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:
- Childrens’ Collections
- Media Collections
- Special Collections
- Reference Collections
- Historic Documents and Artifacts
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 neighborhood libraries
- Purchased numerous sets of the Newbery and Caldecott award-winning books for neighborhood libraries
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:
The DC Public Library Foundation has created and/or enhanced 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
- Provided support for the restoration of Peabody Room materials and artwork of the Georgetown Neighborhood Library
