Alexandria Library Unveils New Website

The Alexandria Library is one of several city-affiliated organizations that’s unveiling a new website and enhanced social media this spring.

Alexandria Library recently launched its new site as it celebrates its 75 years as a public institution. The recently streamlined site now includes a new catalog as well as 68 extensive searchable databases, with collections covering everything from culinary arts to military journals. The site is at www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Residents also have the opportunity to submit questions online to “Ask a Librarian,” without a phone call or trip to their local branch.

“The new site is more robust,” says Lynda Rudd, the library’s technical services manager.

Unlike the older and more static site, the latest one provides advanced searching options, allowing patrons to concentrate on keywords, search by subject guides that provide optimal results, and put constraints on search terms.

“It creates tools that allow the community to be more self-reliant and gives power to users,” she said.

The site also highlights events that the library has been promoting throughout the year in honor of its service as a public library dating back to 1937, with the construction of the .

Additionally, with social media integrated on the site, users can share events or their favorite reads using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. The site will continue to provide general information and options to renew books, check-out digital books and view staff recommendations.

The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association also and the Alexandria Police Department is now on Twitter and Facebook.