Z J Loussac Public Library

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Easily the coolest library I’ve ever been to. One of my roommates is a librarian here and she encouraged me to get my library card stat. I high-​tailed it over there before I even got my Alaska driver’s license. They made the process really easy to get a card even though I didn’t have my Alaska ID yet.
The library is beautiful inside. Lots of natural light, beautiful plants and cushy seating throughout. There’s even a coffee shop. They’ve got a cool children’s section. There’s plenty of computer terminals and they’re easy to sign up to use– just scan your library card and a receipt prints out to tell you when and where your turn will come up. The best part about the library is the Alaska collection wing, which has an impressive rare books section.

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. :(

Great library with many resources.

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.

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.