KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Anchorage library funding falls short compared to other cities

Anchorage library funding falls short compared to other cities

by Rhonda McBride
Friday, September 4, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- When it comes to cash, the Anchorage Public Library isn't getting its due.

That's according to a study that compared the Anchorage library system with those in 35 other cities of similar size. Researchers found the Anchorage library has 40 percent fewer staff and spends 22 percent less on materials.

Despite that, the number of users continues to grow -- about 60 percent of the people in Anchorage have library cards. That adds up to more than 170,000 borrowers.

"The use of the Loussac Library here is equal to all the people that use the Sullivan Arena in the course of the year," said Chris Beck, who conducted the study. "And that use is growing. There's more and more interest in the library."

"Survival is one thing, but I think we'd like to thrive, too," said Karen Keller, the Loussac Library director. "And I think the community deserves it."

Interest in library funding has grown with a temporary reduction in hours to help ease a city budget crunch. The library is now closed three days a week, but should return to its regular schedule next month.

Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com