A Library to Love

A few weeks ago I spent quality time in the Alexandria Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA. The local history room was most appealing!  They have a large collection of books pertaining to Alexandria and Fairfax County.  This patron-friendly library also has many books pertaining to all of the counties in Virginia, along with the surrounding states.  Their microfilm of the Alexandria Gazette is particularly helpful if you are researching in that area.  It is also indexed.  

I was impressed with their collection of books and resources dealing with the Civil War, particularly the Confederacy.  Their Confederate Corner contains a Roster of Confederate Soldiers containing of names and units.  If your ancestor served from Virginia, you will be able to find the roster in the Virginia Regimental Series.  There are also specific Northern Virginia regimental records on microfilm.  Major Civil War compilations, such as Dyers Compendium can be found in this section of the library.  

The library has an extensive collection of photographs, manuscripts and maps.  Their rare book collection is the original collection of the Alexandria Library Company which was begun in the 1790s.  If your ancestor happened to live in Alexandria, you will want to use the city directories along with film of building permits and other documents to determine exactly where they lived. There is a good chance the house is still standing. 

I have added this library to the top of my list.  They deserve another visit!