WELCOME
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
MISSION
The Alexandria Library builds community by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create and connect.
FIVE YEAR PLAN
Alexandria Library's mission is to build community by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect. The Library's Five Year Plan lays out the goals—endorsed by our patrons—which let us bring that mission to life. In early 2026, we asked our community members, stakeholders, and staff about how they use the Library and what they would like us to prioritize over the next five years. We collected feedback through surveys and focus groups, and the results informed the priorities and objectives contained in the Five Year Plan below.
Based on this input we identified five priority areas that guided our work:
- Physical and Digital Resources
- Learning and Engagement
- Access to Technology
- Connected Community
- Library Support and Outreach
Read more about the Five-Year Plan here.
LIBRARY BOARD
Chair: Albert Moseley II, City Council citizen appointee
Vice Chair: Robert Ray IV, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Treasurer: Dianne Fox, City Council citizen appointee
Secretary: Anh Phan, City Council citizen appointee
Canek Aguirre, Alexandria City Council Member
Oscar P. Fitzgerald, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Peter H. Smeallie, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Email the Library Board at libraryboard@alexlibraryva.org
FY26/27 LIBRARY BOARD MEETINGS
4:00 p.m.
- Monday, June 15, 2026 (Beatley Central Library) - Agenda
- Monday, September 21, 2026 (Beatley Central Library)
- Monday, October 19, 2026 (Barrett Branch Library)
- Monday, December 14, 2026 (Beatley Central Library)
- Thursday, February 18, 2027 (Duncan Branch Library)
- Monday, April 19, 2027 (Burke Branch Library)
- Monday, June 21, 2027 (Beatley Central Library)
1939 SIT IN











