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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
Branch manager
James Cahill

Hours
We're closed Friday July 04 due to Independence Day
Mon, Jun 30 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 03 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 04 Closed
(Independence Day)
Sat, Jul 05 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 06 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

Tue, Jul 01, All day
Create a field guide to express the uniqueness of your life and experiences. Kits and guidelines can be picked up beginning July 1 throughout the month while supplies last.

Tue, Jul 01, All day
Beginning July 1, pick up a PINGO card to play throughout Plastic Free July. How plastic-free can you be?

Tue, Jul 01, 10:00am - 11:30am
Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air, explore Old Town, and talk about the latest books we've been reading!

Tue, Jul 01, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
First Floor
Drop in this afternoon & make your own unique DNA bracelet. Ages 6+

Wed, Jul 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
First Floor
Songs, games, yoga and more,just for infants ages 0-12 months.

Thu, Jul 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
First Floor
Our favorite preschool magician returns. Ages 2+

Thu, Jul 03, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Sat, Jul 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Second Floor
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!

Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!

Tue, Jul 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
First Floor
Kofi, a WolfTrap BabyArtsPlay artist, leads our program today. (Ages 0-5)

Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
First Floor
What will Drew have "up his sleeve" today? Ages 6+

Wed, Jul 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
First Floor
Songs, games, yoga and more,just for infants ages 0-12 months.

Wed, Jul 09, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Second Floor
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!

Thu, Jul 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
First Floor
Our favorite family of puppeteers is back for another show. Ages 2+

Thu, Jul 10, 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.

Thu, Jul 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full