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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can I connect to the library catalog with my computer at home?
  2. Do the libraries have Internet access?
  3. Can I read my e-mail on one of your computers?
  4. Do the libraries have computers for word processing or games?
  5. Do the libraries have typewriters for public use?
  6. Do you have copy machines available?
  7. Do you have fax machines or scanners for public use?
  8. Where are your book drops located?
  9. Do you have tax forms?
  10. Do you have old newspapers?
  11. What is Telephone Reference?
  12. How do I get a display posted at the library?
  13. How do I apply for a job at the library?
  14. What bus route will take me to the library?
  15. Who was the Loussac Library was named after?
  16. Who designed the Loussac Library?
  17. Where did the artwork in Loussac Library come from?
  1. Can I connect to the library catalog with my computer at home?
    If you have an Internet connection, just use our Web site to search the catalog.
  2. Do the libraries have Internet access?
    Yes, Internet access is available at all library locations. For those with an Anchorage Public Library card, access is available through any of the many PCs marked "Internet" for one hour a day per patron. For those without library cards, sign-up stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  3. Can I read my e-mail on one of your computers?
    Yes, if you have a Web-based e-mail account.
  4. Do the libraries have computers for word-processing?
    PCs designated as "Internet" give access to the Internet and to a word processing program that is MS Word compatible. Files may be saved to USB drives. Printing is 15 cents per page.
  5. Do the libraries have typewriters for public use?
    Yes and no. Typewriters are available at each of the branch libraries, but are not available at Loussac. Typewriters are available on a first come, first served basis, and are free. Supplies are not provided.
  6. Do you have copy machines available?
    Yes, black & white copy machines are available at all the public libraries. Copies are 15¢ per page. A color copy is available at Loussac. Color copies are $1 per page.
  7. Do you have fax machines or scanners for public use?
    No, not at this time.
  8. Where are your book drops located?
    There are book drops available at each library with the exception of Mountain View. These book drops are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week except as noted at Samson-Dimond Library.
    • Chugiak-Eagle River: Outside, to the left of the front door.
    • Muldoon: Outside on the sidewalk, near Safeway entrance.
    • Samson-Dimond: To the right of the gate during mall open hours.
    • Scott & Wesley Gerrish: In the outer lobby.
    • Z.J. Loussac Library: Outside in the west parking lot.
    Any item from any Anchorage Public Library may be returned to any of our branches or book drops.
  9. Do you have tax forms?
    Each library has a set of reproducible IRS forms which may be photocopied for the standard fee. Loussac maintains prior years of federal and state income tax forms in reproducible format. To obtain form:
    • The local IRS offices are located at 949 E. 36th Avenue. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
    • By phone, toll-free: 
      1-800-829-3676 to order forms
      1-800-829-1040 for information
      1-800-829-4059 TTY hearing impaired
      566-0614 for local Anchorage office
    • Or go to the Web site at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov
  10. Do you have old newspapers?
    Yes, Loussac Library does have old newspapers. Specifically Loussac has the Anchorage newspapers available on microfilm back to the beginning of their publication dates, or circa 1916. Other old newspapers are also available; to ask about a specific title and date, please ask a reference librarian or call Telephone Reference at 562-7323 (READ).
  11. What is Telephone Reference?
    Telephone Reference provides quick, factual information from a small, focused reference collection. In addition, the reference librarian may provide identification of reference sources to use in the library as well as offer search strategies for further research. Questions about the holdings of Anchorage Municipal Libraries' collection, identifying titles of books on a subject of interest, and placing a request on a book are also handled. To reach Telephone Reference call 562-7323 (READ), Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 9 PM and Fridays 10 AM to 6 PM. 
  12. How do I get a display posted at the library?
    Items for the bulletin boards may be dropped off at the individual libraries, copies for the Z.J. Loussac should be left at the Reference Desk on level 3. Maximum size allowed is 11" by 17". Bulletin boards are updated every Tuesday. For use of other display/exhibit spaces in any library contact the Facility Use Coordinator at 343-2906. 
  13. How do I apply for a job at the library?
    Go to the Municipal Employment Office for information on how to apply and a list of current job openings with the city, including the Loussac library and any of the branches. They handle all library job postings and applications.
  14. What bus route will take me to the library?
    You can reach the following libraries on these People Mover bus routes:
    • Chugiak-Eagle River #76 
    • Mountain View #45, #76 
    • Muldoon #3, #4, #11 
    • Samson-Dimond #7, #9, #2 and #60 
    • Z.J. Loussac #2, #36 and #60 
  15. Who was the Loussac Library was named after?
    Zachary J. Loussac was a Russian immigrant who prospered in Anchorage with drugstores and investments in gold and coal mines. He was active in civic affairs and was elected mayor of Anchorage in 1948. He established a trust-fund which enabled Anchorage to build a new library building in downtown Anchorage. 
  16. Who designed the Loussac Library?
    The current Loussac Library building was designed by the architectural firm Environmental Concern, Inc. Mary Ann Keller of the firm was the interior designer. It is 140,000 square feet and opened in September 1986. 
  17. Where did the artwork in Loussac Library come from?
    Loussac has many art pieces and works of sculpture:
    • Bronze bust of Sir John Franklin, the famous Arctic explorer, gift of the British Petroleum Company
    • Carl Nesjar ice fountain, jointly funded by 1% for Art and the Silver Anniversary Task Force
    • Bronze of "Alaska's Five Governors" by Joan H. Bugbee Jackson, also a gift of the Silver Anniversary Task Force
    • "Arctic Echoes", the fabric wall-hanging decorating the balcony overlooking the circulation desk, designed by Janet Kuemmerlein and funded by 1% for Art&
    • The Galleria, the bridge leading to the Alaska Collection, features the library's sixteen Sydney Laurence and Eustace Ziegler paintings, gifts of Z.J. and Ada Loussac
    • Bronze sculpture entitled "The Legend of Sedna" by Jacques and Mary Regat which was a gift of Muriel Munroe Hermes, also in the Galleria