Unalaska Public Library

Catch up on current news, check your email, or immerse yourself in the past at the Unalaska Public Library, open seven days a week on the shores of Unalaska Lake.

Until 1995, Unalaska didn’t have a library that would accommodate adult users. As Unalaska morphed from a working man’s city to one made up of families, there was a growing need for a modern public library that provides not only materials, but free Wi-Fi access (there’s no Internet café in town) and children’s programming.

Today the library has more than 42,000 items in a collection that includes books, movies, audio books, and periodicals. And it’s looking to expand to accommodate more visitors. If you want to check out books or access the Internet, you need to get an Unalaska Public Library Card. (Just present a valid government ID to do so).

If you’re intrigued by Alaskan history, settle in to the Ray Hudson Room to pore over old microfilm editions of the Bristol Bay Times or the Dutch Harbor Fisherman. This is a quiet zone for serious researchers and holds many reference materials, rare items and a large working table for spreading out.

On Friday afternoons, young children enjoy storytime and crafts in the Children’s Room (hosted by a different community volunteer each week). Special events throughout the year include a Scrabble tournament (check it out in April) and Banned Books Week, as well as a Summer Reading Program to motivate young children to read.

Hours: Every day, except for holidays.