News

Alexandria libraries host used book sales in late September, early October

By James Cullum
The annual used book sale at the James M. Duncan Branch library at 2501 Commonwealth Avenue in Del Ray is from Sept. 25 to 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Book lovers of all ages can get a chance to find some deals at two upcoming used book sales from the Alexandria libraries.

The first sale goes from Thursday, Sept. 25, to Sunday, Sept. 28, at the James M. Duncan Library (2501 Commonwealth Avenue) in Del Ray. Books will be priced at $4 for hardcovers and $2 for paperbacks, unless otherwise marked. Puzzles and games will also be on sale.

“Book sale profits go directly back to Duncan Library to support the purchase of books, programming, materials, community events, equipment, and more,” the library said. “We hope you will stop by to support Duncan Library!”

The Sept. 25 opening is a members-only preview sale, open from 4 to 8 p.m. The other dates are open to the general public, and the full schedule is below.

  • Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. – Members’ Preview Sale (memberships available at the door)
  • Friday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road) will hold its annual used book sale from Oct. 2 (Thursday) to Oct. 5 (Sunday). On the last day of the sale, readers can fill paper sacks with books for $10. The schedule is below.

  • Thursday, Oct. 2 from 3 to 7 p.m. – Members’ Preview Sale (memberships available at the door)
  • Friday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. — bag sale Sunday

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.