Parents & Teachers

The Library is your partner in your family's learning. Through free books, educational programs, online tutoring, and more the Library will help your child get ready for Kindergarten, continue their educational journey, and develop a love of reading that will last throughout their lifetime.

Schedule a group or class visit at the library

Schools, daycares, scouts, and other youth groups are encouraged to visit our libraries anytime! Groups of 10 or more should contact the Library to schedule your visit. For groups with children under 8 years old, there should be 1 adult for every 7 children.

With at least a week’s notice, we can gather research materials for school groups if you are researching a specific topic, and if availability allows, we can offer a special storytime or research how-to presentation for your group. Students can check out materials with an existing library cards or get new cards on the day of the visit. Learn more about getting a library card.

To schedule a librarian to visit your school, contact the librarian at the closest library branch. We focus on outreach visits during April and May but are willing to come any time of year!

We welcome homeschoolers to visit our libraries any time! We offer classes on using library resources. Contact the closest library to find out when the next program is. Additionally, we may be able to visit your group at an outside location.

For more information about the Scout Patch program for  Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Trail Life USA scouts, American Heritage Girls, and more, please check here.

Resources for making the most of a library visit:

For more information about bringing a group to the library or having a librarian visit your group, please contact the your closest library location. You may also call the Youth Services Coordinator, Elizabeth Nicolai, 907-343-2840, or email elizabeth.nicolai@anchorageak.gov

Loussac Caregiver's Collection

Available on the second floor of the Loussac Library, the Loussac Caregiver's Collection (call number LCC-J) features books for people who work with and care for children. These include books on homeschooling, family activities, educational activities for children, running a childcare, teaching, brain development in children, infant care, baby sign language, youth librarianship, children's literature, and more. You may also place holds on these items to pick up at other locations.

Loussac Caregiver's Collection

Homeschooling

Homeschool Hangouts

Every month this school year, the library hosts a hangout for homeschool families. Come meet other homeschoolers, try a fun new activity, and learn more about library resources

Art Activities - Z. J. Loussac Library, Wednesday, January 18, 2-3:30 PM
                             Chugiak-Eagle River Library, Thursday, January 19, 3-4:30 PM

Cooking Without Heat - Z. J. Loussac Library, Wednesday February 15, 2-3:30 PM
                             Chugiak-Eagle River Library, Thursday, February 16, 3-4:30 PM

Science Fun - Z. J. Loussac Library, Wednesday March 22, 2-3:30 PM
                             Chugiak-Eagle River Library, Thursday, March 23, 3-4:30 PM

Poetry Tea Party - Z. J. Loussac Library, Wednesday April 19, 2-3:30 PM
                             Chugiak-Eagle River Library, Thursday, April 27, 3-4:30 PM

Homeschool group visits

Bring your coop or other homeschool group to Anchorage Public Library for a special tour for homeschoolers. We will show you library resources for homeschoolers, both traditional print resources and ebooks and eresources, take a library tour, and do a fun activity.

Contact your preferred location youth librarian for more information or email APLYouth@muni.org 

Alaska Homeschooling information

Homeschooling has a long history in Alaska. While no formal registration is required, there are a number of options that will provide additional funds, supports, and resources.

Alaska Statewide Correspondence and Homeschool - information from the State of Alaska education department regarding homeschool options and regulations.

Homeschool support programs and charter schools (not a comprehensive list, for that please go here):

  • CyberLynx - statewide homeschool and correspondence school program
  • Denali Peak - statewide homeschool and correspondence program through Denali Borough School District
  • Family Partnership Charter School - Anchorage School District charter school for homeschoolers
  • FOCUS Homeschool - statewide homeschool and correspondence school program through Chugach School District
  • Frontier Charter School - Anchorage School District charter school for homeschoolers
  • IDEA - long running Alaskan homeschooling support program, open to everyone in the state through Galena School District
  • PACE - statewide homeschool program through Craig School District
  • PAIDEIA - Anchorage School District charter school offering homeschool support and cooperative classes
  • Raven - run in conjunction with the Yukon-Koyukuk School District but open statewide as a homeschool program

Online Learning & Digital Resources

With so many online education tools, it can be tough to figure out what’s best for your child. Here are some guides to help you navigate education in the age of the Internet:

Fundamentals of Early Literacy Training Series

Strong readers come from children who start kindergarten with a strong early literacy foundation. Through this three-part video series, you will learn about how baby and toddler brains develop, the skills children need to master before becoming good readers, and practical strategies to support early literacy and beginning reading skills in children 0-5. After watching the videos, take a short quiz to earn a prize for your home or classroom!

Watch the playlist on the Anchorage Public Library's YouTube channel.

Curriculum & School Standards

The national PTA and Council of Great City Schools offer free brochures with Common Core standards listed by grade level for all states. Available in English and Spanish.

Alaska Educational Standards