Connecting Our Community

Stop by the public library, located near downtown Seward at Sixth Avenue and Adams Street, to enjoy an amazing view of the Resurrection Bay and access our collections, internet, public access computers, WiFi and many other services.

Library Winter Hours

• Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm
• Saturday: 10am - 5pm
• Closed on Sunday

Walk-in Services

• Library browsing & borrowing.
• Public access computers (funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services)
• Copy/Fax/Print/Scan

Services by Appointment

• Passport Acceptance (limited appointment availability; expect long processing delays).
• Community Room, Meeting Room, and Shushbooth use (online booking coming soon).

Alaska Library Catalog

Explore our local library collection of books, recorded books, games, magazines, music, newspapers, videos and more by selecting "Seward Community" in the drop down menu when searching the Alaska Library Catalog (ALC).

Regular library card holders have access to shared material from our partner libraries in the the ALC, a unique consortium of 87 academic, public, school and special libraries serving over 92% of Alaska with 3.2 million titles.  Sign in with your library card number and PIN to place holds, pay fines, make lists and manage your account.

AK Digital Library

Regular library card holders have access to digital ebooks and audiobooks in the Alaska Digital Library consortium on Overdrive (formerly ListenAlaska).  Use your library card number and PIN to borrow, place holds and manage your digital library account. 

Complete this online form to request digital content: bit.ly/ADLrequests

Holds & Interlibrary Loans

Regular library card holders may log in to the Alaska Library Catalog to place holds on available material. Interlibrary Loan service is still available to regular library card holders (in good standing) seeking material not available through the Alaska Library Catalog. Contact us for more information.

Services

A library card is not necessary to access our public services. Public access WiFi, desktop computers, copier, printers and scanners are available for public use.

The library also offers color copies (up to 11x17) and fax at the library front desk.  Passport acceptance services available by appointment. Visit our Library Services page, Passport page, or contact us for more information.

Our meeting rooms are equipped with audio/visual and teleconferencing equipment. Visit our Meeting Spaces page or contact us for more information or to reserve a space.

Library Accounts

Note
Library cards are not necessary to access our Public Services and are used only to access our library collection services.  Library cards from partner libraries may be used to borrow books or DVD's from our library.

The Seward Community Library & Museum became free of all overdue library fees on September 18, 2020.  All overdue fines will be forgiven for Seward items returned in person or the book drop.  Worried about lost or damaged items?  Come by and talk to us; we can work it out.  We miss you, so don’t let overdue, lost, or damaged items keep you away! Donations to support the library are graciously accepted at the circulation desk.

Regular Patrons*
Local residents, age 18+, with proof of residency in Seward, Moose Pass, or Cooper Landing, may get a library card at no cost to check out up to 20 items, place up to 6 items on hold from our local collection and available items in the Alaska Library Catalog, and access the Alaska Digital Library.

*Juveniles under 18 may get a library account when they can legibly write their name and require a parent or guardian to be present.  Permission is required to check out equipment due to the high replacement cost as the parent/guardian is responsible for fines and fees.

Temporary Patrons
Seasonal workers, AVTEC students and those temporarily residing in Seward may obtain a Temporary library card by providing proof of a local mailing address. Temporary patrons may check out up to three items and place up to three items on holds from our local collection.

Policy, Registration and Information

• Library Card Registration Form (fillable pdf)
• Library Card Registration Information (pdf) (Includes what counts as proof of residency)
• Library Card Fines & Fees Policy (pdf)

Alaska Library Catalog                            

Our online library catalog is available to browse and search our local collection as well as the collections of our partner libraries. Regular and Educator patrons may log in to their accounts using their library card numbers and PIN. Please contact us if you require assistance.

Holds
Regular and Educator patrons may access their accounts on the Alaska Library Catalog to place up to six holds by logging in with their library card number and PIN.  Temporary patrons may place up to three local holds.

Interlibrary Loans

We currently do not participate in library sharing programs outside of Alaska.

Regular and Educator patrons may request material not available in the Alaska Library Catalog by contacting us with title and author, full name and a reliable phone number or email address. ILLs may take more than two weeks to arrive. Materials are shipped back if not picked up within 2 weeks of arrival and shipping charges will be applied to the borrower's account.

Digital Audiobooks & eBooks                    

Regular and Educator patrons may borrow eBooks, audio-books and music from Alaska Digital Library using their library card number and PIN.

Beanstack                                               

Track your reading with Beanstack! Log books, minutes, or activities right from your phone or computer, join seasonal challenges, and earn badges along the way. It’s free, fun, and a great way to stay motivated year-round! Check it out here!

Online Resources                                                

Residents of Alaska may access free online reference, research, facts & fun for all ages at the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway courtesy of the Alaska State Library and the Alaska Library Network.

AV Equipment

Audio video equipment is available for overnight check-out to local patrons in good standing. A deposit may be required.

• Computer projector
• Overhead projector
• Portable mic
• Projector screen
• Slide projector

Public Access Computers 

New public use computers have arrived. These include five in the main library, four in the Young Adult Room, and one in the Junior Area with more to come in the Children's Room. Thank you to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for providing grants funds.

Alaska OWL Program

The Seward Community Library & Museum participates in the Alaska OWL (Online With Libraries) Program funded by the State of Alaska. This program seeks to improve the computing capabilities of Alaska public libraries through bandwidth support, videoconferencing services, and digital literacy training for participating libraries.

Equipment provided by generous grants through the OWL Program:

• Public access Zoom videoconferencing meetings and events from home and/or in the Library
• Laptops for classes and programs
• Video conferencing equipment