SethWilson Gray —  Kenai Community Library, Youth Services Coordinator, Kenai, Alaska & 2025 Founders Scholarship Recipient for Early-Career Library Workers

Nestled at the mouth of the Kenai River, the Kenai Community Library serves a population that ebbs and flows with the seasons. Tourists, commercial fishermen, and “snowbirds” swell the town’s numbers each summer, joining a diverse community of long-time residents and transplants alike. Youth Services Coordinator SethWilson Gray, a transplant himself, is dedicated to making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone who walks through its doors.

SethWilson focuses on building strong connections with children and their caregivers through thoughtful programming and a responsive, diverse collection. His work in revitalizing storytime has transformed it into a meaningful space for play, connection, and early literacy. He describes the joy of watching a group of energetic toddlers grow into independent, enthusiastic library users. “Now they come up to the desk with their own cards, check out stacks of books, and even help their younger friends and siblings do the same,” he says. “It’s a full-circle moment that reminds me why this work matters.”

In addition to strengthening community bonds through programming, SethWilson emphasizes the power of learning names. “Once I committed to remembering patrons’ names, it helped me build trust and positive relationships. People feel heard and supported when they know you see them.”

SethWilson is the recipient of ARSL’s 2025 Founders Scholarship for Early-Career Library Workers. He’s excited to connect with others at the conference who serve small and rural communities, and he looks forward to bringing new ideas and energy back to Kenai.

"ARSL feels like the network I’ve been looking for, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

Written by the ARSL Office