The Anchorage Public Library serves the Municipality of Anchorage, with five locations from Eagle River to Girdwood. APL is an asset to the community to build strong, educated people and is constantly evolving to meet our patrons’ needs. Our programming is inclusive of all backgrounds, and the library is a place where people can meet others who are different from them, spreading ideas and cultures across different communities.
Our vision is for the Municipality of Anchorage to be an educated and connected community where our Library is an essential center for learning, inspiration, and community pride for people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
The first Anchorage library appeared in the new tent city on Ship Creek in 1917. Today’s bustling Anchorage Public Library circulates over 1.7 million books, media, and digital materials a year. The main Z.J. Loussac Library and its four neighborhood libraries (Chugiak-Eagle River, Mountain View, Muldoon and Girdwood's Gerrish Branches) serve over 940,000 visitors each year, which exceeds total attendance at the Sullivan Arena by more than 74%. Additionally, over 60,000 children and adults participate in library programs each year.
Join the Friends of The Library for Beyond the Stacks 2026: Every Great Story Needs a Hero. This celebration includes a live and online auction, dinner, and keynote by Don Rearden. Proceeds help sustain library programs like Summer Discovery.
Individuals, groups and families are invited to create dioramas on literary or popular culture themes using marshmallow Peeps. Share your diorama at the Peep Show where the public will vote for their favorites.
Support the Anchorage Public Library by choosing the Anchorage Library Foundation when you Pick.Click.Give. Gifts of $100 or more qualify for the annual Library Champion library card.