Talkeetna Librarian to Retire After Four Decades

20260728TKA Librarian Retires

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Local librarian, Geri Denkewalter has a long history with libraries. She says her earliest memories are of visiting libraries when she was a child. As a military wife and mother of five, she often brought her own children to libraries, wherever her family was stationed. When the family moved to Talkeetna in 1977, she quickly found the local library.

“The first time I went into town, I went to the library, in that little cabin that’s sitting in front of the Kahiltna Bistro now.  And I walked in and there was Betty Hunze sitting there, so that was the very first place that I ever went.” 

In 1979, the library moved into a building that had been originally built for the FAA. It was placed on the lot that is now designated for the Talkeetna Skatepark. Denkewalter began volunteering for the library and reading stories to children there. In 1986, she applied for a paid position.

“I started work in 1986, July 1st. My previous boss, he’s now doing something else with the Borough said,  “I found your original application.  It’s written in pencil.” 

The library moved to it’s current site in 2015.  At that time, Denkewalter was serving as the Assistant Librarian and Ann Yadon held the position of  Head Librarian.  After Yadon retired, Denkewalter was named Talkeetna’s Head Librarian.  She said she feels it’s probably the right decision to retire, but that doesn’t mean she’s excited to walk away.

“I still love my job.  There has never been a day when I didn’t want to go to work.  Never.  But yeah, I’m going to miss these kids.  I’m going to miss the kids the most.”

During past month, she’s been passing the baton to Tasja Williams, who has been named Talkeetna’s next Head Librarian.  But Denkewalter says that she is not done with the library.  She says she plans to visit the library frequently as a patron and perhaps even volunteer again.

“I have a long “to read” list.  I like mysteries.  I don’t like any book where a dog dies.  I actually have one on hold called, How to Grow Old Disgracefully.”

The Talkeetna Library will be hosting a retirement party for Denkewalter on August 6th at the library.  That will be her last day on the job….at least in her current role.