Welcome to the virtual branch of the Alexandria Library!
We offer you access to the world of electronic information. Not only can you access our records of holdings and availability, but we offer access to full text articles from thousands of magazines, journals and newspapers through our online databases. You can search genealogy records with Ancestry Library Edition, borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks on Libby and download digital music with Freegal. Free public access to the Internet is available at all branches as well as free Wi-Fi access for laptops and mobile devices.
Although we have done much to improve our digital services, we have not forgotten our physical offerings. In 2015 the Alexandria Library assumed management of the Alexandria Law Library. This addition to the library network has benefited local litigators and the general public. Access to quality legal information increases the ability of people to seek and obtain fair, accessible, and equitable assistance in reaching an outcome under the law.
In 2009, and again in 2014, 2019, and 2024, the library highlighted the anniversary of America’s first ever library sit-in for civil rights. On August 21, 1939, Alexandria Library staff and patrons watched as a young African American entered and asked to register for a library card. When he was refused, he picked up a book, took a seat, and began to read. Minutes later, another well-groomed and polite young adult repeated these actions. This continued until the young people occupied five tables. Each one sat in silence and read a book. Flustered library staff called the police. While none of these men received a library card at the time, the event has been a catapult for library programming and services to highlight the contributions and needs of the multicultural community that we serve.
During the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Alexandria Library rose to the challenge by continuing to operate for our patrons, providing curbside service, virtual reference services and online programming. We soon realized that many customers were unable to access the internet. The Burke Branch Library piloted a program that would allow those without internet access an opportunity to use an Outdoor Computer Café hosted in the library’s parking lot.
We remain committed to having books and the types of programming that people have come into libraries to use for years and will continue to offer both in-person and virtual opportunities for our community to learn, explore, create and connect.
Rose T. Dawson, Executive Director
Under the updated 2022-2026 plan (pdf), Alexandria Library embarked on a new course toward a vibrant future. Prior to drafting that plan, the Library completed an extensive data collection and needs assessment process involving community leaders, residents, library users and staff.
Based on this input we identified seven priority areas that guided our work:
This direction bolstered our role as leaders in early literacy and lifelong learning, emphasized our collection of high quality materials, and empowered our staff to navigate an ever-changing digital world. We are anxious to re-engage our diverse community to continue to position the Library as a key contributor to the City of Alexandria.
Read more about the 5-Year Plan here.
A snapshot of the community's usage at Alexandria Library during the fiscal 2024 year.
Chair: Robert Ray IV, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Vice Chair: Albert Moseley II, City Council citizen appointee
Treasurer: Dianne Fox, City Council citizen appointee
Secretary: Libby Bawcombe, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Oscar P. Fitzgerald, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Anh Phan, City Council citizen appointee
Canek Aguirre, Alexandria City Council Member
Email the Library Board at libraryboard@alexlibraryva.org
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