McGrath Community Library
🏢 Community Nonprofit Library · McGrath, Alaska
McGrath Community Library
A volunteer-run community treasure on the banks of the Kuskokwim, McGrath Community Library has served Interior Alaska's bush-plane town since around 1942 — making it one of the oldest public libraries in the state — with an Alaska Room, free internet and a program calendar that keeps the community connected through the long winter.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Call for current hours |
| Tuesday | Call for current hours |
| Wednesday | Call for current hours |
| Thursday | Call for current hours |
| Friday | Call for current hours |
| Saturday | Call for current hours |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 249 F Street, MCGRATH, AK 99627
Phone: +1-907-524-3825
Website: cityofmcgrath.org
Plus Code: 93J6WCX6+XC (MCGRATH, 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 McGrath Community Library
McGrath Community Library occupies the Cap'n Snow Center at the corner of F and Takotna Streets in McGrath, a remote Interior Alaska city of about 300 residents sitting at the confluence of the Takotna and Kuskokwim Rivers, 221 miles northwest of Anchorage. Founded around 1942 — the library marked its 75th anniversary in 2017 and may be Alaska's oldest continuously operating public library — it functions as a nonprofit sustained almost entirely by volunteers, grants and donations. The collection spans physical books, ebooks, magazines and newspapers, and the building houses free internet access, a public computer, copy and fax machines, and a video-conferencing room used for everything from medical consultations to college exams. Its signature feature is the Alaska Room, a dedicated space for Alaskan literature, natural history and regional history research. Because hours depend on volunteer availability, callers are encouraged to check the McGrath Message Board or phone ahead before visiting.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded c. 1942 — celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2017, potentially Alaska's oldest continuously operating public library
- Alaska Room: dedicated collection of Alaskan literature, history and natural history for regional research
- Video-conferencing facility used for telemedicine, distance learning and college exam proctoring
- Volunteer-run nonprofit — the community backbone for reading, programs and connectivity in a road-less city
- Free internet, public computer, copy machine, fax and interlibrary loan service despite bush-Alaska location
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
McGrath cardholders can access Alaska's statewide digital library free of charge:
📚 Services
- Alaska Room — dedicated regional literature, history and natural history collection
- Video conferencing for telemedicine, distance learning and college exam proctoring
- Free internet access and public computer terminal
- Copy machine and fax service
- Interlibrary loan for titles not held locally
- Circulation of books, ebooks, magazines and newspapers
- Homework tutoring assistance
🎸 Programs
- Family game nights
- Skill-building and art gatherings
- Annual craft fair
- Gardening club meetings
- Community reading club
- Children's toy and book packages distribution
📍 Nearby Libraries in Interior Alaska
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are McGrath Community Library's hours?
Hours vary by week because the library is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. The library actively recruits for Monday, Tuesday and Friday evening shifts, so those are the most likely open evenings. Call (907) 524-3825 or check the McGrath Message Board for the latest schedule before your visit.
What is the Alaska Room at McGrath Community Library?
The Alaska Room is a dedicated section of the library's collection devoted to Alaskan literature, regional history and natural history. It is a research starting point for anyone exploring Interior Alaska's mining heritage, the Iditarod Trail, the Kuskokwim watershed or Alaska Native cultures of the region.
Can I take a college exam or do a video call at the library?
Yes — the library has a video-conferencing room that has been used for distance learning, telemedicine appointments and proctored college exams. Contact the library at (907) 524-3825 to arrange a session.
How old is the McGrath Community Library?
The library celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2017, meaning it was founded around 1942 — during the World War II era when McGrath was an important refueling hub. It may be the oldest continuously operating public library in Alaska.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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