The Anchorage Public Library is designed to meet the needs of all of our patrons and has many resources to help patrons access our programs and materials. Librarians can assist in retrieving a book or using a resource. For auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate in a library program, please contact the library at 343-2975 to request reasonable accommodations.
Mobility
All library locations are wheelchair accessible with marked parking, ramps, elevators, and public restrooms. At Loussac Library, a three-wheeled battery powered scooter is available for check-out at the Patron Services desk on level 1. The new entrance is much more accessible to wheelchair-users. Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot off Denali Street.
Visual Assistance
All library locations have collections of large print books, including recent bestsellers.
The following items may be borrowed at any branch for in-library use with a library card or photo ID:
- Bierley electronic magnifiers (for use on APL computers only). These mouse-like devices magnify books, maps, photos, or other printed material in full color at 3-100x on a computer screen
- Hand held magnifying glasses
- Large print, high contrast keyboards
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Assistance) screen reader software
Assistive Listening Devices
Borrow an assistive listening device from the Loussac Security Office, Level 2, for any event held in the Municipal Assembly Chambers.
Closed Captioned Videos
Over 15,000 DVDs from APL's video collection are closed captioned for the hearing impaired. Search “video recordings for the hearing impaired” in the catalog for a list of titles. Additional titles from other Alaska libraries are available by placing holds.
Audio Books
Borrow CD or Playaway audio books from any library branch or download digital audiobooks to a home computer or Wi-Fi device via AlaskaDigital Library (Overdrive/Libby), and Hoopla.
Call the Alaska State Library's Talking Book Center at 1-888-820-4525 to enroll in the Library of Congress program for individuals who have difficulty reading printed material. Special playback equipment is provided free of charge.
Foreign Language Access
APL has materials in a variety of foreign languages available for checkout. In accordance with Municipal policy, APL has a Language Access Plan that includes steps that APL staff will take to provide reasonable access to foreign language interpretation services to patrons with limited English proficiency. Patrons requesting language assistance in order to complete library business should approach a service desk and use the provided posters and/or brochures to indicate their language.