A virtual version of the Charles D. Switzer Library with 360-degree interior views of the facility developed to improve access and awareness of services and collections the library offers will launch Friday, September 2.

Virtual Switzer Library shows the physical space of the library with quick access tabs which visitors can click to explore the library in greater detail. This service provides interactive images of the library covering the main floor of the library and the children’s and teen areas on the first floor.

The virtual interactive library is a resource for people planning to visit the library to become familiar with the layout of library spaces, gives homebound patrons the experience of virtually touring the library and allows the library staff to showcase the library in school visits and outreach events, said Allyson Eads, Community Engagement Librarian II. It also will serve as a staff training resource, she added.

“The virtual library is fully interactive,” said Eads, lead creator of the Cobb County Library virtual library project. “It is highly accessible as every tab can be translated on the spot into over 100 languages, each tab can be read to you in those languages, and the text size can be enlarged on all tabs,” said Eads.

A key feature of the Virtual Switzer Library is tabs of embedded digital images and videos providing information and links on library catalog access, digital databases, digital learning resources, details on how to get a Cobb library card, and more.

Virtual library tours show tabs providing images and information on library spaces, including the Georgia Room historical and genealogical area, Accessibility Services Room, adult and teen makerspaces, the children’s program room and study rooms.

Located in downtown Marietta, Switzer Library is the main Cobb County Public Library.

Officials plan to develop virtual libraries of each of the 14 Cobb library branches over the next two years, Eads said. The virtual library is created on the ThingLink digital education and media company’s platform.