{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Alexandria+Library+Records+%28MS098%29%2C+1937%2F2013\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=3","prev":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Alexandria+Library+Records+%28MS098%29%2C+1937%2F2013\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=2","next":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Alexandria+Library+Records+%28MS098%29%2C+1937%2F2013\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=4","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Alexandria+Library+Records+%28MS098%29%2C+1937%2F2013\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=9"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":3,"next_page":4,"prev_page":2,"total_pages":9,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":20,"total_count":83,"first_page?":false,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after renovations were completed in 1995. Candid photograph of some people, both men and women, looking at the available materials on the bookshelves around them on the second floor of the Barrett Branch Library. Some of the men and women are browsing the shelves while others have begun reading their chosen materials. In the foreground are shorter bookshelves, with one man crouching to get a better look at the offerings on the bottom shelf. In the background are taller bookshelves, that almost reach from floor to ceiling. Behind the taller bookshelves are some tables and chairs that have been backlit by the daylight coming through the windows on the back wall. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #424\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 1 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 1 of 3)","Color photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after renovations were completed in 1995. Candid photograph of some people, both men and women, looking at the available materials on the bookshelves around them on the second floor of the Barrett Branch Library. Some of the men and women are browsing the shelves while others have begun reading their chosen materials. In the foreground are shorter bookshelves, with one man crouching to get a better look at the offerings on the bottom shelf. In the background are taller bookshelves, that almost reach from floor to ceiling. Behind the taller bookshelves are some tables and chairs that have been backlit by the daylight coming through the windows on the back wall. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #424"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 1 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 1 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":334,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photograph"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_2de9865f-5bba-4df1-823e-09dc3854550b/\"\u003eClick to view digital image.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after renovations were completed in 1995. Candid photograph of some people, both men and women, looking at the available materials on the bookshelves around them on the second floor of the Barrett Branch Library. Some of the men and women are browsing the shelves while others have begun reading their chosen materials. In the foreground are shorter bookshelves, with one man crouching to get a better look at the offerings on the bottom shelf. In the background are taller bookshelves, that almost reach from floor to ceiling. Behind the taller bookshelves are some tables and chairs that have been backlit by the daylight coming through the windows on the back wall. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #424\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after renovations were completed in 1995. Candid photograph of some people, both men and women, looking at the available materials on the bookshelves around them on the second floor of the Barrett Branch Library. Some of the men and women are browsing the shelves while others have begun reading their chosen materials. In the foreground are shorter bookshelves, with one man crouching to get a better look at the offerings on the bottom shelf. In the background are taller bookshelves, that almost reach from floor to ceiling. Behind the taller bookshelves are some tables and chairs that have been backlit by the daylight coming through the windows on the back wall. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #424"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#21/components#21","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c22_c22"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. This candid photograph depicts several people standing behind the main circulation desk on the first floor of the Barrett Branch. In the foreground of the photo is a woman wearing a magenta dress and holding two books. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #408\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. This candid photograph depicts several people standing behind the main circulation desk on the first floor of the Barrett Branch. In the foreground of the photo is a woman wearing a magenta dress and holding two books. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #408"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":348,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_be6795b0-32eb-4cde-b3e0-f0a64366f38a/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. This candid photograph depicts several people standing behind the main circulation desk on the first floor of the Barrett Branch. In the foreground of the photo is a woman wearing a magenta dress and holding two books. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #408\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. This candid photograph depicts several people standing behind the main circulation desk on the first floor of the Barrett Branch. In the foreground of the photo is a woman wearing a magenta dress and holding two books. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #408"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#6","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c07"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor portrait of an outdoor sign from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library after renovations were completed in 1995. On a bright, sunny day at the corner of a red-brick building sits a white sign that reads \"The 200 Block of North Columbus St. Welcomes the New Library\" and just below that it reads \"Thank You\". Propped up on a wooden easel, the sign is decorated by a single gold, metallic balloon that is moving with the wind. Behind the sign to the right are row houses and a parked car. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #441\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color portrait of an outdoor sign from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library after renovations were completed in 1995. On a bright, sunny day at the corner of a red-brick building sits a white sign that reads \"The 200 Block of North Columbus St. Welcomes the New Library\" and just below that it reads \"Thank You\". Propped up on a wooden easel, the sign is decorated by a single gold, metallic balloon that is moving with the wind. Behind the sign to the right are row houses and a parked car. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #441"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":349,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_62d33928-cff8-4acc-a43b-ee03a0f65e9b/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor portrait of an outdoor sign from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library after renovations were completed in 1995. On a bright, sunny day at the corner of a red-brick building sits a white sign that reads \"The 200 Block of North Columbus St. Welcomes the New Library\" and just below that it reads \"Thank You\". Propped up on a wooden easel, the sign is decorated by a single gold, metallic balloon that is moving with the wind. Behind the sign to the right are row houses and a parked car. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #441\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color portrait of an outdoor sign from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library after renovations were completed in 1995. On a bright, sunny day at the corner of a red-brick building sits a white sign that reads \"The 200 Block of North Columbus St. Welcomes the New Library\" and just below that it reads \"Thank You\". Propped up on a wooden easel, the sign is decorated by a single gold, metallic balloon that is moving with the wind. Behind the sign to the right are row houses and a parked car. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #441"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#7","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c08"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor portrait photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, a group of presumed library staff stand behind the circulation desk and smile at the camera. Four women are directly behind the desk and five more seem to be coming out of the room just behind the desk. Some of the other women have realized their picture is being taken and look at the camera, while others have not and continue their conversations with one another. One man stands in front of the desk and has turned to face the camera while a final woman seems to being walking past him. Folding chairs are set up and extend out of frame and because each still has a paper program on it, it is likely the event has not yet started. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #443\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color portrait photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, a group of presumed library staff stand behind the circulation desk and smile at the camera. Four women are directly behind the desk and five more seem to be coming out of the room just behind the desk. Some of the other women have realized their picture is being taken and look at the camera, while others have not and continue their conversations with one another. One man stands in front of the desk and has turned to face the camera while a final woman seems to being walking past him. Folding chairs are set up and extend out of frame and because each still has a paper program on it, it is likely the event has not yet started. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #443"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":351,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_63d1c489-23ca-4587-b414-46d48961c2f9/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor portrait photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, a group of presumed library staff stand behind the circulation desk and smile at the camera. Four women are directly behind the desk and five more seem to be coming out of the room just behind the desk. Some of the other women have realized their picture is being taken and look at the camera, while others have not and continue their conversations with one another. One man stands in front of the desk and has turned to face the camera while a final woman seems to being walking past him. Folding chairs are set up and extend out of frame and because each still has a paper program on it, it is likely the event has not yet started. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #443\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color portrait photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, a group of presumed library staff stand behind the circulation desk and smile at the camera. Four women are directly behind the desk and five more seem to be coming out of the room just behind the desk. Some of the other women have realized their picture is being taken and look at the camera, while others have not and continue their conversations with one another. One man stands in front of the desk and has turned to face the camera while a final woman seems to being walking past him. Folding chairs are set up and extend out of frame and because each still has a paper program on it, it is likely the event has not yet started. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #443"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#9","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c10"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, two group of presumed library officials both sit and stand next to a small stage. Though not all the chairs are filled, the seated group includes three women and four men, all dressed professionally, who seem to be waiting for the event to start. The standing group, consisting of three men and two women, are all in conversation with one another. The woman in the middle with white hair, blue dress and light-colored purse is speaking and the remainder of the standing group leans in to listen. Behind them is the stage, decorated with an American flag, and both tall and short bookshelves that extend out of frame. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #444\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color candid photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, two group of presumed library officials both sit and stand next to a small stage. Though not all the chairs are filled, the seated group includes three women and four men, all dressed professionally, who seem to be waiting for the event to start. The standing group, consisting of three men and two women, are all in conversation with one another. The woman in the middle with white hair, blue dress and light-colored purse is speaking and the remainder of the standing group leans in to listen. Behind them is the stage, decorated with an American flag, and both tall and short bookshelves that extend out of frame. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #444"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":352,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_0216e8ce-4243-4cca-9aa6-9abcc56d58ee/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, two group of presumed library officials both sit and stand next to a small stage. Though not all the chairs are filled, the seated group includes three women and four men, all dressed professionally, who seem to be waiting for the event to start. The standing group, consisting of three men and two women, are all in conversation with one another. The woman in the middle with white hair, blue dress and light-colored purse is speaking and the remainder of the standing group leans in to listen. Behind them is the stage, decorated with an American flag, and both tall and short bookshelves that extend out of frame. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #444\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color candid photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, two group of presumed library officials both sit and stand next to a small stage. Though not all the chairs are filled, the seated group includes three women and four men, all dressed professionally, who seem to be waiting for the event to start. The standing group, consisting of three men and two women, are all in conversation with one another. The woman in the middle with white hair, blue dress and light-colored purse is speaking and the remainder of the standing group leans in to listen. Behind them is the stage, decorated with an American flag, and both tall and short bookshelves that extend out of frame. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #444"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#10","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c11"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, the camera aims at the circulation desk and the people that stand around it. Presumed to be library staff, four women stand together and all but one is smiling up at the camera. Other people, presumed to be library staff and officials, stand around the desk. Some are in conversation and others are looking in different directions around the room. In front of the circulation desk, extending out of frame, are rows of folding chairs each with a paper program on the seats. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #445\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, the camera aims at the circulation desk and the people that stand around it. Presumed to be library staff, four women stand together and all but one is smiling up at the camera. Other people, presumed to be library staff and officials, stand around the desk. Some are in conversation and others are looking in different directions around the room. In front of the circulation desk, extending out of frame, are rows of folding chairs each with a paper program on the seats. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #445"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":353,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_517ff26e-273c-4573-b8aa-aa627c5b0ebc/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, the camera aims at the circulation desk and the people that stand around it. Presumed to be library staff, four women stand together and all but one is smiling up at the camera. Other people, presumed to be library staff and officials, stand around the desk. Some are in conversation and others are looking in different directions around the room. In front of the circulation desk, extending out of frame, are rows of folding chairs each with a paper program on the seats. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #445\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color photograph from the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Taken from a higher vantage point, the camera aims at the circulation desk and the people that stand around it. Presumed to be library staff, four women stand together and all but one is smiling up at the camera. Other people, presumed to be library staff and officials, stand around the desk. Some are in conversation and others are looking in different directions around the room. In front of the circulation desk, extending out of frame, are rows of folding chairs each with a paper program on the seats. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #445"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#11","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c12"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Set up on the second-floor balcony of the Barrett Branch, are three female musicians in the midst of performing. All three are wearing white dress shirts and black bottoms and each sit in her own wooden chair across from sheet music on a music stand and plays from a flute. Behind them are a man and a woman in conversation leaning over the balcony railing to get a better view of what is going on the floor below. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #446\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Set up on the second-floor balcony of the Barrett Branch, are three female musicians in the midst of performing. All three are wearing white dress shirts and black bottoms and each sit in her own wooden chair across from sheet music on a music stand and plays from a flute. Behind them are a man and a woman in conversation leaning over the balcony railing to get a better view of what is going on the floor below. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #446"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":354,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_29801f28-6292-4b61-872d-b43c8b6d06c9/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Set up on the second-floor balcony of the Barrett Branch, are three female musicians in the midst of performing. All three are wearing white dress shirts and black bottoms and each sit in her own wooden chair across from sheet music on a music stand and plays from a flute. Behind them are a man and a woman in conversation leaning over the balcony railing to get a better view of what is going on the floor below. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #446\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Set up on the second-floor balcony of the Barrett Branch, are three female musicians in the midst of performing. All three are wearing white dress shirts and black bottoms and each sit in her own wooden chair across from sheet music on a music stand and plays from a flute. Behind them are a man and a woman in conversation leaning over the balcony railing to get a better view of what is going on the floor below. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #446"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#12","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c13"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Men and women of varying ages stand milling around the main floor of the Barrett Branch library seeming after the conclusion of the ceremony. In the foreground, one man sits at a table with his hands on a computer keyboard and converses with the two women who are speaking to him. The woman on the left has short brown hair and wears a blue jacket and the woman on the right has short greying hair and wears a white shirt, denim bottoms, and carries a small purse. In the background is a larger group pf men and women, gathered around a table of computers. Behind are bookshelves that extend to the other side of the room where more people sit at tables in conversation. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #448\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Men and women of varying ages stand milling around the main floor of the Barrett Branch library seeming after the conclusion of the ceremony. In the foreground, one man sits at a table with his hands on a computer keyboard and converses with the two women who are speaking to him. The woman on the left has short brown hair and wears a blue jacket and the woman on the right has short greying hair and wears a white shirt, denim bottoms, and carries a small purse. In the background is a larger group pf men and women, gathered around a table of computers. Behind are bookshelves that extend to the other side of the room where more people sit at tables in conversation. The photo is dated 1995. 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Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_b66676d3-9a94-46c8-a6ea-15307467d6f8/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Men and women of varying ages stand milling around the main floor of the Barrett Branch library seeming after the conclusion of the ceremony. In the foreground, one man sits at a table with his hands on a computer keyboard and converses with the two women who are speaking to him. The woman on the left has short brown hair and wears a blue jacket and the woman on the right has short greying hair and wears a white shirt, denim bottoms, and carries a small purse. In the background is a larger group pf men and women, gathered around a table of computers. Behind are bookshelves that extend to the other side of the room where more people sit at tables in conversation. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #448\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Men and women of varying ages stand milling around the main floor of the Barrett Branch library seeming after the conclusion of the ceremony. In the foreground, one man sits at a table with his hands on a computer keyboard and converses with the two women who are speaking to him. The woman on the left has short brown hair and wears a blue jacket and the woman on the right has short greying hair and wears a white shirt, denim bottoms, and carries a small purse. In the background is a larger group pf men and women, gathered around a table of computers. Behind are bookshelves that extend to the other side of the room where more people sit at tables in conversation. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #448"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#14","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c15"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Outside the front entrance of the Barrett Branch Library, in the shade of a tree, is a group of men and women who seem to be waiting for the library to open and for the ceremony to begin. On the front doors, illuminated by the sun, two signs read \"Re-opening\" and \"Sept. 10, 2PM\". Some of the group are sitting on the red brick retaining wall outside of the library while other stand in conversation closer to the entrance. The building is red brick, with white columns and white doors. A large, half-moon shaped windows sits atop the doors allowing natural light to fill the entrance vestibule within. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #449\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Outside the front entrance of the Barrett Branch Library, in the shade of a tree, is a group of men and women who seem to be waiting for the library to open and for the ceremony to begin. On the front doors, illuminated by the sun, two signs read \"Re-opening\" and \"Sept. 10, 2PM\". Some of the group are sitting on the red brick retaining wall outside of the library while other stand in conversation closer to the entrance. The building is red brick, with white columns and white doors. A large, half-moon shaped windows sits atop the doors allowing natural light to fill the entrance vestibule within. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #449"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":357,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_9a91b309-7768-4318-96f1-3cfbcbebfd01/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Outside the front entrance of the Barrett Branch Library, in the shade of a tree, is a group of men and women who seem to be waiting for the library to open and for the ceremony to begin. On the front doors, illuminated by the sun, two signs read \"Re-opening\" and \"Sept. 10, 2PM\". Some of the group are sitting on the red brick retaining wall outside of the library while other stand in conversation closer to the entrance. The building is red brick, with white columns and white doors. A large, half-moon shaped windows sits atop the doors allowing natural light to fill the entrance vestibule within. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #449\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. Outside the front entrance of the Barrett Branch Library, in the shade of a tree, is a group of men and women who seem to be waiting for the library to open and for the ceremony to begin. On the front doors, illuminated by the sun, two signs read \"Re-opening\" and \"Sept. 10, 2PM\". Some of the group are sitting on the red brick retaining wall outside of the library while other stand in conversation closer to the entrance. The building is red brick, with white columns and white doors. A large, half-moon shaped windows sits atop the doors allowing natural light to fill the entrance vestibule within. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #449"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#15","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c16"}},{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. The photo is aimed at the circulation desk where some people have begun to converse with the library staff behind the desk. In front of the desk, the main floor of the Barrett Branch Library has been filled with folding chairs where a few people have begun to sit. There are folded programs on each of the folding chairs, suggesting that the ceremony has not yet begun. On the right side of the picture are bookshelves that fill the space at the back of the main floor as well as the second floor, which is visible through the balcony railing. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #450\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17","ref_ssm":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17"],"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23","parent_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04","vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23"],"title_filing_ssi":"Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony","title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"title_tesim":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995"],"text":["Photograph from Kate Waller Barrett Branch re-opening ceremony, 1995","Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)","Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. The photo is aimed at the circulation desk where some people have begun to converse with the library staff behind the desk. In front of the desk, the main floor of the Barrett Branch Library has been filled with folding chairs where a few people have begun to sit. There are folded programs on each of the folding chairs, suggesting that the ceremony has not yet begun. On the right side of the picture are bookshelves that fill the space at the back of the main floor as well as the second floor, which is visible through the balcony railing. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #450"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937/2014, bulk 1950/1999","1.4: History, Programming, and Outreach, 1937/1994","Barrett Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, photographs (folder 2 of 3)"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1995"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1995"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[4],"sort_isi":358,"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"extent_ssm":["1 Photographic Prints"],"extent_tesim":["1 Photographic Prints"],"physfacet_tesim":["color photographs"],"dimensions_tesim":["4 x 6 in"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"date_range_isim":[1995],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_047cc9f1-21a6-4413-9fad-423b2a6b1287/\"\u003eClick to view digital image\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital image"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eColor candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. The photo is aimed at the circulation desk where some people have begun to converse with the library staff behind the desk. In front of the desk, the main floor of the Barrett Branch Library has been filled with folding chairs where a few people have begun to sit. There are folded programs on each of the folding chairs, suggesting that the ceremony has not yet begun. On the right side of the picture are bookshelves that fill the space at the back of the main floor as well as the second floor, which is visible through the balcony railing. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #450\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Color candid photograph of the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library to celebrate the reopening of the branch after the completion of renovations in 1995. The photo is aimed at the circulation desk where some people have begun to converse with the library staff behind the desk. In front of the desk, the main floor of the Barrett Branch Library has been filled with folding chairs where a few people have begun to sit. There are folded programs on each of the folding chairs, suggesting that the ceremony has not yet begun. On the right side of the picture are bookshelves that fill the space at the back of the main floor as well as the second floor, which is visible through the balcony railing. The photo is dated 1995. Photo previously labeled #450"],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#3/components#22/components#16","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_ssi":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_root_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","_nest_parent_":"vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/ALEX/repositories_2_resources_157.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/157","title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098)"],"unitdate_ssm":["1937-2013"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1937-2013"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1937/2013"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"text":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013","MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157","Alexandria (Va.)","Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries.","Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.","This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives","Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.","Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)","This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection.","Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"collection_ssim":["Alexandria Library Records (MS098), 1937/2013"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"unitid_tesim":["MS098","/repositories/2/resources/157"],"repository_ssm":["Alexandria Library"],"repository_ssim":["Alexandria Library"],"geogname_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"places_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.)"],"creator_ssm":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_ssim":["Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"creators_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)","Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Alexandria (Va.). Library","Public libraries."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"extent_tesim":["13.86 Cubic Feet 30 boxes, 1 oversized box"],"date_range_isim":[1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open for research. Public access to some confidential personnel records is restricted, these materials are noted as such."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubseries 2.5. Web Archives\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Notes on Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["This finding aid describes and documents the updated arrangement of this collection as of 2023. Previously, the collection was organized into the following series: By Laws, Charters, and Agreements; Board; Annual Reports; Administration; Circulation; Construction; History; Publicity; Scrapbooks; Workshops; Queen/Barrett; Robert Robinson; Special Services; and Lloyd House. \"By-Laws, Charters, and Agreements\" and \"Administration\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.2. Administration and Finance. \"History,\" \"Publicity,\" \"Scrapbooks,\" \"Workshops,\" and \"Photographs\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach. \"Construction,\" \"Queen/Barrett,\" \"Robert Robinson,\" \"Special Services,\" and \"Lloyd House,\" have been combined into the new Subseries 1.5. Branch Records.","The \"Board\" series has been separated from MS098 and combined with other records to form a new, separate collection of Alexandria Library Board Records.","The physical and intellectual arrangement of the Alexandria Library Records (MS098) has been updated a few times over the years, while remaining accessible to the public. Thus, the decision was made to maintain, as much as appropriate, the current order of the pre-existing collection as Series 1: Founding and 20th Century Records; and Series 2: 21st Century Records includes the new accretions to the collection as of 2023. Future accretions to this collection will either be added to Series 2 or form a new series.","Series 1. Founding and 20th Century Records, 1937-2005\n\nSubseries 1.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 1.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 1.3. Circulation Records\nSubseries 1.4. History, Programming, and Outreach\nSubseries 1.5. Branch Records\n\n\nSeries 2. 21st Century Records, 1994-present\n\nSubseries 2.1. Annual Reports\nSubseries 2.2. Administration and Finance\nSubseries 2.3. Branch Records\nSubseries 2.4. Programming and Outreach\nSubseries 2.5. Web Archives"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFounded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. \u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/1939-sit-in\"\u003eMore details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.org/about-us#timeline\"\u003eFor a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["Founded as a subscription library in 1794 and serving as the public library of Alexandria, Virginia since 1937 – Alexandria Library has a long legacy of supporting early literacy and lifelong learning in our diverse community. The Alexandria Library builds community through its six branches by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect.","The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794 and operated a subscription library for nearly 150 years. In 1937, the ALC entered an agreement with the City of Alexandria and their collections formed the foundation of the city's first free public library. Since then, the Alexandria Library has grown into a system of six branches which serve the community of Alexandria, Virginia.","The Kate Waller Barrett Library opened its doors on Queen Street in 1937; this was the first location of the Alexandria Library. It was named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett – local humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for use of its old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street as the site for the new public library building. This library has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, the Barrett Library shifted from being the main library to its current role as a branch library which serves residents of Old Town Alexandria and surrounding neighborhoods.","The Robert Robinson Library, named for a grandson of one of George Washington's slaves, opened in 1940 to serve black residents of Alexandria. The establishment of this new branch library was motivated by a civil rights demonstration and lawsuit brought against the Library and the City of Alexandria. The earliest known civil rights sit-in was held at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in 1939. Alexandria Attorney Samuel W. Tucker and five young African American men demonstrated this act of civil disobedience after being denied library cards. The Sit-In and following legal action resulted in the establishment of a new branch of the library to provide \"separate but equal\" library services to black residents. However, this new library branch never received the same support or funding as the main library and was never able to provide fully equitable services to the local African American community. The Alexandria Library officially integrated for adults in 1959, and for children in 1962. The Robert Robinson Library closed in 1962 and the building is now the site of the Alexandria Black History Museum. More details about the 1939 sit-in and integration of Alexandria Library, as well as links to additional resources can be found on our website.","The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library opened on Seminary Road in 1968. This branch library was named after Ellen Coolidge Burke (1901-1975), who served as Director of the Alexandria Library from 1948 to 1969. The Burke Branch Library serves residents of the Seminary Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.","The James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library opened on Commonwealth Avenue in 1969. The Duncan Branch Library serves residents of the Del Ray neighborhood and surrounding areas. This branch was named after James M. Duncan (1897-1967), who served as Chief of the Alexandria Fire Department 1924-1947, member of City Council 1949-1967, and member of the Alexandria Library Board 1950-1967. In 2005 the Duncan Branch Library underwent renovations and became the first City of Alexandria government building to have a \"living\" roof – a Green Infrastructure approach to reducing stormwater runoff and pollution in local waterways.","The Local History / Special Collections Branch was established in 1976 and first housed at Lloyd House, a historic home on the corner of Queen and North Washington Streets. In 1999, after completion of the most recent round of renovations and expansions, Local History / Special Collections moved into the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. Local History / Special Collections stewards many valuable resources documenting the history and culture of Alexandria and Virginia from the colonial period to the present.","The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library opened on Duke Street in 2000. This new central library was named after former mayor of Alexandria, Charles E. \"Chuck\" Beatley, Jr. (1916-2003). Upon completion of the new main library site, library adminstration offices were moved from the Barrett Library (formerly the central library) to the Beatley Library.","In 2015 the Library took over management of the Alexandria Law Library, located in the basement of the Alexandria Circuit Court on King Street. The Alexandria Law Library provides legal resources for the benefit of the entire Alexandria community, including its citizens, government agencies, local businesses, the judiciary, and members of the bar.","For a more detailed timeline of the history of Alexandria Library, check out our website."],"otherfindaid_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibrary.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|8c5ffb42-5524-4dc7-a8b4-a73f7efd331e/\"\u003eClick to view digital materials in this collection\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"otherfindaid_heading_ssm":["Digital Materials"],"otherfindaid_tesim":["Click to view digital materials in this collection"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["[Item description], Alexandria Library Records, MS098, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Library Board Records\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://alexlibraryva.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/128\"\u003eAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Alexandria Library Board Records\nAlexandria Library Company Records (MS002)"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection. \u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Content Description"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the records of the Alexandria Library, documenting the administration and operation of the Library, dating from the founding of the public library in 1937 through the present. Included are administrative records, annual reports, financial records, circulation records, materials documenting the history of the Library, programming and outreach records, and records of the individual branches of the library system. Formats include textual documents, photographs, and ephemera.","The Alexandria Library is an active organization, and so this collection is a living collection which will be periodically added to and updated. Check this collection guide for any future updates to the collection."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMaterials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["Materials relating to the Alexandria Library Board have been moved from MS098 to the Alexandria Library Board Records (MS416)."],"corpname_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"persname_ssim":["Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"names_ssim":["Local History and Special Collections Branch, Alexandria Library","Alexandria Library (Alexandria, Va.)","Alexandria Library Company","Alexandria Library Association (1897-1937)","Alexandria Library Society (1937-1953)","Burke, Ellen Coolidge","Duncan, James M., Jr. (James Morton), 1897-1967","Barrett, Kate Waller, Dr., 1858-1925","Beatley, Charles E., Jr., 1916-2003","Robinson, Robert Henry, Rev. (1824-1909)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":527,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:21:50.422Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vaallhs_repositories_2_resources_157_c01_c04_c23_c17"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Alexandria Library","value":"Alexandria 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1937/2013","hits":83},"links":{"remove":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Alexandria+Library+Records+%28MS098%29%2C+1937%2F2013\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/collection_ssim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Alexandria+Library+Records+%28MS098%29%2C+1937%2F2013\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item"}},{"type":"facet","id":"date_range_isim","attributes":{"label":"Date 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