At Your Library: If you love books, apply to the library board

Books on display at Cordova Public Library. (Oct. 29, 2019) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times
Books on display at Cordova Public Library. (Oct. 29, 2019) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times

The first library in Cordova began as a “reading room” within the cozy walls of the Red Dragon. Rev. Eustace Ziegler thought it important to offer the men working on the Copper River and Northwest Railway proper recreational opportunities and ran an informal lending library in the clubhouse.

“A fireplace in the center of the room was kept burning for cheer,” Ziegler said.

Located on donated railroad property, the Red Dragon still stands as a testament to Ziegler’s efforts. In June of 1925 the women’s guild of St. George’s Episcopal Church opened the book collection to the public, creating Cordova’s first public library. Since that time, the library has occupied the Adams building and the Windsor Hotel before moving to the Centennial Building in 1971. In November 2015, the library moved to the Cordova Center, a spectacular multi-purpose facility designed to meet the needs of Cordovans well into the future.

The library is overseen by the Cordova Public Library Board established by charter to guide the library in serving the community’s needs. The library board consists of five members who meet quarterly.

Currently, there are two terms open to run through November 2022 on the library board, and folks who actively use and love the library are encouraged to apply.

Applying is easy. You can go to the City of Cordova webpage and, on the left-hand side under “Boards and Commissions,” click the link: “Apply for Boards or Commissions.” This fillable form makes it simple to do. All you need to do is send this form to Mayor Clay Koplin and City Clerk Susan Bourgeois by Nov. 13. Participating as a volunteer in the community you love is very rewarding!

Advertisement
Advertisement