35% Open House

Welcome to the Alaska Room Redesign 35% Online Open House. 

The Alaska Room Redesign project is back in full swing. While the redesign plans were originally going to relocate the Alaska Collection to the northeast corner of the 3rd floor at Loussac Library, several logistical factors including space, construction considerations, and decreased demand for the former Alaska Collection rotunda as an event space have led Library Director Virginia McClure to request a redesign of the rotunda and relocate Alaska Collection materials into the space in a new way.

Our goal and vision remain the same: to ensure the Alaska Collection is accessible to the public and encourages the appreciation of Alaska's history, culture, development, institutions, and natural resources and is relevant to the study and understanding of the state. 

RIM Architects has created the draft plans you’ll find on the following pages. The drawings included represent the 35% stage of the project.  

Grand Staircase - Side

This view shows the addition of the stairs connecting the upper 3rd floor to the 2nd floor. These stairs will offer an easier transition from one level to another for many patrons (elevator still available).

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Grand Staircase - Aerial

This view shows the new glass railings replacing the deep solid half walls on the upper floor and how the stairs are positioned from one floor to the next.

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Click to Enlarge

Full Wing - North

This view shows how the new stairs and glass railings will brighten and open the space and how shelving holding the main circulating Alaska Collection may look on the upper floor.

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Click to Enlarge

Full Wing - South

This view better shows the planned updates to the hall heading to the wing, which will be used for research and collaboration space. It also shows how the new AK Collection service desk and computer station will be positioned right in the entry area.

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Click to Enlarge

Next Steps

In the coming months, we’ll be working to continue refining these designs and taking your input into consideration. We hope to begin construction in Winter 2024.

Thank you for supporting Anchorage Public Library. We’re always happy to assist you with your reference and research needs at askalibrarian@anchorageak.gov.

If you'd like to receive updates on the Alaska Room redesign's progress, please share your email below.

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