About Us

Anchorage Library Renewal Initiative

The Anchorage Library Renewal Initiative was launched in 2006 by Mayor Mark Begich to revitalize our libraries by enhancing their services, operations, and facilities. The overarching goal of the Initiative is to build 21st century libraries that reflect the diversity of Anchorage's neighborhoods and residents. The goal is to create state-of-the-art services and buildings that attract residents of all ages and encourage lifelong learning and community engagement.

The Renewal Initiative is based on comments received during an all-day community stakeholders' meeting that brought together more than 70 Anchorage residents to share their ideas for revitalizing our libraries. Over the past year, the Anchorage Library Renewal Task Force, made up of representatives from the Anchorage Public Library, Alaska State Library, and key library partners, has guided the Renewal Initiative.

Several of the community recommendations have already been implemented, such as making all the libraries wireless hot spots, expanding online services, increasing the summer reading program, and breaking ground on the new Girdwood Library and Community Room.

The Renewal Initiative is also focused on enhancing Loussac and all the neighborhood libraries to create 21st century, nationally-acclaimed libraries that are community centers for lifelong learning. Over the next two years, the Anchorage Public Library and its partner groups seek to raise more than $20 million to improve our libraries. You can learn more about individual library capital projects from the tabs on the right.

To see the current status of renewal projects, click here