[Archived] Alexandria Library Board Appoints Rose Dawson as Director of Libraries

Alexandria Library Board Appoints Rose Dawson as Director of Libraries

After a nationwide search, the Alexandria Library Board has appointed Rose T. Dawson to be the new Director of Libraries. Dawson, who has held the position of Deputy Director for three years, succeeds Patrick O’Brien, who retired after serving as Director for 15 years. Library Board Chair Louise Forstall states, “I am very pleased that we already have working in our Alexandria Library system, an administrator with Rose's experience and fine leadership qualities. We are very fortunate to have Rose step into her new role as Library Director.”

Before coming to Alexandria Library, Dawson worked for the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) in a number of progressively responsible positions, including Head of the Children’s Division of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, Change Agent for Internal Affairs, and Coordinator for Community Youth Services. Dawson earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, she completed the program at George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Municipal Management to become a Certified Public Manager.

“The legacy of outstanding public service at Alexandria Library will continue,” Dawson said, “We, as an innovative system, will meet the needs of our patrons--whether it is their first visit to one of our buildings or utilizing our services through our web site.” 

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