The Alexandria Library builds community by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect. The Library focuses that goal in the community through different service priorities as established in its 5-Year Plan. The Alexandria Library refreshed its 5-Year Plan by inviting input from the community and other partners to update its priorities and objectives.
See the finished 5-Year Plan Refresh document here.
Strong libraries are needed today more than ever as we are one of the few institutions that brings the community together in spite of differences in politics, religion or socio-economics. We will succeed as long as we remember that we are here to offer knowledge and possibility to all who enter our doors.
In 2021, the Alexandria Library embarked on a refresh of its Five-Year Plan. Staff conducted research on the community’s makeup, including changing demographics, educational attainment, languages spoken and social economic status. Community surveys were created in multiple languages and shared inside branches, on the Library website, social media, and during limited outreach. While focus groups were conducted, participation was limited due to the pandemic.
Through this process, the seven focus areas where we believe the Library can have the greatest impact on the City of Alexandria were re-affirmed. Over the next five years the library will use this guidance to better serve the community.
Provide increased support for learners of all ages through enhanced workshops, materials and staff development.
Provide additional resources for customers and enhanced access to special collections through strategic budgeting, acquisitions and collection maintenance.
Become known as a technology leader within the community by providing innovative services and access to technology and training.
The Library is recognized as a community gathering space through its welcoming facilities, excellent customer service and diverse programmatic offerings.
Retain dedicated and engaged staff members, committed to the Library’s mission and their roles in implementing strategic initiatives.
Increase the Library’s visibility throughout the community through comprehensive outreach, updated marketing materials and consistent branding.
The Library will work with City government to secure adequate funding and will seek out fundraising and grant opportunities to further our mission.
Chair: Trudi Bellardo Hahn, City Council citizen appointee
Vice Chair: Robert Ray IV, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Treasurer: Karen Marshall, City Council citizen appointee
Secretary: Patricia Dane Rogers, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Canek Aguirre, Alexandria City Council Member
Oscar P. Fitzgerald, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Kathleen Schloeder, City Council citizen appointee
Special thanks to the 5-Year Plan Committee
The Library’s 5-Year-Plan expired in 2020. Staff began an effort to refresh the existing plan, but the project was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic until 2021.
When work resumed in 2021, a community survey was conducted to gather feedback on the previous 5-Year Plan. Participants were asked to rank the existing Focus Areas from the existing plan based on their needs, community needs, and how the City changed since creation of the 2015-2020 plan. Nearly 500 responses were collected and analyzed to inform the Refreshed Plan.
Complete survey results can be found here.
A copy of the Community survey can be found here.
As part of the 5-Year Plan refresh, staff collected research on the demographic make-up of Alexandria City residents. Below are some of the key findings:
View the complete Demographic Profile report here.