The Foundation has long supported libraries across the state. In January 2008, the Foundation announced a $4.4 million award to support renewal of the Anchorage Public Library system. The Foundation’s award supported both capital projects to renovate and expand Anchorage library buildings, and build long-term community support for libraries.

The impetus for the renewal was three-fold: (1) for 20 years, there had been no dedicated public investment to properly maintain and modernize Anchorage libraries; (2) changing demographics; and (3) the evolution of learning and technology. Almost 80% of the Foundation’s investment was structured to match financial commitments Anchorage citizens agree to make to their library system.

The $4.4 million supported the following projects:

• $2,480,000 in challenge funds for the Loussac Central Library renovation project;
• $1,000,000 in challenge funds for the new Chugiak-Eagle River Library;
• $637,000 for a new 10,000 square-foot library and learning center in Mountain View;
• $200,000 in challenge funds for the Downtown Library Project;
• $100,000 to assist the Anchorage Library Foundation and Friends of the Library to enhance their work as community advocates for Anchorage public libraries and APL’s role to promote lifelong learning, and
• $25,000 each for the Muldoon and Samson-Dimond branch libraries.

All projects were part of the Anchorage Library Renewal Initiative launched in 2006 to revitalize Anchorage’s public libraries. For more information on the initiative please visit the library website. To support the capital campaign, visit the Alaska Community Foundation and select the Anchorage Public Library Fund.