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AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS

Alexandria Library is excited to announce that our popular American Girl® lending program is back!

Four American Girl® doll kits are available for checkout at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library. These dolls were introduced to commemorate two important moments in the Alexandria Library's history: its founding in 1794, and the the 1939 Sit-In.

American Girl Logo

 

FELICITY MERRIMAN™

Felisticy Merriman Doll

To celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Alexandria Library, we invite you to meet Felicity Merriman®, a spunky nine year old girl who grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia, just 150 miles away from Alexandria. Felicity® lived during 1774, twenty years before the Library's 1794 founding. She loved horses, working in her garden and helping out in her father's general store.

Celebrate the Library's 225th anniversary by borrowing Felicity® for a week and document your adventures with Felicity in her journal!

Check out Felicity's® adventures at Alexandria's historic sites on the Library's Instagram and Facebook accounts. Since her arrival Felicity® has shopped at  Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary and visited Gadsby's Tavern.

Check out Felicity® today!

 

MELODY ELLISON™

Melody Ellison Doll

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In, we invite you to meet Melody Ellison®, an optimistic nine year old girl who grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Melody ® was born in 1954, fifteen years after the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In. We think Melody® would have found this peaceful protest inspiring, as she was passionate about raising her voice for equality during the Civil Rights era. Melody® loves to sing, garden and listen to Motown hits.

Commemorate the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-in by taking Melody® home for a week and document your adventures with Melody™ in her journal.

Melody’s® adventures were documented on the Library’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. Since her arrival from Detroit on the VRE train, she toured the city of Alexandria, making stops at such locations as Freedman’s Cemetery and Waterfront Park.

Check out Melody™ today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Why were these dolls chosen?

Felicity® and Melody® have been selected due to their connection to important timeframes in Alexandria Library's history. As a Colonial Era doll and Virginia native, Felicity® celebrates our 225th anniversary. Melody®, a civil rights activist, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In. 


How do I borrow an American Girl™ doll kit?

American Girl® doll kits can be checked out or placed on hold by customers who have valid adult Alexandria Library cards that are free of fees.


How long can I borrow an American Girl® doll kit?

The loan period for an American Girl® doll kit is 7 days.  

Where do I check out an American Girl® doll kit or pick up my hold?

Doll kits and available holds will be kept behind the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library circulation desk. Customers will be required to provide identification at checkout.


Can I check out a doll kit from another branch?

At this time, Felicity® and Melody® are only available for checkout at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library.


Can I renew a doll kit?

No.  American Girl® doll kits are not eligible for renewal.


Can I check out two doll kits?

Due to the size of our American Girl® program, only one doll kit can be checked out per household.


What  is included in an American Girl® doll kit?

  • One (1) 18 inch American Girl™ doll (Felicity® or Melody®) dressed in a full outfit;
  • One (1) carrying case, containing items, book, doll and pajamas;
  • One (1) journal;
  • One (1) hairbrush. 


How do I take care of my doll?

Please brush and style the doll’s hair with the hairbrush provided in the kit. Do not apply makeup or cut her hair. Do not attempt to clean or launder the doll or her clothing and accessories. 

What should I write in the doll’s journal?

We are so excited to hear about your adventures with Felicity® and Melody®. Tell us all about the fun things you and the doll experienced while she was in your home. Details and pictures are encouraged.


What happens if a doll/accessory is lost or damaged?

Customers may be billed the full cost of the doll if the original outfit, hair length/style or other point of item integrity is lost or damaged.  Accompanying outfits will likewise be charged as a set if a component part is missing or damaged.  Damaged or lost carrying cases, books or journals will be billed to the customer at the full replacement cost of the accessory. The library will not accept customer replacements for lost or damaged dolls. Damaged dolls do not become the property of the customer when a replacement fee is paid.


How is the program funded?

The Alexandria Library’s American Girl® doll program has been made possible by a generous donation from the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Friends and fundraising by a team of neighborhood Girl Scouts.

Last updated: June 2023