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SOCIAL JUSTICE

Alexandria Library believes in social justice. Last summer, the Library held a summer-long challenge that helped to examine the city’s important African American history and culture. The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) is an interdepartmental program in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) to address social justice in the city.

 

EVENTS
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Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy Exhibit
Tue, Mar 17, All day
Local History/Special Collections
View photographs by Elrich Murphy, a pioneering photographer of Alexandria's African American community in the mid 1900s.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, Mar 17, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Mar 17, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Mar 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, Mar 18, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy Exhibit
Wed, Mar 18, All day
Local History/Special Collections
View photographs by Elrich Murphy, a pioneering photographer of Alexandria's African American community in the mid 1900s.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Mar 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Burke Book Club - "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
Wed, Mar 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Women's History Month by joining us for a discussion of an historical novel set during the suffrage movement and the compilation of the first Oxford English Dictionary. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Mar 18, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy Exhibit
Thu, Mar 19, All day
Local History/Special Collections
View photographs by Elrich Murphy, a pioneering photographer of Alexandria's African American community in the mid 1900s.
Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy Exhibit
Fri, Mar 20, All day
Local History/Special Collections
View photographs by Elrich Murphy, a pioneering photographer of Alexandria's African American community in the mid 1900s.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, Mar 20, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, Mar 21, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy Exhibit
Sat, Mar 21, All day
Local History/Special Collections
View photographs by Elrich Murphy, a pioneering photographer of Alexandria's African American community in the mid 1900s.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, Mar 23, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 23, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, Mar 24, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Mar 24, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, Mar 25, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Mar 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Mar 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Mar 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, Mar 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - 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.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, Mar 27, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, Mar 28, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Mar 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, Mar 30, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, Mar 31, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Mar 31, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Mar 31, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!
Mini Quilt
Tue, Mar 31, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us to make a mini quilt in the Log Cabin style. A basic knowledge of hand sewing is required to participate in this activity.
This event is full
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, Apr 01, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
On a Mission: The History of U.S. Women Astronauts - with Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal
Thu, Apr 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight.Register
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, Apr 03, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, Apr 04, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
GED & Adult Literacy Tutoring
Sat, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 1:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to strengthen reading skills and prepare for the high school equivalency GED test? Come for supportive tutoring to practice reading and/or review questions, studying tips and taking the test.
WHATEVER YOU SAY YOU ARE, YOU'RE RIGHT! - with KaNikki Jakarta
Sat, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Explore the power of positive manifestation and celebrating YOUR personal history in this poetry and open mic workshop for teens.
English Conversation Club - Develop & Practice Your English Conversation Skills
Sat, Apr 04, 2:00pm - 2:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Welcome! Are you looking to improve your English language skills? Join us for English conversation practice, with new topics each session! Ages 14+
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, Apr 06, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, Apr 07, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, Apr 08, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 08, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, Apr 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - 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.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, Apr 10, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, Apr 11, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, Apr 13, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Unregulated AI Use - Understanding Threats and Regulations
Mon, Apr 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Dr. Finley-Brook will walk us through the harm of unregulated AI use and explain policies experts are working on to reign it in.Register
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, Apr 14, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Apr 14, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes, and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, Apr 15, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, Apr 17, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, Apr 18, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Language & Latinidad in The Nation’s Capital
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Dr. Tseng, Professor of Spanish and Linguistics at American University, will discuss the history of Latin American immigration to the DC Metro Area and how its shaped a unique regional language.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Mon, Apr 20, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Dabke Dance Workshop
Mon, Apr 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
In celebration of Arab American Heritage Month, please join us for a workshop on Dabke, a vibrant folk dance with roots in the Levant region (Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Palestine).
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Tue, Apr 21, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Apr 21, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes, and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club promotes freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged. For April we are discussing the 2026 All Alexandria Reads selection, Sing, Unburied, Sing.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Wed, Apr 22, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 22, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, Apr 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - 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.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Fri, Apr 24, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
A Commonwealth of Cultures Exhibit - The Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program
Sat, Apr 25, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.
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FROM OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Library Director, Rose T. Dawson interviews Ms. Gladys Davis.

Executive Director Rose T. Dawson interviews former employee Barbara Jean Ferguson, one of the first African American staff members at Alexandria library.

Relatives of Alexandria Library Sit-In protestors William “Buddy” Evans and Morris Murray discuss how the event and its legacy impacted them, their family, their outlook and accomplishments.

Last updated: January 2021