Homer Public Library
🏢 City of Homer · Homer, Alaska
Homer Public Library
Alaska's first LEED Silver–certified municipal building, Homer Public Library has anchored the southern Kenai Peninsula since 1938 — offering more than 51,000 items, BOB the Bookmobile, Homebound delivery, and late evening hours in a stunning 17,000-square-foot building overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 500 Hazel Avenue, Homer, AK 99603
Phone: (907) 235-3180
Website: cityofhomer-ak.gov
Plus Code: 93FCJFV9+HJ (Homer, AK)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Homer Public Library
Homer Public Library traces its roots to 1938, when territorial delegate Anthony J. Dimond encouraged teacher Mabel Shotter to establish a community reading collection in Homer. For decades the Homer Women's Club sustained the library through volunteer effort until the City of Homer assumed operations in 1978. A 2002 capital campaign raised $8.1 million for a modern facility; the current 17,000-square-foot building at 500 Hazel Avenue opened September 16, 2006, designed by ECI/Hyer Architects and built by Jay-Brant General Contractors — with countertops crafted from the reclaimed gym floor of the old Kenai High School. Its LEED Silver certification made it the first municipal building in Alaska to earn that environmental rating, and the AIA Alaska Chapter honored the design with a 2007 Honor Award. Today the library holds more than 51,000 physical items, provides digital access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks, and extends its reach across the Kenai Peninsula via BOB the Bookmobile and a Homebound delivery service for residents who cannot visit in person.
⭐ What makes this library special
- LEED Silver certification (2006) — the first municipal building in Alaska to earn that environmental rating, designed by Anchorage firm ECI/Hyer Architects
- 51,000+ physical items plus thousands of eBooks and audiobooks through the Alaska Digital Library (Libby/OverDrive) and Kanopy
- BOB the Bookmobile reaches schools, parks, and the Homer Farmers Market across the southern Kenai Peninsula
- Homebound delivery service brings library materials to assisted-living facilities and private homes for residents who cannot visit in person
- "Top Drawer Collection" displays community-authored manuscripts each year during National Library Week
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Homer cardholders stream, borrow, and research free through Alaska's shared digital collections:
📚 Services
- 19 public computers and free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Four study rooms and a meeting room available by reservation
- Interlibrary loan (ILL) — borrow from libraries statewide and nationally
- BOB the Bookmobile — outreach stops at schools, parks, and the Homer Farmers Market
- Homebound delivery of library materials for eligible residents
- Test proctoring for online exams
- Tech help and computer skills assistance
- IRS and Alaska PFD tax forms available on-site
- Printing (B&W and color), scanning, and copying services
🎸 Programs
- Toddler Time — Wednesdays at 10:30am (children under 3): stories, songs, and movement
- Kids Storytime — Fridays at 10:30am (ages 3+): books, dancing, and play
- Summer Reading Challenge (June–July) — for children, teens, and adults with weekly events and prize drawings
- Weekly Knitting Circle — Mondays 1:30–4:30pm
- Teen Advisory Board
- Monthly book discussion group and virtual author talks
📍 Nearby Libraries on the Kenai Peninsula
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Homer Public Library building special?
The 17,000-square-foot building at 500 Hazel Avenue, which opened September 16, 2006, was designed by Anchorage firm ECI/Hyer Architects and earned LEED Silver certification — making it the first municipal building in Alaska to achieve that environmental standard. Countertops inside were crafted from the reclaimed gym floor of the old Kenai High School, and the AIA Alaska Chapter honored the design with a 2007 Honor Award.
Can I get library materials delivered if I can't come in person?
Yes. Homer Public Library's Homebound Services program delivers books, audiobooks, and other materials to residents in assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, and private homes. Call (907) 235-3180 and ask for the Homebound coordinator to enroll. BOB the Bookmobile also stops at schools, parks, and the Homer Farmers Market across the southern Kenai Peninsula.
Does Homer Public Library have evening hours?
Yes — the library is open until 8:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday all run 10:00am–6:00pm. The library is closed on Sunday.
Can I stream movies or borrow digital content from home?
Yes. With a Homer library card you can borrow eBooks and audiobooks through the Alaska Digital Library (Libby app at adl.overdrive.com), stream 35,000+ films and documentaries through Kanopy at no cost, and access academic databases and live homework help through SLED (lam.alaska.gov/sled) — all free from any internet-connected device.
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