Homer library's internet bill fell, and its state grant request fell with it

The Homer City Council adopted a resolution August 10 authorizing the Homer Public Library to seek $5,130 from the state to help pay for free public internet access and Wi-Fi. It passed on the consent agenda without discussion.

The request is smaller than last year's award because the bill is smaller. The library received $6,462 through the program in fiscal 2026, covering 30% of its annual internet bill, according to the council packet. Library Director Dave Berry wrote that the library would again ask for 30%, and that a reduction in the overall bill brings it to $5,130.

The money would come from the Alaska State Library's Online With Libraries internet cost assistance program, known as OWL, which offsets recurring internet charges only. The new request is for fiscal 2027, which runs through June 30, 2027.

Applications were due August 31, and the State Library's funding page now says the fiscal 2027 period is closed. Whether Homer filed in time could not be confirmed.

The program is noncompetitive, meaning eligible libraries are not ranked against each other, but awards are not assured. "Submitting a proposal does not guarantee funding or full funding," the State Library says on its funding page.