Pelican Public Library
🏢 City of Pelican · Pelican, Alaska
Pelican Public Library
Perched on Pelican's harbor-side boardwalk — a fishing town of about 100 residents on Chichagof Island accessible only by boat or floatplane — this volunteer-run library is easy to spot: the building facade features a hand-crafted wooden bookshelf with carved titles including War and Peace and Michener's Alaska.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 166 SALMON WAY, PELICAN, AK 99832
Phone: (907) 735-2500
Website: cityofpelican.com
Plus Code: 9495XQ69+49 (PELICAN, 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 Pelican Public Library
Pelican Public Library is the public library of Pelican, a small city on Lisianski Inlet on Chichagof Island in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area of Southeast Alaska. Founded in 1938 by fish buyer Charlie Raatikainen and incorporated in 1943, Pelican grew around commercial fishing and cold-storage operations positioned midway between Juneau and Sitka. The town had a population of 98 at the 2020 census — its motto remains 'Closest to the fish.' The library at 166 Salmon Way sits along the harbor-side boardwalk next to the health clinic and holds more than 10,000 volumes of books, magazines, and Alaskan regional titles. A volunteer-run institution, it provides free public computers with high-speed internet and serves as a community information hub. There are no roads connecting Pelican to anywhere — all travel is by boat or floatplane — making the library an especially valued resource in a town where Juneau is 70 miles away. Cardholders gain free access to SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway) for research databases, live homework help, and Alaska's Digital Archives.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Boardwalk location along Salmon Way, right next to the health clinic in a fishing community accessible only by boat or floatplane
- Distinctive wooden bookshelf facade with carved titles including Tolstoy's War and Peace and Michener's Alaska adorning the building exterior
- Over 10,000 volumes including Alaskan regional titles, magazines, and general collection for a community of under 100 year-round residents
- Free public computers with high-speed internet — valuable in a remote island community 70 miles west of Juneau
- Volunteer-run community institution serving Pelican on Chichagof Island in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area of Southeast Alaska
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Pelican library cards unlock Alaska's statewide digital collections at no cost:
📚 Services
- Public lending of 10,000+ books, magazines, and Alaskan regional titles
- Free public computers with high-speed internet and free Wi-Fi
- Community announcement board and information hub
- Interlibrary loan access through the Alaska statewide network
- Access to SLED statewide electronic databases
- Free library card for Alaska residents
🎸 Programs
- Community informational talks and events for residents and visitors
- Seasonal reading and community programming
- Book recommendations and reader's advisory assistance
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southeast Alaska
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Pelican Public Library located in town?
The library is on the harbor-side boardwalk along Salmon Way — right next to the health clinic at 166 Salmon Way. It's easy to recognize by the decorative wooden bookshelf facade on the building's exterior, displaying carved titles like Tolstoy's War and Peace and James Michener's Alaska.
How do I get to Pelican, Alaska to visit the library?
Pelican is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Alaska Airlines provides floatplane service, and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry serves Pelican on select routes. There are no roads connecting the town to anywhere — all access is by water or air. The community sits on Chichagof Island, about 70 miles west of Juneau.
What digital resources can I access with a Pelican library card?
Cardholders get free access to SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway), which includes Oxford Reference, NoveList book recommendations, Consumer Health Complete, live online homework tutoring, and Alaska's Digital Archives of historical photographs and documents. The Libby app lets you borrow eBooks and audiobooks digitally.
Are visitors and tourists welcome at the library?
Yes — visitors to Pelican are welcome to use the library's computers, Wi-Fi, and browse materials during open hours. Borrowing privileges require an Alaska library card. The library also maintains a community bulletin board useful for local event and activity information.
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