Letters to the Editor

Letter: Libraries need relief

Anchorage Public Library’s doors may have been closed for months now, but we have been as open as ever to patrons of all stages in life. For workers suddenly jobless, we offer online career mentoring. Our free online tutors are on standby for help with everything from homework to homeschooling and from job searches to small-business development. Wi-Fi is available 24/7 outside of nearly all our branches.

The library is closely following the updates to the city’s guidelines. Once we receive notice that we can begin re-opening, it will take time to prepare our spaces and physical materials. Our highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of our patrons and dedicated staff. We miss our public.

Your library is here for you now more than ever. We’ve provided Anchorage relief during these uncertain weeks, and we’re poised to help during recovery. The city of Anchorage must make hard decisions about allocating fewer resources with greater needs. Alaskans need our federal leaders to step in and provide libraries the resources to continue supporting our patrons. Thank you to Sen. Lisa Murkowski for supporting additional funding for libraries and broadband access for our state in the next relief package.

— Mary Jo Torgeson

Anchorage Public Library Director

Anchorage

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