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A photo of the original Barrett Library building

Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
2026-08-01 00:00:00 2026-08-01 23:59:00 America/New_York Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937 The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Saturday, August 01
All day

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The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.

The Alexandria Free Public Library opened on August 21, 1937, at 717 Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria. For 90 years, the public library system has served the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the City of Alexandria.

The exhibit traces the growth of Alexandria Libraries and the individuals whose names and legacies continue to be honored throughout the Library system. Featured are:

  • Robert H. Robinson Library, the first library established for African Americans in Alexandria, which served the community until its closure in 1962 (Now the Black History Museum).
  • Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
  • James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library
  • Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
  • Local History/Special Collections Branch
  • Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library

Visitors will learn about the lives of these individuals, their contributions to the City Alexandria, and their lasting impact on the Alexandria Library system. Through photographs, documents, and historical materials, the exhibit celebrates 90 years of library service, community engagement, and commitment to lifelong learning.

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Local History | Anniversary |

TAGS: | Local History | library | history | anniversary |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Hours
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Mon, Jul 20 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 21 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 22 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 23 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 24 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jul 25 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 26 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

Parking:

There's a library parking lot available.

Public Transit:

Bus stops on Duke Street and N Pickett St.

Upcoming Events

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PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Tue, Jul 21, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Teen Summer Book Club - Realistic/ Historical Fiction
Tue, Jul 21, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Small Conference Room
Ages 12-18. Talk about this month's book and share reading suggestions!
Bookworms Compost
Tue, Jul 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Get the dirt on vermicomposting with hands-on scientific exploration! Using our very own worm composting bin, we’ll dig into the natural processes that re-cycle our Earth’s resources. (ages 6-10)
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Jul 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Small Conference Room
The book club promotes freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Wed, Jul 22, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Beginners
Wed, Jul 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Weekly sessions with Edu-Futuro from 7/8-8/12 will cover the pros and cons of AI, the basics of ChatGPT, and the best AI tools to use in your daily life. Registration required, class is in English. Register
Paleontology Playtime
Wed, Jul 22, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dress for mess, bring your curiosity, and join us for a variety of dinosaur-themed sensory play! (ages 0-6)
Move & Groove
Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
1108 Jefferson Street
Join DJ Regy Reg for this interactive, Zumba-style dance experience! (Ages 6-12)
Move & Groove
Wed, Jul 22, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join DJ Regy Reg for this interactive, Zumba-style dance experience! (Ages 6-12)
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Thu, Jul 23, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 23, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Periodicals Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Jul 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Fri, Jul 24, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Sing Books with Emily
Fri, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Emily for a fun and ultra-enriching singing storytime with song-based picture books! (All ages)
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Sat, Jul 25, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Jul 25, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Cancelled
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Sun, Jul 26, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Mon, Jul 27, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jul 27, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Tue, Jul 28, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 28, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Bookworms Compost
Tue, Jul 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Get the dirt on vermicomposting with hands-on scientific exploration! Using our very own worm composting bin, we’ll dig into the natural processes that re-cycle our Earth’s resources. (ages 6-10)
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Wed, Jul 29, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Beginners
Wed, Jul 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Weekly sessions with Edu-Futuro from 7/8-8/12 will cover the pros and cons of AI, the basics of ChatGPT, and the best AI tools to use in your daily life. Registration required, class is in English. Register
Paleontology Playtime
Wed, Jul 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dress for mess, bring your curiosity, and join us for a variety of dinosaur-themed sensory play! (ages 0-6)
Build Your Own Time Capsule
Wed, Jul 29, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room,Story Room
Create a time capsule of your life in 2026, to be opened by Future You! (Ages 6-12)
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Thu, Jul 30, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 30, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 30, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Periodicals Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Jul 30, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Fri, Jul 31, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Mr. Lilo
Fri, Jul 31, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Sing in English and Spanish, jump, and dance with Mr. Lilo and his guitar. (Ages 0-8)
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Sat, Aug 01, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Aug 01, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Aug 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Sun, Aug 02, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Aug 02, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Mon, Aug 03, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Silent Listening Party
Mon, Aug 03, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Ages 12-18. Bring your own audiobook or find some library selections and enjoy with some snacks and lounging.
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Tue, Aug 04, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Summer Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, Aug 04, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Story Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library this summer.
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Wed, Aug 05, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Beginners
Wed, Aug 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Weekly sessions with Edu-Futuro from 7/8-8/12 will cover the pros and cons of AI, the basics of ChatGPT, and the best AI tools to use in your daily life. Registration required, class is in English. Register
TACA Presents: Kids' Ghanaian Cultural Dance - TACA presenta: Clase de danza cultural ghanesa para niños
Wed, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Explore Ghana with two fun dances: Kpanlogo, the national dance of Ghana; and Azonto, one of the first Afrobeats rhythms to hit the global airwaves! (All ages)
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Thu, Aug 06, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Aug 06, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Rebecca’s Red Carpet - an American Girl party with your doll (ages 6-12)
Thu, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Do you love the silver screen as much as American Girl’s Rebecca? Dress up yourself and your doll, snap photos on the red carpet, then watch an American Girl film with a side of popcorn!
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Fri, Aug 07, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Science Heroes: Digging It!
Fri, Aug 07, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Large Meeting Room
Unearth your love for science in this fun and interactive STEM show. (Ages 6-12)
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Fri, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals Room
*CLASS SCHEDULE HAS CHANGED!* Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Sat, Aug 08, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Aug 08, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Aug 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Aug 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Story Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Sun, Aug 09, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
Mon, Aug 10, All day
The Local History/Special Collections Branch presents an exhibit highlighting the history and evolution of the Alexandria Library.
See all events