Downtown library to be named for Anchorage's original townsite

Anchorage's Public Naming Commission voted at its May meeting to schedule a June 10 public hearing on naming a new downtown library the Anchorage Original Townsite Downtown Library.

The library project uses a combination of public funding and private donations including the Goetz Trust, according to a 2023 announcement by Mayor Dave Bronson. The late Janet Goetz left $7.2 million to the Anchorage Library Foundation specifically to establish a downtown library, a gift that has grown to an estimated $12.5 million in the trust for the library's construction and maintenance. Goetz's will required the library be located within the boundaries of Anchorage's original townsite and requested the name "Anchorage Original Townsite Library" rather than her own name. The bequest will fund 12 years of library operations, according to Elizabeth Nikolai, assistant director of Anchorage Public Library.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the library opening in early 2027 in Historic Old City Hall. The location returns a library to the block where the original downtown Z.J. Loussac Public Library stood from 1952 until its demolition in the early 1980s to make way for the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center.

The library system's practice is to name branches by geographic area rather than after individuals. The proposed name adds "Downtown" to Goetz's requested "Anchorage Original Townsite Library" to provide geographic distinction.

The commission must publish notice of the June 10 hearing at least 21 days in advance and notify the Downtown Community Council, which meets every other month. The commission will consider public testimony and any alternative names proposed during the hearing process.

After the hearing, the commission will vote on a recommendation to send to Mayor Dave Bronson's administration and the Anchorage Assembly. The Assembly will make the final decision by resolution.

The commission chair noted that the library is part of broader downtown activity. "This summer we're going to start projects in Paratroopidge Park next to the old City Hall and Town Square Park. I think there's $5 or $6 million being spent on those two parks," the chair said. "They're going to get a big facelift. They're going to look awesome."

The chair also noted that a $200 million reconstruction project by the Feng and Sheng family is moving forward, and the Blue Alaska Market building on 4th and C will be remodeled this year to include condos, a year-round market, offices, shops and restaurants.

The commission also discussed two other naming proposals: a request to rename part or all of Centennial Park as Hmong Veterans Memorial Park, and a proposal to rename Eagle River Town Square Park as Pipples Field Park. Commissioners said they need guidance from Parks and Recreation on whether a portion of Centennial Park can be renamed or whether the entire park must be renamed. For the Eagle River proposal, the commission must request an advisory opinion from the Eagle River/Chugiak Parks and Recreation board before moving forward. Those hearings will be scheduled after the June library hearing.