News Room: Announcements

Free Books Online for Alaskans of All Ages

JUNEAU – Alaskans of all ages and abilities can now access free books at books.alaska.gov. Books are available for babies, toddlers, parents, students, and adults on a single website through these collections:

• Sesame Street and Tumblebooks e-book services for young readers;
• The Ready to Read Resource Center, which checks out board books and toys statewide;
• The Alaska Digital Library, which provides e-books and audiobooks;
• The Alaska Mail Services, which provides books to Alaskans living in towns without a public library; and
• The Talking Book Center, which provides audiobooks to Alaskans experiencing disabilities.

The idea for the website was inspired by Senator Lisa Murkowski, who commented during a recent meeting with Alaska librarians that: “Alaskans need books. There has to be a way to get books out to every Alaskan!”

These collections are funded by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Alaska Library Network. The Alaska State Library developed the website to make Senator Murkowski’s idea a reality and to provide Alaskans easy access to books to encourage a love of reading.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Patience Frederiksen
Alaska State Librarian
907.465.2911
patience.frederiksen@alaska.gov