They have a welcoming entrance and lots of community focus activities. They have kits for children and book club bags for adults. The staff is friendly. read more

Z J Loussac Public Library - Zine workshop - Libraries Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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I love this library! I haven't been in the upstairs sections since Covid but I use the online system weekly. A library card is free, and they recently eliminated all late fees and lost book fees (not sure how that's gonna work out....) If you bring a utility bill to show you have an Anchorage address you can check out up to 12 books at a time, otherwise you're limited to 3 at a time. Your library card also gives you access to a lot of ebooks and online movie rentals! The online website is super user friendly, you can reserve a book and the library will call you when it's ready. You walk in, and it's self serve pick up by last name. Super quick. The library offers a drive up return or you can go in person. Bathrooms are readily available and they have a little cafe. read more

I may be in the minority, but I REALLY despise the library post-remodel. The layout makes zero fucking sense. Yes, we were all happy to see those god-damned steps go. But the rest of the remodel was an unnecessary fiasco. I have completely stopped going to the library because I dislike it so much. They screwed up the parking, access to the Alaska collection, the quiet study areas, the beautiful lobby and coffee shop and many other great features. One improvement is you enter on the ground floor, finally! But overall, the layout of the library is ridiculous. It's not nearly as pleasant as it once was. read more

I always thought libraries were for: 1) Kids: for "story time" 2) College kids: for "term papers" (are those still a thing?) I'm a Dumb. Whoah boy, was I ever wrong. This is the perfect place to get computer work done! It's FREE and it has the FASTEST INTERNET I've experienced anywhere. It's upload speeds are even faster than mine at home (I pay too much for the platinum trim, heated-steering-wheel internet from GCI), which is a first. The staff is friendly. The lighting is great. The furnishings are new. They have a coffee shop downstairs too. You can also RENT AUDIOBOOKS WITH AN APP using your library card. No need to spend money on audible. Man, I really am a Dumb. Don't be a Dumb like me, check out this library. read more

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I spent so much time here as a child. Ah the memories when my mother and I would watch movies on the 3rd floor, wearing the headphones. We didn't have VHS player back then. Borrowing books, I was allowed 2. I read many Nancy Drew, Peanuts, these Asian fairytales (can't remember the name, but I can remember the stories), and more. I loved the Elizabeth room, which was gifted to the library in honor of Elizabeth from her father. I cannot remember the last name though. I've reviewed the AK Times on the day of my birth on microphiche. Printed out resumes looking for my first job. Bought little trinkets from the gift shop, which as a child seemed so grand. Getting a coffee and a treat at the little shop at the top of the steps while in college. So, LBE, why only 4 stars? I'll tell you why! They took my childhood library card because it had been over 2 years since I borrowed anything. I said I'll pay whatever fee, just reactivate this card. But alack for me, nope. Got a new card. I do like the digital library that I can borrow digital books and audiobooks through Overdrive and Hoopla. I've become so busy that it's hard to sit and read. I just load a book and listen to it while I cook, walk the pups, mow the lawn, whatever. In the summer, on Thursdays, there is free music on the front lawn. One other fantastic feature is the box car on the south side of the parking lot that serves free lunches to kids under 18. read more

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I well and truly love the library. Ever since I was little I would spend hours each summer here, pursuing the aisles and borrowing books. I have always been able to find the books I searched for, and if they were unavailable, I was able to put a hold on the materials quite easily. But wait, there's more than books here! You can borrow CDs, movies, digital downloads, ebooks, visual novels, audio tapes/novels, a mild assortment of games, and use provided computer services--all for free! Additionally, the staff have always been delightful and incredibly helpful! Just recently I needed some specific books and they went above and beyond to get them for me, especially since I didn't realize they had changed the mode of borrowing for the current pandemic. After the remodel, the library updated its structure for a better flow. I love the update interior design, and the smoothness of the newer holds/returns area on the bottom floor. I also think the new entrance is far more wheelchair friendly, which is wonderful. The elevators are to the right of the main entrance once inside the lobby area, just next to the little cafe. Now, I am writing this during the current pandemic (C19), so I want to let you know how they are handling procedures right now. 1. There is no in person browsing. If you want to search for a book, please use the website. 2. The downstairs entry is gated with a checkin table, at which you will be directed one of three ways: holds, card services, or computer services. 3. Computer services requires an appointment for a 1hr a day slot at one of the socially distanced, disinfected stations. 4. Any and all materials returned are put into a temporary quarantine in order to ensure no latent transmission (this does mean waits for some items may be longer). 5. While returns are contactless, hold pick ups are not. They do wear gloves and try to limit physical interaction, and all staff are wearing masks. Now, I'm heavily literature biased, but I really do feel that between the selection of books, the updated interior, and the wonderful staff, Loussac is a 5/5 for me! Consider stopping in to grab some books, or movies, or music! It's a wonderful way to pass some time. read more

We killed a little time here while waiting for check-in at our hotel. Nice charging areas but rather limited in volumes. I did like their biography section though. One real downside was some of the public attracted to hanging out here; one woman making loud rants, a guy wearing headphones literally sounding demon possessed, and while I was trying to read a few pages of Maurice White's autobiography, a loud and rude guy sitting several desks away on his cellphone started cursing loudly and fuming about someone stealing his charger and how he was going to kill whoever it was when he finds them (not that serious bro). This drove nearly everyone else out of the reading area other than myself and another guy not afraid to hold our ground. Like most American cities Anchorage has all types of characters too. read more

The library has been going through some major renovation over the past few years. Even with some construction still ongoing, the library looks much nicer now than I remember as a kid. I can't say much about the book selection as I have yet to explore it, but the atmosphere is enough of a reason to go. The second and third floors are well-lit with plenty of seating. It's a great alternative to the often noisy and cramped coffee shops around town. The coffee shop on the first floor is a nice place to hang out or study. They serve Raven's Brew coffee, which I love and is basically nonexistent at coffee shops in Anchorage for some reason. There's also breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and tea from Summit Spice & Tea. I do wish they had more tables there, but I suppose they don't because sometimes they have to move tables and chairs for events. The free Wi-Fi is pretty good and signing up for a library card is quick and easy. read more

Excellent selection of books! If I couldn't find what I was looking for they were very helpful to take me to it or to do an interlibrary loan. read more

We don't have many libraries in Anchorage (I wish there were more community / neighborhood branches), but Loussac is great. Wide selection of books, audiobooks, kids books, DVDs. I think some of the books are a bit dated and overused, but always new books coming in. Very easy to put books on hold and then pick them up - this is how to get the newest! The kids section is large with a lot of computers, beginner reader books, movies. There is a dedicated play area for young kids. One criticism - I wish they didn't let the kids play fighting/violent games on the computers. Headphones are available to borrow. There are numerous events, for kids, young adults and adults. Many meeting rooms you can use. Kids story time is great. Also times with board games, Legos, and other events. There is a coffee shop on the ground level that is a nice option for caffeine and snacks. Book drop off is easy. Parking lot is large and can always find a spot. And - newest positive - they just waived all late fees for books from the library - no more fine! Main exceptions are if your book came from a library outside the system or if it is damaged/torn. Get your read on! read more

I decided to come down here on a whim since it's been over a year the last time I was here. Loussac Library holds a lot of childhood memories for me as a kid back in the 80's. This was the go-to place to check out Choose Your Own Adventure books or funny kid's poems by Shel Silverstein like Where The Sidewalk Ends and A Light In The Attic. The library is located across from Century Cinemas at the corner of 36th and Denali. The place is undergoing some renovations so accessibility was limited to the rear entrance which can be reached by turning right on Barrow Rd. from 36th Ave. This is easily the best place to rent a TV show or movie on DVD free of charge instead of having to pay for it on Netflix or Redbox. The DVD and Blu-ray section is on the second floor of the library across from the library's coffee shop. If there is a hard-to-find older TV show or movie I can't find anywhere else, chances are it will likely be here. They have a vast collection of TV shows from older ones like Magnum PI, Twilight Zone, Star Trek, X-Files, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and NYPD Blue to newer shows like Sons of Anarchy, Game of Thrones, Dexter, CSI, Breaking Bad, and Fringe. Signing up for a library card only takes a couple of minutes at the main register and you have a reasonable amount of time from a few days to a couple of weeks when checking out books or DVDs. The coffee shop is another plus for this place. I stopped by a few days ago to get some studying in for a few hours and the employees here are super friendly and really enjoy working there. In addition to a full espresso bar, they have a good selection of menu items like sandwiches, soups, salads, nachos, and baked goods. I ordered one of their 20oz. iced specialty drinks called the Red Velvet with white chocolate, raspberry, and four shots of espresso. The drink was refreshing and not too sweet with more emphasis on the coffee flavor. Wi-Fi is available for your laptop or portable device and the seating area has tables and sofas for hanging out to read or study. The coffee shop also provides a power strip for additional outlets in case it gets crowded. Another great option for studying in the midtown area and a fun place to browse for books or movies instead of going to Barnes & Noble or Best Buy. They also hold movie screenings free of charge for the general public and they have a limited film festival that lasts for a week around the time of the Oscars. A great place for families with kids and an ideal place for social groups and college students. read more

Recently I found myself in a bar talking about the how great the library is. This is when I realized i needed to write a yelp review about the Anchorage Library. I don't go into the library a lot but I use it all the time via: * Hoopla - An app where you can download 8 items right away. Including books, audiobooks, music, movies, tv shows, and comic books/graphic novels. * Overdrive - An app used to download audiobooks, and bookstores. Sometimes you need to wait for something but there is plenty to keep you entertained in the meantime. * Mango - an awesome language app. And sometimes I'll request books, books on CD, CD's, or DVD's and pick them up at the pickup area of the library. So I guess I'm a bit of library fan girl now. read more

It is extremely difficult communicating with the staff here. It used to be our family's happy place but since COVID, time and again proven the staff members to be unwilling to assist with even the most basic requests. For instance showing up to pick up some books we put on hold and finding one of them to be the wrong book and having a staff member tell us they need 24 hours to walk upstairs and grab the correct book. read more

Loussac Library is a big one, with loads of resources. Still being remodeled, we can see how striking the lobby will be when finished. There's a small cafe on the main floor. The grandkids had a great time choosing books, then playing in the large play area on the second floor. I found craft books and mystery fiction on the third floor. Fortunately the library wasn't as packed with people in November, maybe because there's snow on the ground and the temp's been in the single digits on early mornings. Parking is free, and there's plenty of it. read more

Loussac is one of the great public libraries. I've been to many states and I'm a book fan and addicted to libraries. Loussac has it all. Today was the used book sale which they do every year. Great fund raiser. read more

Good sense of community here. It has been good every time I've checked it out. Good study areas and computer lab access with printers. No shortage of excellent categories of reading material, I love it read more

It's the only option we have and it's not the best. It's not quite. When you come into the library you can hear people on personal phones as well as the library phone. You see people wheeled out drunk. You see people and hear people snoring as they sleep in the library. You can hear kids laughing yelling pushing buttons on the elevator and parents yelling for their kids to stop don't touch and slow down. None of the staff steps in or intervenes they just act as if this is normal. Very poor very sad I gave two stars because what other choice do we have. I forgot to add there are many clocks in the library that read the wrong time. The clock that greets you as you walk up the stairs is inaccurate. Just poor service lack of pride in the job and service that the library can and does provide. You would expect more. read more

This place is a pretty huge library. It is in a great location. The inside does need a revamp its starting to show its age. However, the computers are up to date and its easy to find a book (once you know your way around) the kid's area seems pretty good. The checkout procedure has its own little do-it-yourself type area with little step stools for your kids to do it (Great place to teach them how to self checkout). The people at the front are knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Can I just start by saying I've never been into a library I didn't love? But Loussac is one of my all-time favorites. For a small city like Anchorage I didn't expect to find such a large library here, but this place is huge- HUGE, and I love it. I could literally spend hours reading here (and I do!). Their bottom floor features a huge children's area complete with a play room/ reading room, kid's desks, kids computers, children's seating, and -of course- a ton of children's books separated by genre and age. They always seem to have quite a few families visiting, especially after school. The second floor is the adult area. The endless array of books at this library is so worth drifting through. They have a great selection of fiction, but it's the nonfiction that steals my attention. You'll find everything here from books on running your own small business, to proper etiquette, to hermit crab care, to building dog houses. You name it- this library has a book on the topic. As a lover of learning I've spent hours wandering through this library and finding new and interesting topics to study up on. The choices are limitless and all of the books are very well-organized and also very well-taken care of. There is plenty of seating around all of the book shelves so pretty much anywhere where you find a book, you can find somewhere close by to sit down and read it. Most of the chairs are large and cushioned, well-maintained and very comfy to curl up and read in. On the 'adult floor' they also have audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and music (records and CDs) to check out. These selections are a bit more limited than their hardcover books, but don't pass them up- they still have a pretty decent array. They also have about 30 computers in a central area on the second floor. Each computer sits on a desk with dividers around it for privacy purposes. The computers are decently spaced and all do have a printer connection. They're very easy to access and use, and most times of the day there are plenty of them, so they're almost never all being used. They also have some desks which are great for studying. There is wifi available here, but it can get a bit slow- especially later in the day when the library tends to get a bit busier. Almost every day of the week this library has some kind of extra curricular activity going on whether it's a children's reading group or a lecture. Unfortunately, they have poor execution with many of these activities. They advertise their activities on ADN, but the dates found on that site aren't always correct (so you may arrive to find out that the activity was actually held the day prior). I've also shown up for activities and had no one else arrive, including the instructor- which was a shame. The librarians are very helpful and very kind. You can tell they truly do care about their establishment and want to make sure everyone feels welcome and helped while they're here. I love places where all of the employees are friendly, and this is one of those places. They are even cordial to the many homeless people who come in to relax here during bad weather- that is something I really appreciate. Overall, I love this library and I'll continue to return. They have a self check-out so you can check-out your own books. They also have a drop-off return, which is convenient. The place is clean, well-staffed, and full of all of the things you'd hope to find in a library (plus more!). If you're from Anchorage, or just moving here, the Loussac is a must-visit. Trust me, you'll want to come back once you stop by just once. read more

I, too, love this library. I work at home and am a very solitary creature, so the less I go out the better (unless it's something out in the mountains with my husband). I love being able to order books online, pick them up, along with another half dozen more or so, keep them for 9 weeks if I want to, and read them at my leisure. Perfect for the self-imposed shut-in. Pretty decent collection and they take suggestions on books to buy. I do find, though, that their music cds tend to get beaten up fairly quickly. read more

When we moved to Anchorage the Loussac library was one of our first stops. As a mom I am so thankful for all that Loussac offers in regards to children's story times and programs. The library also has a wonderful play area for the children which is nice to burn off energy in as well as learn to interact with other children. The librarians are awesome and very helpful. The book selection is wonderful and I have just began to choose some literature of my own. I love that you can reserve a book and pick it up right inside the doors which is very convenient. We have barely scratched the surface on all that Loussac library has to offer but we already enjoy it so much. It is a wonderful asset that Anchorage has and I hope that everyone has the opportunity to utilize its resources. If Loussac is out of the way then there are many additional locations throughout Anchorage and make sure to check the calendar because they all offer their own special programming. read more

I love the online search & reserve system. I can find my book or DVD, reserve it and it'll be waiting for me to pick up at the checkout. The only downside of this system is that I'm less inclined to hang out in comfy the Ann Stevens reading room now. read more

I'm still grateful that back when they built the Loussac Library, that they chose the architecture that they did. It is such a beautiful, well-designed building! They do have problems with the steps and the concrete upper-level entry area (where the William Seward statue is) as it seems like they're always having to repair chips in it.. Inside the library though, it's just awesome! My only wish is that the city would quit cutting back on the hours of operation. Unfortunately, whenever cuts are made... the library seems to be the mayor's first target. :( read more

This is a great library. As someone noted before, the atrium is very cool. Like something out of a dream. I grew up in Anchorage, and I'd go here all the time whenever I had research projects. This place even has a theatre. I live in Atlanta now, but I'll always have a special place in my heart for the Loussac library. read more

I love this library!!!! It's one of my favorites! It's easy to get a library card with proof of address, and an Id. There's lots of computers , comfortable seating and books and media. They also have a fantastic Alaska reference section. They are doing some remodeling, and I'm sure that will make it even better!! read more

So loud. Feels like a bookstore more than a library. There was a lot of construction going on which was maddening and all of these people around talking at each other from across the library. Where's the mean librarian to shush them? read more

2-3 Stars for a public library. First, the design looks cool, but does not make sense. The stars are worn from years of abuse for ice melt and shovels. The front door is on the second floor. Mid town location is convenient, but there always seems to be a lot of creepy people hanging out. The Alaska room is quiet, but some of the archive newspaper micro film is stored in the basement and the staff, who usually look very busy need to retrieve them for you. This makes research work more inconvenient. All in all a good public library, but I think the designers should have allowed more natural light and kept it simple. The outside book drop is a plus. read more

Large facility, free wi-fi, free computer learning classes for beginners, child reading programs, quiet work areas, it could have been designed and layout better. Library users at their facility or with their user login would be able to have access to some of the library's premium services such as Morningstar. read more

Wow, I'm surprised at all the good reviews. I'm wondering if the other reviewers have been to other libraries in other states? Because after living in several states, the Anchorage library system is by far the worst system I have ever been a part of. The worst part is that they nickel and dime you. If you enjoy being extorted, you'll love this library. They charge $1/day for each overdue item! And the check out times are super short (1 week for many, many items!) In addition, they charge you for holds, charge you to use the Interlibrary Loan system. I'm just waiting until they start charging to use their toilet paper or elevators. It's ridiculous. They even find a way to charge you when you return everything on time! I can't count the number of times I've returned items on time (with a day or two to spare) and the books sit in the drop box for days and days. By the time the books are checked back in, they're now "overdue" because the librarians didn't do their job and check things back in quickly. After the fifth or sixth time this happened, I gave up on the libraries here. I'm done visiting the libraries, which is terribly sad because I love books, and my children love books. In addition to them reaming you, the Loussac library is dirty and smells gross. Lots of the books are old, ripped, dirty, and falling apart. The librarians are always really cranky - at all the locations! Regardless of location, they are consistently crabby and unfriendly. You can't check out any magazines (I have no idea why they spend thousands of money of magazines that just sit there and are very rarely read because no one can check them out!) Save your money and go to Title Wave books instead. Seriously, after the way the library system here rips you off, you'll still end up saving money by just buying your books at Title Wave. read more