Willow Public Library
🏢 Mat-Su Library Network · Willow, Alaska
Willow Public Library
Willow Public Library is the social heart of this gold-rush-era community along the Parks Highway — a 'safe place for all to gather' that has served the Willow area since long before the town earned international fame as the restart site for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 12pm–8pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–3:30pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 23557 WEST WILLOW COMMUNITY CENTER, WILLOW, AK 99688
Phone: (907) 861-7655
Website: matsu.gov
Plus Code: 93HFPWWX+27 (WILLOW, AK)
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📖 About Willow Public Library
Willow Public Library is a branch of the Mat-Su Library Network, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's public library system, situated inside the Willow Community Center on West Willow Community Center Circle. The town itself was founded during the Willow Creek gold rush of 1897 and grew substantially after the George Parks Highway reached the area in 1972. Willow is best known internationally as the restart site of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race — each March, mushers and their teams depart from Willow Lake for Nome in what is considered one of the world's great endurance events. The library serves a rural population of more than 2,100 residents spread across a large census-designated place, with extended evening hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays making it one of the more accessible borough branches for working families. A single free card works at all five Mat-Su Network branches and unlocks digital resources including Libby, hoopla, and the statewide SLED databases.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Branch of the Mat-Su Library Network — one free card works at all Mat-Su borough libraries
- Located inside the Willow Community Center, 26 miles northwest of Wasilla on the Parks Highway
- Willow is the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race restart site each March — a celebrated annual community event
- Extended evening hours Mon, Tue & Thu (until 8pm) for working families
- Access to Libby eBooks, hoopla streaming, and statewide SLED databases with a library card
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Willow cardholders access digital books, audiobooks, streaming media, and research databases free through the Mat-Su Library Network and Alaska's statewide programs:
📚 Services
- Free public library card (valid at all Mat-Su Network branches)
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi (password: MSBfree!)
- eBooks and audiobooks via Libby/OverDrive and hoopla
- Interlibrary loan through the Mat-Su Library Network
- Children's and youth materials
- Reference assistance
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Summer reading program (Mat-Su Network-wide)
- Community programs and events
- Adult programming
📍 Nearby Libraries in the Mat-Su Valley
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Willow and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race?
Willow is the official restart site of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the legendary 1,000-mile race from Anchorage to Nome. Each March, mushers begin the competitive portion of the race from Willow Lake after a ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage. The event draws international visitors and marks one of Alaska's most anticipated annual traditions.
What are the Willow Public Library's evening hours?
Willow Public Library has extended evening hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (noon to 8pm). The library is open 10am–6pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am–3:30pm on Saturdays, and closed Sundays.
Can I get a library card at the Willow branch?
Yes — library cards are issued in person with a valid state ID or driver's license to verify Alaska residency. One card works at all five Mat-Su Library Network branches (Big Lake, Sutton, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, and Willow) and unlocks digital collections including Libby eBooks, hoopla, and SLED statewide databases.
How far is Willow Public Library from Wasilla and Anchorage?
Willow Public Library is approximately 26 miles northwest of Wasilla along the George Parks Highway and about 62 miles north of downtown Anchorage. The Big Lake Public Library (another Mat-Su branch) is roughly 15 miles to the south, making it the closest sibling branch.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.