As Banned Books Week draws attention to access and censorship, changes in Alaskaās MatāSu Borough highlight local stakes
Willow, Alaska ā October 9, 2025 ā In the quiet reaches of the MatanuskaāSusitna Borough, where the Willow Library offers the only free public WiāFi and serves as a vital community hub, changes to local library governance have sparked debate about the future of access, censorship, and community trust.
Under a new borough policy, a volunteer library board now has authority to review and potentially block library materials before they are purchasedāraising questions about who decides what gets read, and why.
The shift comes duringĀ Banned Books Week (October 5ā11), an annual event that champions the freedom to read and draws attention to efforts to censor books across the U.S. This yearās theme,Ā “Let Freedom Read,”Ā resonates deeply in communities like Willow, where library access can mean the difference between connection and isolation.
Whatās Changing
In five borough-run libraries, including Willow, Trapper Creek, Talkeetna, Big Lake, and Sutton, new acquisitions must now pass through a board review process:
- Librarians submit proposed book and media purchases monthly.
- Board members can flag materials they find objectionable or questionable.
- Flagged items are held for review and voted on at the next board meeting.
- If rejected, the Community Development Director has final say.
Supporters see the change as a win forĀ community oversight and parental rights. Critics argue it amounts toĀ soft censorship, a process that undermines library professionals, delays access, and risks politicizing library collections.
Whoās Making the Decisions? Meet the Library Board
The nine-member Mat-Su Borough Library Board represents a wide range of communities and is appointed by the borough mayor and assembly. As of October 2025, the board members are:
- Chairperson: Mary FischerĀ (Talkeetna)
- Vice Chair: Kathy KysarĀ (Sutton)
- Chad Scott: At-Large 1
- Karen Crandall: Big Lake
- Georgia Knazovich: Wasilla
- Mark Spohn: Willow
- Sally Pollen: Palmer
- Virginia Robson: Trapper Creek
- Martha Kincaid: At-Large 2
The policy gives these volunteers a new level of influence over library collections, something some members themselves have noted they feel unprepared for without training or guidelines.
Why It Matters: Libraries as Lifelines
In Willow, where no city government exists and broadband access is sparse, the library functions as more than a book lender. It’s theĀ onlyĀ public space offering free internet, community gathering, and trail information, crucial for everything from homework to job searches to emergency preparedness.
For residents who rely on the library for access to technology, services, or simply a quiet place to read, changes to how materials are selected could have far-reaching effects.
A National Moment: Banned Books Week
The timing is significant. Across the U.S.,Ā Banned Books Week (Oct 5ā11)Ā is spotlighting the rise in book challenges, many focused on LGBTQ+ content, racial history, and diverse voices. According to the American Library Association, 2024 saw a record number of book bans and attempted restrictions.
In that context, the MatāSu policy reflects a broader trend:Ā local decisions with national implications. The question isnāt just who selects the books, but whether public libraries remain places for all ideas and all people.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the Community
This policy is new and evolving. As its real-world impact becomes clearer, residents and advocates have an opportunity to shape its direction:
ā
Engage in public meetings: Speak up at library board sessions.
ā
Ask for clear standards: Advocate for fair, transparent review criteria.
ā
Support librarians: Recognize their training and role as defenders of intellectual freedom.
ā
Use the library: Visibility matters. More usage = more protection.
ā
Celebrate Banned Books Week: Check out frequently challenged titles, attend events, and share why access matters.
A Test for Civic Institutions
As civic debates unfold at the local level, libraries, especially in rural and unincorporated areas, are becoming flashpoints in broader social policy struggles. For communities like Willow, whatās at stake is more than shelves of books. Itās the role of public institutions in serving everyone, equally.
This week, the Willow Library remains open, offering free WiāFi, warm conversation, and access to the full spectrum of stories, knowledge, and ideas. For many in the MatāSu Borough, the hope is that it stays that way.
Related Resources
