Thank You, Library Supporters! 1938 - 2024

Thank you, Library Supporters!

On August 11, 2025, the Homer City Council passed Resolution 25-074, extending the City’s gratitude to the hundreds upon hundreds of people who have supported the Homer Public Library since its founding in 1938. These people literally built the library from the ground up and keep it running today. Some of them volunteered for decades, some only for a few days, but all their efforts are appreciated.

Did you know that…

• … Arleen Kranich helped found the library in 1938, volunteered there through the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s, helped start the Friends of the Library in the 80s, and served on the Library Advisory Board until 1992?
• … John and Johnelle Reid maintained the library’s landscaping for years, and in 1982 the City of Homer officially named the library grounds the John A. Reid, Jr. Memorial Garden in honor of their son?
• … Joy Griffin ran storytimes, produced a weekly library radio program, and played a major role in raising money for children’s books, so the children’s room is named after her?
• … volunteers built the first library by hand in 1946-47, finishing the building just in time for snowfall?
• … much of the funding to construct the current library came from private donors?

A list of every known volunteer, donor, grantor and community partner from 1938 to 2024 is available here. Your contributions remain visible in the thriving institution we have today. On behalf of the Homer Public Library, thank you for all you do!