 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (July 2019) |
The John Trigg Ester Library is a small nonprofit library, located in Ester in the U.S. state of Alaska. The library has approximately 6,000 volumes on its shelves with more than 15,000 in storage, and is constructing a new library building. The library design is constructing the northernmost passive house structure in North America. Phase 1, a thermal storage tank, is completed and the library is seeking funding to proceed to Phase 2, a building shell.
The library is open to the public, and is supported by grants, fundraising, and memberships. Most members come from the Ester area; dues are by donation, with a $10 per year minimum. Members help guide the library in setting goals, elect a board at the annual membership meeting, and may run for membership on the board. The library is staffed by its seven-member volunteer board of directors and a small group of additional volunteers.
The library is housed in a historic log building known as the Ansgar & Ida Clausen Cabin, which has been renovated to make it more energy-efficient and to support the collections. The library has a cold-storage annex and storage outbuildings for donated books, furniture, and equipment. An associated gazebo and public composting outhouse, situated about a block away near the village post office, serves as an outdoor reading room and event area in connection with the library.
The Ester library is a member of the Alaska Library Association and uses LibraryThing for its online catalog.