Welcome visitors!

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, May 2019; written by Pat Tully

This is the time of year when we welcome many visitors to Ketchikan. Some are seasonal workers, others are here for a few weeks and still others just a few hours. The Ketchikan Public Library has a lot to offer our visitors!

Cruise ship visitors: Many hearty cruise ship visitors walk up the hill to visit the Library. Some ask for directions to the Rainbird Trailhead, just down the street on the Third Avenue Bypass. Others use the Library’s wireless access to catch up with family and friends (not work, we hope!), while sitting in comfortable armchairs looking out over Deer Mountain. We like to point out the fabulous work by local artists on display throughout the building, which is described in the Friends of the Ketchikan Public Library brochure, Art in the Library.

Vacationers: People visit Ketchikan to enjoy the fishing and sightseeing, and many to see friends and family. Some visit the Library to while away a rainy afternoon playing a few games from our board game collection. For take-away summer reading, the Friends of the Ketchikan Public Library have books in the lobby that sell for $1 each. Also in the lobby are collections of paperbacks and children’s books that can be checked out without having a Library account. And those planning a hike or kayaking trip often borrow a SPOT locator beacon to take with them—no Library account is needed.

Seasonal workers: For those who are here for the summer season, the Library offers a temporary Library card. The card is available on displaying a valid picture ID and paying a $10 fee and $20 cash deposit. After returning an initial two-item checkout, a temporary card holder can checkout up to four items at a time and can access the e-books and audiobooks in the Alaska Digital Library. When preparing to leave Ketchikan they can just bring their card back to the Library--as long as the account is in good order we will return their $20 deposit. And the Library’s programs for adults, teens, tweens and kids are open to all--our monthly event calendar is available at the Library, on our website, or on Facebook!

Permanent residents: If you are a permanent Ketchikan Gateway Borough resident or own property in the Borough, you can access the full range of Library collections, services and programs. Your First City Libraries account is the key! To sign up for your account, bring a valid Alaska picture ID and a piece of mail with your current Ketchikan address, or a tax receipt for your Ketchikan property.