The document discusses plans for a new downtown library in Anchorage, Alaska. It summarizes community outreach findings which showed support for a central location that is welcoming to all. Suggestions included having Alaska Native art and culture incorporated. The vision is for a flexible space of 3500-4000 square feet with community rooms, art displays, and proximity to transit. Financial plans discussed different funding options to cover building costs and annual operations through an endowment. The document ends by thanking community members for their input into the new library plans.

1. DOWNTOWN
LIBRARY
Offering Anchorage the promise of a brighter future in which to live, work and play!

2. LIBRARIES AS ECONOMIC CENTERS
ROCKVILLE,
MD

3. LIBRARIES IN MULTI-USE SPACES
MADISON,
WI

4. LIBRARIES IN MULTI-USE SPACES
MADISON,
WI
MILWAUKEE,
WI
Replacing four libraries
with mixed-use
developments where
library serves as anchor
catalyst for neighborhood
revitalization.

5. WHAT DOES AN URBAN LIBRARY LOOK LIKE?
Chinatown, Seattle:
3,930 sq. ft w/housing,
community center and
retail
Express library
in Houston, TX
in office
building

6. COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Beans Cafe
Anchorage Museum
Visit Anchorage
Alaska Humanities Forum
Rasmuson Foundation
Kaladi Brothers, PAC
Sobermiut
Fairview, Government Hill
and South Addition
Community Councils
Assembly Member Chris
Constant
Catholic Social Services,
Refugee and Immigration
Assistance Services
Eklutna Tribal Council
Atwood Foundation
Anchorage Economic
Development Corporation
Who we spoke with
First Alaskans Institute,
staff brainstorming session
Kate Slyker, Tennys Owens
& Sandy Harper,
community members
MOA Mayor’s Office,
George Martinez
Anchorage Community
Development Authority
Alaska Center for the
Performing Arts
Eklutna Native Village,
Chief Lee Stephan
MOA Transit, Abul Hassan
and Bart Rudolph
Covenant House,
Education/Career
Development Staff
Bridge Builders, Board
MOA Real Estate Director,
Robin Ward
MOA Planning
AEDC Business
Development, Will Kyzer
Downtown Partnership
Cook Inlet Housing
Authority
First Alaskans Institute
The Boardroom
MOA Parks and Recreation,
Josh Durand
Beans Cafe clients
Covenant House youth and
staff
Music in the Park and
Museum Lunch on the Lawn
attendees

7. OVERALL KEY FINDINGS
People see a need for a public building
downtown like a library; people want community.
People would use it for picking up holds, reading
in the library, checking out books, computers, Wi-
Fi, and a place to meet.
Partnerships to host programs could create a
good collaborative environment and mutually
benefit both parties.
Not much consensus on a specific location.

8. SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS
It would most commonly be used in the afternoon;
10am-7pm would fit most people’s needs.
Location should be central to the core so people
can walk there on lunch breaks or for meetings.
People want art in the library in some way–Alaska
Native art, workshops, an art studio, rotating art
exhibit, etc.
There should be some incorporation of Alaska
Native culture; it is absent in many places and
these are the people of the land.

9. CONCERNS
Certain areas are not as safe or have more
problems with loitering and vandalism (such as
3rd/4th Avenues, Ship Creek, Park Strip).
Many types of people will use it no matter what,
so it needs to be a place where many people can
be comfortable coming to.

10. DECISION POINT - CONFIRM
A neutral space where all are welcome and
residents from different backgrounds can interact
and learn from each other.
A resources for downtown workers: a quiet space
for breaks, material pick-up and drop-offs, and
services for career growth.
A community connector that partners with local
groups to host cultural and educational events
and classes.
Vision

11. WHAT COULD OUR LIBRARY LOOK LIKE?
Flexible spaces
for socializing,
quiet time,
classes and
meetings.

12. DECISION POINT - CONFIRM
Most likely primary audiences:
Downtown employees.
Convention visitors and tourists
Secondary audiences:
Teens
Residents of adjoining neighborhoods
Dowtown transient community
Senior citizens
Audience

13. DECISION POINT - CONFIRM
Located in the downtown core.
Ground level/storefront entrance.
Size: 3500-4000 SF.
Open, flexible spaces & a large community room.
Places to display art and exhibits.
Plenty of windows for visibility from the street.
Handicap access, and preferably handicap
parking within 1 block.
Access to bus route within 3 blocks.
Co-located with or close to a café.
Facility

14. WHAT DOES AN URBAN LIBRARY LOOK LIKE?
Lincoln Acres,
San Diego
2,750 sq. ft
Cost: $3.5M

15. DECISION POINT - CONFIRM
Revenue:
$7.8M in Goetz Trust with ~$250K annual dist.
$1.9M in ALF Downtown fund.
$12M endowment would fund 100% of operations.
Expense:
$1.8M Building costs and FFE.
$500K annual operations.
Finances

16. DECISION POINT - CONFIRM
Who is responsible for the building
purchase/improvement costs? MOA? ALF?
Community donations?
Who is responsible for annual operating costs?
MOA? Goetz Trust? Endowment campaign?
Share costs?
Sustainability

17. THANKS
MADISON,
WI
YOU ROCK! THANK YOU FOR
YOUR SERVICE TO OUR
COMMUNITY AND THE LIBRARY!