Libraries
Locations of public libraries and descriptions of the services and activities offered. Also updates on and links to library systems and individual libraries.
Beatley Central Library
The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library offers the largest selection of adult and children’s materials in the City of Alexandria’s library system. The library was named after former mayor Charles Beatley who was mayor from 1967 to 1976 and from 1979 to 1985. Located on Duke Street west of Old Town, the Beatley Library is convenient for folks in the West End and Old Town and neigbhorhoods like Cameron Station. In addition to a large collection of books and periodicals, the library offers the following additional features and services:
- Internet stations (24 of them!) and six word processing stations for free public use
- Free wireless Internet access
- Children’s Programs and Outreach services including story-time readings for ages 1 to 6 and reading programs for older kids.
- Meeting Rooms available to individuals and organizations for meetings of an educational, cultural or civic nature. The community meeting room seats up to 150 and the conference room seats 10. The meeting and conference rooms require advance reservation.
- Reading Garden
Charles E. Beatley, Jr.
Central Library
5005 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22304-2903
Phone: 703-519-5900
Fax: 703-519-5915
Monday -Thursday: 9am-9pm
Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sundays: 1pm-5pm
Showing properties
1 - 5 of 240.
See more West End.
(all data current as of
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$141,900 : 5340 Holmes Run Pkwy #317, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full bath
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$380,000 : 6017 Westchester St, Alexandria4 beds, 3 full baths
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$250,000 : 803 Howard St N #456, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$165,000 : 6301 Stevenson Ave #106, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$224,900 : 4316 Duke St, Alexandria2 beds, 1 full bath
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
James M. Duncan Library
James M. Duncan (1897-1967), was born in Alexandria. He was a long term serving Alexandria City Councilman and member of the Library Board. After his death in 1967 it was proposed that the Del Ray branch be
named in Duncan’s honor. The James M. Duncan Library continues to serve the Del Ray community of Alexandria. Newly renovations have expanded the library to 5,000 square feet, naturally adult reading area, and new childrens’ reading section.
The James M. Duncan Library was the first building in Alexandria with a “green”, or ecologically friendly, roof. It acts as an insulator by reducing the indoor temperature during the summer season. Also by using vegetation and soil it reduces rain water to sewer run off and naturally filters the water.
Every summer James M. Duncan branch offers children fun, exciting, and educational programs with a variety of functions. The SummerQuest programs is for ages 6-12. SummerQuest Junior is for ages infants to
five years old.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Closed Sundays
James M. Duncan Branch Library
2501 Commonwealth Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 838-4566
Del Ray and Rosemont are a wonderful communities and there are many choices here. Please contact Will Nesbitt at 703 765 0300 if you are
Collingwood Library and Museum
The Collingwood Foundation‘s main building and grounds, which were once part of George Washington’s River Farm, are south of Alexandria on the banks of the Potomac River, surrounded by woods and gardens. The mission of the foundation is to foster an appreciation of our American Heritage by sharing these facilities with all. There are three components to achieving this
mission.
Firstly, the Collingwood Library on Americanism boasts a library of
more than five thousand volumes on American heritage. Secondly, the
Collingwood Museum is home to an eclectic collection of Americana.
Lastly, the foundation opens the grounds to serve as a venue for
weddings, corporate gatherings and other private events. are available
for weddings, receptions and other private functions. 
Collingwood, as the whole is generally referred to, is primarily dependent upon contributions from the public and income from third
party events. Collingwood is comprised of a historic mansion between the Potomac and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Today the property is approximately 8.7 acres but the property was once a part of George Washington’s estate of his River Farm at Mount Vernon.
Collingwood was purchased by George Washington in 1760. River Farm was
the largest of the five working farms all of which were a part of his Mount Vernon estate. Collingwood’s namesake was a member of the British forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill and in 1805 an Admiral commanding a portion of the British fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar.
The original house constructed in 1792 was a modest one, but in time
there were at least three major additions to the house. From a small
two-room house to its current condition as a colonial mansion the
property has had many occupants and usages over time. Over the course
of the last two and half centuries, Collingwood has been home to
farmers, a ferry operator, airline crew members, and Intelligence
School students. For a part of the 20th Century, Collingwood served up
meals as an area restaurant.
But time took a toll on Colingwood and by 1977 it was no more than
overgrown, neglected land and a much vandalized building that only
hinted at the history found here. At that time a group of dedicated
National Sojourners obtained the property. took possession of the
property. Presently, the Foundation for Collingwood Library and Museum
on Americanism, with offices for Headquarters National Sojourners, maintains and occupies the property.
Collingwood Library and Museum consists of a historic mansion that
houses thousands of books and artifacts relating to the history of
America. As part of George Washington’s River Farm, our rich history
had many of our founding fathers walking this land in our nation’s
infancy. Nestled on approximately 8.7 acres on the Potomac River off
the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Alexandria, VA, Collingwood
is available for conferences, retreats, business meetings and weddings.
Martha Washington Library temporarily closes its doors …
We’ll miss her …
The Martha Washington Library is definitely one of the features and benefits of living in and around the 22307 area code. Martha Washington serves houses and townhouses of Bucknell Manor, the adorable garden-style condos of Belle View, the scenic condos at River Towers, the manors and homes of Belle Haven and homes and families of Fort Hunt with a broad selection of books and media. The staff is always helpful and pleasant. I and the Alexandria Gaming Group have made great use of the community room on numerous occasions. So December 20th will be a sad day for me.
That because Martha Washington Library, one of the oldest branches in the Fairfax County Library System, will close on December 20th at 5:00 p.m. for major renovations. By mid-February of 2009 and for the next 18 months, Martha Washington will temporarily be housed at 6328 Richmond Highway, Unit F, Alexandria, VA 22303. We’ll miss her while she’s gone.
The temporary location is nearby but not quite the same and is just that–a temporary location. I very much look forward to the larger newly renovated library at the same location as this beloved branch.
The Mount Vernon Rec Center neighbors Martha Washington Library.
Telephone: 703-768-6700
TTY: 703-324-8365
The library is on Fort Hunt Road and is adjacent to Mount Vernon District Park. It is surrounded by woods which connect to the neighborhood by paths and foot-bridges.
Carlyle Towers
The Carlyle Towers is a contemporary luxury three-building complex located across the street from the George Washington Masonic Memorial and just blocks away from the King Street Metro Station. Carlyle Towers is also only four blocks away from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station and Metrorail’s Blue and Yellow line, which makes the Carlyle Towers a great location for travel. Carlyle is located near Old Town Alexandria.
The Carlyle Towers offers a living lifestyle you will enjoy, appreciate and won’t want to leave anytime soon. There are plenty of amenities that will enhance your living experience. There is not one but two swimming pools. There are both his and her sauna rooms, a hot tub, and a swim-in-place pool. In addition to the Jacuzzi pools, there are tennis courts, a shuffle board court, putting greens, an indoor car wash area, and individual bike storage. The fitness and exercise room is complete with machines, free weights and treadmills.
The average square footage of units at the Carlyle is 1200. Each condo generally includes a living-dining combo, a master bedroom with full bath, kitchen with new applicances and of course a washer, dryer, dishwasher and microwave.
Carlyle Towers has a vibrant neighborhood community with many club activities.
Here are a few of the interests represented by clubs here:
- book,
- garden,
- walking,
- dinner,
- investments,
- bridge.
A feature that grabs everyone’s attention is the community roof deck overlooking the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Many of the amenities mentioned above (such as the putting green) are found on the deck or near the deck (such as the hot tubs). Many units at the Carlyle
have views toward the memorial.
Because of its central location in the Carlyle District, Carlyle Towers is close to many conveniences and services. For example, there is an AMC Hoffman Movie Theater complex only a couple blocks away at the Eisenhower Metro. Whole Foods Grocery Store is located nearby on Duke Street. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance and many more a trolley ride away. Some of those restaurants include Stella’s, Joe Thiesman’s, the Carlyle Deli Market, and Eve’s Place. Old Town is filled with shops and restaurants like Hard Times Café, Misha’s and Le Gaulois.
If you enjoy visiting libraries you might enjoy any one of three different libraries that are less than 3 miles from Carlyle Towers, Martha Washington Library, James Duncan Library, and Kate W. Barrett Library.
There are numerous schools within a 3 mile radius in the local area of the Carlyle Towers, T.C. Williams High (“Remember The Titans” movie),
George Washington Middle, Francis C. Hammond Middle, Lyles- Crouch
Elementary, Maury Elementary, and Jefferson-Houston Elementary.
Education resources include
- Virginia Department of Education
- Alexandria City Public Schools
- Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School
- Bishop Ireton High School
- Browne Academy
- Bullis School
- Burgundy Farm Day School
- Episcopal High School
- Fairfax County Public Schools
- Holton Arms School
- Madeira School, The
- Maret School
- National Cathedral School
- Potomac School, The
- St. Albans School
- St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
- Sidwell Friends School
Another benefit of living at Carlyle Towers is that residents are eligible to join The Carlyle Club. The Carlyle Club hosts events such as weddings, cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, bat & bar mitzvahs, baptisms, birthday parties, private parties and Quinceaneras. The Carlyle Club will provide elegance and sophistication for your events. Entertainment of all sorts can be provided with a state of the art sound and light system, bands, orchestras, and comedy acts. Various platters and dishes include seafood, pasta, vegetarian/vegan meals, carving, and deserts.
Recently Carlyle Towers held a “Get Acquainted” in May at The Carlyle Club in the John Carlyle Square. The party’s purpose was to bring the residents of the Carlyle community together. The Carlyle Towers are managed by the CFM Management Services which serves the Washington D.C. metro area.
Carlyle Towers Condominium 1826 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 836-8666
Carlyle Towers Condo Mgt. 2121 Jamieson Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 567-2312
To search available condos in Old Town.
Your expert for condos and properties in and around Old Town Alexandria is Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria.
Alexandria’s Black History Museum
With the election of our first African-American President, I thought
it might be a good time to take note of Alexandria’s Black History
Museum. African Americans have been an important part of the
Alexandria’s history and vibrant community back to the city’s founding
in 1749. Both as slaves and as free men, African-Americans have
contributed to the city’s tapestry of life benefiting the community of
Alexandria with rich economic and cultural contributions. Alexandria
was a key city during the US Civil War and though Robert E. Lee is one of the city’s sons, the city was quickly occupied by the Union and remained in Federal hands through-out the war.
After the war the city was segregated, but a defining moment in the history of
segregation in Alexandria occurred in 1939 when five young
African-American men staged a “sit-in” at the city’s segregated Queen
Street Library. The young men brought focus to the issue of the
inequality of educational opportunities and as a result Alexandria
built the Robert Robinson Library in 1940. This library was used by
African-Americans until desegregation in the early 1960′s. Today, that
structure is a foundational element of the Alexandria Black History Museum.
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4356
Fax: (703) 706-3999
In time, additional sites were added to the museum. At the eastern boundary of the Carlyle District one will find the Alexandria African American Heritage Park.
Next door to the Museum, the Watson Reading Room houses a
non-circulating collection of books, videos, documents, and periodicals
on African-American life and culture.
The African American Museum is a source of pride for all Alexandrians. The museum has a calendar of events and rotating exhibits, so check back even if you have already been to the museum. From Benjamin Banneker in Alexandria’s earliest days, to Dr. Albert Johnson to Samuel Wilbert Tucker during the Civil Rights Movement, Alexandria is a focal point in that
courageous and audacious journey that led to the diverse, vibrant and
prosperous Alexandria of today.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
The Barrett Library was built in 1937 and named after Kate Waller Barrett (185?-1925), to honor her memory as a humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. Mrs. Barrett was a very accomplished woman who received her M.D. from the Woman’s Medical College of Georgia in 1892. Dr. Barrett opened a home for unwed mothers in 1893 with the financial aid of Charles Crittenton. By 1909 there were over 90 homes and national headquarters in Washington D.C. Dr. Barrett also was involved in veterans’ relief, woman’s suffrage, and the restoration of the Arlington Mansion.
The library renovated and expanded its facilities in 1995. The Foundation Center at Barrett Library collaborates with the Alexandria Library to strengthen the nonprofit sector with the appropriate knowledge about U.S. philanthropy and training for its patrons.
The Barrett Branch also offers the SummerQuest children’s programs and “Let’s Talk Books” a Barrett book discussion group held every second Wednesday of each month at 7pm.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4555
Old Town Alexandria is a great place to live or work.
Great Falls Library
- Image via Wikipedia
Great Falls Library is located at 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls VA. The library houses a collection of more than 70,000 items and has 9 Internet stations available for public use. The library provides free wireless Internet access.
The library has the following services:
- Access Services — Large-print books, magnifier, and ZoomText. Audio Loop available in the meeting room.
- Display Cases — 2 Children’s Display Cases; one Community Display
- Book Sale — Ongoing, plus semi-annual sales in October and February.
- Meeting Areas — Meeting Room: capacity 155 (seated 72) Conference Room: capacity 8
- Quiet Study Room — 9 capacity
Martha Washington Library
The Martha Washington Library is part of the Fairfax County Library System. It was built in 1969 which makes it one of the oldest libraries in the Fairfax County system. The library is situated on Fort Hunt Road near the Belle View Shopping Center, which is at the intersection of Belle View Boulevard, Beacon Hill Road and Fort Hunt.
Because it was built in 1969, the library has the modernistic architecture of the late sixties, early seventies. The most distinctive feature of this design is the “hat” on the building. There is a 6 to 10 ft. feature on the roof which is reminiscent of the old Pizza Hut buildings.
The library has an on-going booksale. The prices on these books are quite reasonable.
Patrons can enjoy reading areas inside and out of the library. Inside, as one might expect, is quite and climate controlled. Outside there are a few benches. The library abuts the Mount Vernon Rec Center and nearly surrounded by the woods of the Mt. Vernon District Park.
The meeting room at the library seats 50 people and is quite pleasant. I have enjoyed the meeting room as a member of the Alexandria Gaming Group. The staff was very accommodating, and the room was excellent.
A volunteer group called the Friends of the Martha Washington Library supports the library. New volunteers are encouraged to fill out an application. It’s a great way to help your community and make new friends at the same time.
Between now and 2010, the Martha Washington Library will be undergoing an expansion project to add 8,000 square feet to the existing structure. The new structure will be 18,000 square feet and is depicted in the model in this picture.
