STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
We're also tracking the evolution of the public library. In the 21st century, a full-service library carries more than books. It can bring you electronic databases of old newspapers, videos, images of stuff at other libraries and far more. Then, there's the library in Alaska, with an even more distinctive selection.
CELIA ROZEN: Rabbit fur, beaver fur, black bear fur, we have a black bear cub fur. We have a brown bear fur, caribou fur. We have so many owls in all these different poses.
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Celia Rozen works for the Alaska Resources Library and Information Services, where you can check out everything from sea lion skulls to wolverine pelts.
ROZEN: People like to check out the otter fur because it's so soft. And the bears are the most impressive.
MONTAGNE: Also popular is the snowy owl because of Hedwig...
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MONTAGNE: Of "Harry Potter" fame.
ROZEN: When the "Harry Potter" movies were coming out and people were having "Harry Potter" parties and they'd come and check out the snowy owl, people were probably putting glasses on it.
INSKEEP: Mostly, Rozen says, the animals are used by Boy Scout troops, teachers and parents who check them out two weeks at a time with some restrictions.
ROZEN: And there's a whole list of things they're not allowed to do. Like, they're not allowed to cut the tags off. They're not allowed to take the bird mounts out of the box. But you know, we've circulated these three years. We've never had trouble getting them back.
INSKEEP: She said this service is just part of the charm of living in Alaska. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.