The Alaska Library Extension
About Us
The Alaska Library Extension program connects Alaskans living remotely with our library. This service is free and open to anyone who lives in an area not serviced by a state funded library. If you become part of our program we will mail books, movies, magazines, audiobooks, and music to you anywhere in Alaska. You’ll also have access to our online services, including downloadable audiobooks and e-books, research, training and educational tools, small engine repair, homework help, newspapers, magazines and more. When you sign up for our program you can choose to receive packages of library material curated by our staff based on your tastes and interests. If you’d prefer, you can choose to only receive material from us if and when you request it.
Alaska Library Extension patrons have access to the library collections at the Juneau Public Library, the Alaska State Library, and the UAS Egan Library. When searching our online catalog be sure to change the drop down menu at the top left of the search page from “All Collections” to “Juneau Area Libraries” to get accurate results. You may also browse the catalog for items at libraries outside of Juneau. We may be able to loan them to you with permission from the owning library. You may make requests by email, phone, fax or mail, or by placing holds yourself in the online catalog. Be sure to set your pickup location to JPL Juneau if you place a hold on something yourself.
Patrons may also browse through recent additions to the Mail Services collection.
Check out period and item limits
Library materials check out for 60 days unless otherwise marked. Some items, such as those in high demand and interlibrary loans, may be due sooner. Please check your packing list for the correct dates, and return them so they reach us by the due date. Alaska Library Extension patrons may have up to 40 items checked out to their account at a time.
Postage
We provide return postage in all our packages so this service is completely free to use.
Renewals
Materials are renewed twice automatically unless another patron has requested them.
Fines and Fees
The Juneau Public Library does not charge fines for late materials. Patrons are, however, responsible for all library materials sent to them. We will charge replacement fees for lost or damaged books. Please treat books well and see that they stay dry and clean in use and in shipping.
Walk-in service
Patrons may use the Juneau Public Libraries when they are in town. Per the Juneau Public Library’s Checkout policy, please be prepared to show photo ID in order to check out materials. Patrons may also use any library in the Alaska Library Catalog abiding by that library’s circulation policies. Materials checked out from ALC partner libraries will not check out for the normal 60 day period.
- “Thanks for the books! It makes me so thrilled when I see my kids reading and they definitely read more thanks to our library! Thank you for all the time and thought you put into our packages.” – Unalakleet
- “Thanks so much for keeping us in reading material, helping us with our special requests and keeping us in touch with the outside world.” – Yakutat
- “We’re in the wilderness with fish, bears, and books for entertainment. It’s like Christmas morning when the plane hands off the books.” – remote Fish & Game Station
- “Having access to the library has enriched remote living immeasurably.” – Baranof Island
- “This summer you have made my heart sing with great reads. Thank you.” – Elfin Cove
- “Thanks for all your great, imaginative help with my research.” – Meyers Chuck
- “I have talked to several people who use or have used the Alaska Mail Services program, and they all are very pleased with the quality of the service. It truly gets rave reviews from everyone.” – Librarian in Tok
- “Thanks again. With winter arriving I really enjoy reading during the long dark evenings.” – Chuathbaluk
- “Thank you so much for the imagination, research, and attention to detail you display in your work.” – Prince of Wales Island
Alaska Mail Services:
Juneau Public Library
292 Marine Way
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: 907-586-5379
Fax: 907-586-5383
Email: [email protected]
Guidelines for Application
The Alaska Library Extension program is available to Alaskans who live in communities that have no library or whose library does not receive funding from the state of Alaska. This service may also be available to those who live remotely but have a mailing address in a community with a state funded library. If you’re unsure whether you are eligible please contact us. We’ll be happy to answer any questions.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Alaska State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.
