Whale Pass Community Library
🏢 City of Whale Pass · Whale Pass, Alaska
Whale Pass Community Library
The Whale Pass Community Library serves one of the smallest incorporated cities on Prince of Wales Island — a village of fewer than 100 residents on Alaska's northeast shore — offering books, internet access, and free eResources to a community connected to the outside world mainly by boat and floatplane.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Please call ahead |
| Tuesday | Please call ahead |
| Wednesday | Please call ahead |
| Thursday | Please call ahead |
| Friday | Please call ahead |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: BEACH ROAD LOT 3 BLOCK 14, WHALE PASS, AK 99950
Phone: 907-846-5226
Website: cityofwhalepass.com
Plus Code: 94884V7H+PC (WHALE PASS, 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 Whale Pass Community Library
Whale Pass is a second-class city established in 2017, located at the north end of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska's Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area. With a year-round population of under 100, the community grew out of a 1960s logging camp and today draws both permanent residents and seasonal visitors drawn to the island's world-class fishing and wilderness. The Whale Pass Community Library sits along Beach Road at the heart of town and serves as a community gathering space — City Council meetings are held in the community room behind the library building. The collection runs to nearly 5,500 volumes, and the library logs roughly 1,000 patron visits per year through volunteer staffing. Free Wi-Fi and two public internet terminals are available during open hours. The library is also a member of the Alaska Digital Library (OverDrive), giving cardholders access to statewide eBook and audiobook collections at no cost. Because scheduling depends on volunteers, calling ahead at 907-846-5226 before visiting is strongly recommended.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Serves a community of under 100 residents — one of the smallest public libraries in Southeast Alaska
- Collection of nearly 5,500 volumes with approximately 1,000 patron visits per year
- Community hub: City Council meetings held in the room behind the library
- Free Wi-Fi and two public internet terminals during open hours
- Alaska Digital Library (OverDrive) member — free statewide eBooks and audiobooks with library card
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Library cardholders get free access to Alaska's statewide digital collection:
📚 Services
- Book lending (5,500-volume collection)
- Free Wi-Fi during open hours
- Two public internet terminals
- Community meeting room (behind library)
- Interlibrary loan
- Alaska Digital Library eBooks and audiobooks
🎸 Programs
- Community gathering space for City Council meetings and local events
- Volunteer reading and literacy programs (contact library for schedule)
- Library card registration for residents and visitors
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southeast Alaska
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the library say 'Please call ahead' for hours?
The Whale Pass Community Library is staffed by volunteers in a community of fewer than 100 residents. Open hours depend on volunteer availability and may shift seasonally. Before making a trip — especially from elsewhere on Prince of Wales Island — call 907-846-5226 to confirm the library will be open.
Is the Whale Pass Community Library open to visitors and seasonal residents?
Yes. The library is a public library serving all residents and visitors. Anyone can register for a free library card, which also unlocks the Alaska Digital Library (OverDrive/Libby) for statewide eBook and audiobook borrowing from any device.
How do I get to Whale Pass on Prince of Wales Island?
Whale Pass is accessible by floatplane or by boat. The community is also connected to the Prince of Wales Island road network, reachable by ferry from Ketchikan to Hollis and then by road. The library is on Beach Road near the center of town.
Does the library double as a community meeting space?
Yes — City Council meetings for the City of Whale Pass are held every third Tuesday at 6 PM in the community room located directly behind the library building. The library and its community room are a central gathering place in this small, remote city.
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