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Image for event: Public in Name Only

Public in Name Only

The 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In Demonstration

2022-10-01 13:00:00 2022-10-01 14:00:00 America/New_York Public in Name Only Join author Brenda Mitchell-Powell as she discusses her recent publication "Public in Name Only." The talk will take place on the 2nd floor of the Barrett Library. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Saturday, October 01
1:00pm - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2022-10-01 13:00:00 2022-10-01 14:00:00 America/New_York Public in Name Only Join author Brenda Mitchell-Powell as she discusses her recent publication "Public in Name Only." The talk will take place on the 2nd floor of the Barrett Library. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Join author Brenda Mitchell-Powell as she discusses her recent publication "Public in Name Only." The talk will take place on the 2nd floor of the Barrett Library.

When Alexandria, Virginia's first public library was constructed just a few blocks from his home, Samuel Wilbert Tucker, a young, Black attorney, was appalled to learn that he could not use the library because of his race. Inspired by the legal successes of the NAACP in discrimination cases, he organized a grassroots protest to desegregate the library that his tax dollars supported.

Public in Name Only tells the important, but largely forgotten, story of Tucker and a group of Black citizens who agitated for change in the terms and conditions of their lives. Employing the combined strategies of direct-action public protest, nonviolent civil disobedience, and municipal litigation, Tucker's initiative dovetailed with the national priorities and tactics of larger civil rights organizations. While Tucker's campaign did not end with the desegregation of the Alexandria Library, but instead resulted in the creation of a “separate-and-unequal" Jim Crow Black branch, the sit-in demonstration represents a momentous early struggle for racial equity waged through civil rights activism.

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

jcahill@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1703
Fax: 703.746.1708

Hours
Mon, May 19 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 20 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 21 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 22 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 23 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 24 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 25 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Parking: No library parking lot.  Street parking is available.  A paid parking lot is available on the 100 block of North Alfred Street. 

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1 mile) and King Street Stations (1.1 miles). 
  • Metrobus: 10A/B, 11C
  • DASH Bus: 30, 31, Old Town Circulator
  • King Street Trolley:  King & Columbus

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.

Upcoming Events

Cancelled
Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Thu, May 22, 11:00am - 11:40am
First Floor
Practice your alphabet with stories, songs, yoga and more! Ages 2 and Up.

Thu, May 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Second Floor
The Barrett Branch Mahjong group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.

Tue, May 27, 11:00am - 11:40am
First Floor
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, May 27, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Tue, May 27, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Looking for a space to talk about climate change and the things affected that we love? Join us for a monthly discussion focused on a relevant topic. Register to receive the materials suggestions.

Wed, May 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
First Floor
Fun activities just for infants ages 0-12 months.

Thu, May 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Thu, May 29, 11:00am - 11:40am
First Floor
Practice your alphabet with stories, songs, yoga and more! Ages 2 and Up.

Thu, May 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Second Floor
Adults and teens are encouraged to create the worst pieces of art they have ever seen to win a prize for worst artwork!
This event is full

Sat, May 31, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Bring items from home that are broken, torn or not quite working correctly. Our Fixit Coaches and Volunteers will try to get them up and running. Check-in at the Welcome Table to begin your visit.