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, childcares, scouts, and other youth groups are encouraged to visit our libraries! Groups of 10 or more should contact the library in advance to schedule your visit. For very large groups that include multiple classes, we ask you to contact us at least 2-4 weeks ahead of time to ensure that we have the space and staffing to accommodate your visit. For groups that include children under 8 years old, please have 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. For larger groups, it is helpful if students and their families sign up for library cards before coming to the library. 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 homeschooling families 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:
- Library Scavenger Hunt (done in person at the library, best for elementary students)
- Online Library Resources Scavenger Hunt (done at the library or anywhere with internet access & a library card, good for grades 6 & up)
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 contact the library via email APLYouth@muni.org.
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.
Homeschooling
Homeschool group visits
Bring your co-op 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
Homeschool Toolkit
Homeschool Toolkit is a personalized program to empower your students in their research and introduce them to various learning formats. Youth services staff will compile an assortment of materials including books, WonderBooks, STEM kits, Scholastic Teachables printable worksheets, and more to give your study hour an extra boost. You may use the Youth Services area for your get-together or you can rent a dedicated space with a whiteboard and computer access.
Inquiries must be received at least one week in advance so we have time to assemble your materials; email us at APLYouth@muni.org to get started.
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 correspondence 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
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.
Children of all ages and their families are welcome at Anchorage Public Library, including very young babies. As an incentive for families to visit Anchorage Public Library, we've distributed postcards with midwives, OBs, and pediatricians throughout the municipality, both at the major hospitals and at smaller, independent practices. Families who receive these postcards after giving birth or bringing their child in for a well-child visit can bring it into any of our 5 library branches to redeem it for a free gift tote bag. Inside the tote bag, families will find an Alaska-themed board book, a baby toy, and information on library services and programs for babies and young toddlers.
For a limited time from March 9-23, 2025, all families with a child under the age of 12 months can receive a free gift tote bag without the postcard - all you have to do is visit any Anchorage Public Library location with your baby and ask your friendly neighborhood youth librarian.