About Us

Mission Statement

The primary mission of the Skagway Public Library is to serve as a reliable source of information for the community by acquiring, organizing, and disseminating information. The library supports the educational, civic, and cultural activities of the community, as well as the intellectual and creative endeavors of the individual, in order to promote an enlightened citizenship and provide the enrichment of personal lives.

   Location

769 State Street

Skagway, AK 99840

Hours

11-6 Monday-Friday

1-5 Saturday-Sunday

Land Acknowledgement

The Skagway Public Library acknowledges that we are gathered on the traditional land of the Chilkoot Tlingit people. We honor, with gratitude, the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations.

The People

Rachel Dewan

Crystal Harris

Anna Nelson

Katherine Moseley

Linnea McGowan Hobmeier

The History

The Skagway Public Library had its start on August 26, 1920 when a group of 55 women met to form a Literary and Social Club. The club met at the Social Center on Fifth Avenue. In October, 1920, the following article appeared in the “Daily Alaskan”:

“On Thursday evening, October 14, a very representative meeting of the Skagway Woman’s Club was held at the Social Centre. After the regular business was attended to there was a lively discussion as to the advisability of establishing a Public Library in Skagway. As a nucleus, the club decided to buy four of the best sellers per month for a time and these, together with donations of good books, will be available for reading at a small fee. A system for the interchange of magazines is to be installed.”

          

By November, 130 books were donated to the Woman’s Club.

Some time after, the Library moved locations to the spot where the Post Office is today.

In 1980, a new building was constructed to house the Skagway Public Library. The main room of the current building was built in 1990, as well as the addition of a meeting room and upstairs reading area.  In 2013, an addition and renovation were completed to add the south reading room, the young adult area, the conference room, and an expansion of the children’s room.

The original location of the Skagway Public Library, which was originally the Women’s Club.

The interior of the the Skagway Women’s Club.

Second location of the Skagway Public Library, which is now the Post Office.

Interior of second location on Broadway Street.

The new library building in 2009 pre-renovation.

Interior of the new building pre-renovation.

The Skagway Public Library after its renovation in 2013.

Skagway Public Library celebrating 100 years!