The D.C. Public Library launched a redesigned web site today, and it appears to a substantial upgrade from its previous version. Check it out for yourself at www.dclibrary.org.

A news release accompanying the launch touts new features including separate pages for each neighborhood library; a new calendar that filters events by day, location, and type of program; an online meeting-room reservation system; the ability to request a text message to alert you when library holds become available; and an updated catalog that allows users to read excepts from books, bookmark favorites, and write and read user reviews.

“The Library’s new Web site mirrors what Library users find at online bookstores,” said chief librarian Ginnie Cooper in a statement.

If you’ve never taken advantage of the city’s public libraries, we highly recommend doing so. Beyond books, most branches also offer comic book trade paperbacks, periodicals, DVDs and CDs, plus a whole catalog of downloadable media. D.C. residents can sign up for a free library card online.