar and recording equipment. Nearby is a tween coloring corner. There’s also a big computer lab, a children’s play area, and lots of comfy couches for browsing.

That’s something Frank Barnes looks forward to.

“I’m looking at my spot,” he said. “This is where I’ll be because I can sit here and read my magazines and look out over the water that’s what the old library had and that’s what the new library has.”

Elisabeth Schafer was also perusing books nearby.

“I’ve been waiting for a long time to get in here and see what it looks like I’m quite excited about seeing it,” she said. “So far I love it. It’s bright, it’s open, it’s bigger.”

The word of the night was excitement. Pretty much everyone I talked to at the opening was enthusiastic about the new space.

A patron peruses the young adult section. (Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)

Assembly member Ben Miyasato checked out the first books at the new library. He was pretty proud of this milestone. So, what’s he reading?

“’Life’ by Keith Richards,” Miyasato said. It’s a good book, he’s a good read. The guy is still around.”

His second choice was decidedly less rock and roll — a biographical volume about Winston Churchill.

“It’s not light reading,” he said. “This book is 800 pages almost.”

Something else he was pleased with? The celebratory cookies.

“For today on this grand reopening we get to eat in the library,” Miyasato said.

Other patrons were getting their literary fixes, too, either returning overdue books or finding new ones to check out at the busy opening. Here’s Khalil McCormick, Courtney MacArthur, and Bill Davis:

Pete the Cat. ‘Shades of Grey,’ not to be confused with ’50 Shades of Grey,’ by Jasper Ford.”Are you going to be checking anything out tonight? Not tonight, no. I’ll check out my wife if I can find her.

Library director Farmer seemed to be basking in all the craziness of the event, leading one customer to the paperback section, and fielding lots of questions.

Residents checking out the new library. (Brielle Schaeffer/KCAW photo)

Some people may say libraries are dying, he says, but they’re not. They’re just evolving to fit into the increasingly digital world.

“Libraries are for the exchange of information of all different kinds,” he said.

And in that sense, with the backdrop of excited conversations, the bustling circulation counter, the Sitka Public Library is more alive than ever.

The grand opening of the Sitka Public Library is slated for March 20th,  which will be the 93rd anniversary of the library as an institution in Sitka.

Library commissioner Jane Eidler explores the stacks of the soon-to-be-filled Sitka Public Library. (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

It’s official: the contractor handed off the keys to the newly-renovated Sitka Public Library, this week and the Sitka Library Commission moved right in.

Commissioners held their first public meeting in the new facility Wednesday night (1-6-16). They listened to plans for moving the entire contents of the Kettleson Library into the much larger building — the 14th time Sitkans have moved their library in modern history.

Downloadable audio.

Bill Foster is working on a display for the grand opening of the Sitka Public Library. He wants to enlarge a map of Sitka, and mark the 13 previous locations of the library.

It turns out you just can’t Google this information.

“I went all over town to the city building trying to get a map, and guess where the map was that we needed? In the library! (Laughter).”

Commissioners Madeline Guhl, Jan Love, Alice Johnstone, and Jane Eidler look over photos of Sitka’s last 13 libraries. (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

Library commissioners hoped that this would be the last library move in their lifetimes, and some of them had seen plenty.

Former assembly member Alice Johnstone has been on the commission for nine years, but her history in Sitka goes back to the mid-20th Century.

Johnstone – The library was in the federal building when I came to town.
KCAW – Where our city hall is now?
Johnstone – Yes, that’s right. Then it was in the new high school, which is the building on Baranof Street.

And that building has since been remodeled into the new Pacific High. (Note: Since publication of this story, KCAW has learned that the ‘new high school’ was the term given to the original Etolin Street School, which now houses condominiums.)

This project should serve Sitka for some time to come. It’s actually the second expansion of the old Kettleson Library. This time, contractors increased the size of the structure by 60-percent, or about 4,600 square feet, and remodeled the entire building from top-to-bottom: There’s WiFi, expanded meeting space, a larger children’s room, bathrooms worthy of a public building, better offices and work areas for the librarians.

Sitka library director Robb Farmer inherited this project from Sarah Bell. To people who question the value of the library he says “Use it.” (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

And it came in under budget.

“Sitka got a fantastic facility for a very bargain rate.”

That’s library director Robb Farmer. He replaced Sarah Bell, who spearheaded much of the fundraising for the $6-million in renovations. Between state grants and private donations, Sitka spent $500,000 of its own money on the project. Farmer interviewed for the job the day Kettleson Library opened in its temporary quarters on the Sheldon Jackson campus, almost two years ago.

Although there’s not a single book in the new Sitka Public Library yet, Farmer finally has his reality check.

“It’s a fabulous facility. It took a while for me to figure out exactly how it was going to be, because I don’t understand plans very well, and I wasn’t involved in the planning stages at all. But seeing it live shows me how much we have to offer and how fortunate I am to be here, and how fortunate Sitka is to have this fantastic place.”

Farmer wasn’t in on the relocation of the library to Stratton, but he’ll be overseeing the move back. Volunteers will start transporting books back this week. Soon, they’ll ramp up to two trips a day in a panel van. The library will be closed for a full month to get things into shape, including the installation of new computers and other information technology systems. A grand opening is planned for sometime around February 1.

Summer cruise visitors often crowded the entrance of the former Kettleson Library, uncertain what the building was. Commissioners believe this sign will help. (KCAW photo/Bill Foster)

With a huge, orange sign outside, commissioners agree that there will be no mistaking the purpose of the renovated building. Traffic flow, in summertime especially, sometimes grew congested in the entryway of the old Kettleson. That problem has been eliminated, along with the old name.

Bill Foster says ‘Sitka Public Library’ reaches far deeper into the community’s history, than the name Kettleson. And Kettleson will not be forgotten.

“There will be books in this library with ‘Sitka Public Library.’ Anything pre-196 7. It’s not hard to find them. I looked the other day. Those will fit right in, and we’re not re-marking the newer books. The name Kettleson will live on for a long, long time.”

Bill Foster demonstrates for Alice Johnstone a special feature of the children’s room — as only he can. (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

As the meeting wraps up and we head to the entrance, Foster points out a red plastic tube — it looks a little like playground equipment — that is a special feature of the children’s room. It’s going to be an alcove, but right now it looks a little like a dog door — for kids.

“And in fact in Kodiak they sometimes lock the door for children’s programs and the parents have to go around and the kids all have to crawl through,” says Foster.

But after four years of planning and construction, no locked door for adults is going to keep Sitka’s hearty library commissioners out of any part of their new building.

KCAW – Do you want to crawl through there and let me take your picture?
Foster – Sure. (Laughter).

And with that, history is made twice in the same day at Sitka’s Public Library: First public meeting in our newest public space, and first child-at-heart in the children’s room.

Downloadable audio.

Librarian Brooke Schafer (rear) and volunteer Don Muller will now be handling library materials from across the state. (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

Robb Farmer, director of Sitka’s Kettleson Memorial Library, explains how the Alaska Joint Library Consortium has created a statewide, virtual library for users across the state. The new catalog is live now.

Downloadable audio.

Downloadable audio.

Robb Farmer, as Santa, listens to a Christmas wish from his wife, Kathy.

Sitka library director Robb Farmer leads a double-life: By day a librarian, by night a trained Santa Claus. Farmer discusses his decision to attend Santa School, and his life over the last year assisting the real Santa Claus with his public appearances. Farmer is a 2005 graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa School.

Robb Farmer was impressed by Kettleson’s temporary move to Stratton. “If they hadn’t told me it had moved, I wouldn’t know it had moved!” (KCAW photo/Emily Kwong)

Sitka’s got a new public library director who knows he’s got some big shoes to fill. But Robb Farmer calls himself an ideas man, and he’s looking forward to maintaining the momentum of Kettleson Library’s best programs, while introducing some of his own — including backyard chicken farming and library speed dating.

Downloadable audio.

Kettleson Library will host a housewarming party this Sunday at 2 PM, with refreshments and exhibits. A formal program about the expansion will take place at 4 PM.

Robb Farmer spent the last nine years at the Faulkner University Law Library in Alabama. He’s a lawyer himself, but says he enjoyed legal research more than the actual practice of law, and he found a way to stay in the library full-time.

But he was looking at the American Library Association job listings recently, and saw an unusual submission. Allowed only five keywords to help guide applicants, someone had posted…

“Best, Library, Director, Job, Ever”

Farmer had never seen or heard of Sitka. He checked out the listing. Of course, Sitka is spectacular. Those keywords, though, spoke volumes.

“It showed they had a sense of humor. When working in law schools and academia, sometimes they appreciate a sense of humor, but sometimes they don’t.”

Betting on humor, Farmer sent in his application, was invited to interview via Skype, then flown to town for in-person interviews.

Farmer says that once he saw Sitka, there was no question that he and his wife, Kathy, would move here if he got the offer. He did. He took over for Sarah Bell on October 1.

“Sarah Bell was quite the director. She had many irons in the fire, and did quite a few things on her own. So I’m thinking I can’t really fit in her shoes, I’m going to go a different way. I’m delegating. A lot. Taking the stuff that she had going, and the ideas that she started, and using my very talented, very creative, very intelligent staff and letting them take that and run as much as they want to.”

Farmer runs through everything that’s been happening at Kettleson lately: The recent teen programs, national novel writing month, and some things that are planned — like a poetry event, backyard chicken farming, and birding. I know libraries have changed a lot over the past two decades, but this catches my ear.

KCAW – What did you say about chickens a minute ago?
Farmer – Chickens? Well that was a tentative program idea coming up probably in the spring. I’ve noticed that there’s a lot of backyard chicken farming around here. We have some materials on that. We have books on the subject, magazines on the subject, and I think it would make an excellent program for people who might want to do that to have people who have done it successfully to come and talk and explain how it works.

Farmer hails from Appalachia, originally Danville, Kentucky, but spent a lot of time in Louisville. He says he doesn’t have the slightest idea how to raise chickens. But he does understand libraries, an understands that they are changing. The mission is to circulate information, in whatever form.

“There have been some people who decry libraries as museums to house and climate-control books. And I think that’s just wrong. It’s more of a mall than it is that. And now it’s more like Amazon.”

The library is currently housed at the Stratton Library on the Sheldon Jackson campus while the Kettleson facility is renovated. The plan is to expand the original building by 60-percent over the next year, and to develop its role as a community gathering space. Farmer says the physical reality of a library is really important.

“When I was at the law library, I was asked what the library was for. And I said, It’s the heart of the law school. This is the first time I’ve been a public librarian, but I think a library can be the heart of a community. If you have that, and it’s working and beating and living, then I think your community is going to be alive.”

And if Farmer’s plans come true, Kettleson is going to be really alive.

Farmer – I’ve got ideas for the future. I’ve got this crazy idea for Library Speed Dating come February, and stuff like that. We’re going to see what works, and if it crashes and burns, that’s okay.
KCAW – Speed dating?
Farmer – Speed dating.

Farmer’s wife will move to Sitka in January — before the speed dating event. For pastimes, Farmer says they enjoy walking their dogs, and reading.