Collections

While we always think first of books, public library collections also include audiovisual media, downloadable materials, research, reference, and historic documents and artifacts. The Foundation has contributed in the following areas: (scroll down for examples of specific support provided)

• Childrens’ Collections
• Media Collections
• Special Collections
• Reference Collections
• Historic Documents and Artifacts
  

Currently the Foundation is raising funds for the restoration of items from the Georgetown Neighborhood Library Peabody Room and the restoration of an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson in the Washingtoniana Division.

Childrens’ Collections:

• Replaced science collections for children and young adults with updated volumes
• Purchased Read Along books and cassettes in English and Spanish for children's rooms in 23 branches

Media Collections:

• Purchased 11 sets of The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare--38 unabridged plays--for libraries throughout the District
• Purchased GED videos so that adult learners can study at home
• Established adult book CD collection at Georgetown Neighborhood Library
• Purchased English as a Second Language literacy programs in video and audio formats

Special Collections:

Enhanced and created the following collections:

• Jewish History
• Poetry
• Craft books
• Urban Fiction
• Updated collections for hard-of-hearing customers
• Expanded the Black Authors collection at Southeast Branch Library

Reference Collections:

• Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library - books and resources for parents and teachers
• Partial funding for the purchase of a comprehensive encyclopedia of the social and behavioral sciences
• Purchased basic reference literature and on-line resources supporting careers in allied health
• Created multi-media information literacy collection and training for students and librarians at Capitol View Branch Library

Historic Documents and Artifacts:

• Contributing to the restoration of an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson
• Providing support for the restoration of Peabody Room materials and artwork of the Georgetown Neighborhood Library