Alexandria Library

Alexandria Library Board faces backlash after ousting member over city takeover study

Published April 21, 2026 at 2:45PM

Image via Alexandria Library/Facebook

Criticism has been leveled against the Alexandria Library Board after Libby Bawcombe, a voting member, was expelled earlier this month for supporting a study on converting the library system into a city department.

At a special meeting of the Alexandria Library Company on April 8, Bawcombe was expelled by a secret ballot for voting with three other Library Board members in February to direct Alexandria Library Director Rose Dawson to work with city staff on assessing the library system’s transition into a city department.

Around Town

New children’s book tells story of Alexandria’s 1939 library sit-in

By Katie Taranto

Published March 11, 2026 at 2:45PM

Audrey Davis, Director of the African American History division of the Office of Historic Alexandria, speaks at the "Fight for the Right to Read" family program in February 2026 (courtesy of the Office of Historic Alexandria)

A new children’s book is highlighting the historic work of Samuel Wilbert Tucker, an attorney from Alexandria who pioneered one of the first library sit-ins against Jim Crow segregation.

“Fight for the Right to Read” tells the story of the Alexandria Library sit-in as Tucker, at age 26, led a group of five young Black men to enter the whites-only Alexandria Library on Aug. 21, 1939. Co-authors Jeff Gottesfeld, Michelle Y. Green and illustrator Kim Holt came to the Alexandria recently to discuss the September release and sign copies during Black History Month.

Around Town

Series of watch parties will show Ken Burns’ latest documentary on Revolutionary War

By Katie Taranto

Published February 4, 2026 at 9:50AM

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his documentary 'The American Revolution' at Mount Vernon, Oct. 29, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A series of weekly library watch parties spotlighting Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution,” starts today (Wednesday).

The six-part PBS series focuses on the Revolutionary War and the “ideals and complexities of America’s founding.” The Alexandria Library plans to host episode watch parties on consecutive Wednesdays through March 11.

Around Town

Alexandria celebrating 100 years of Black History Month with music, exhibits and more

By Emily Leayman

Published February 3, 2026 at 1:15PM | Updated February 3, 2026 at 4:30PM

The Washington Revels perform "The Courage to Be" at the Alexandria Lyceum for Black History Month 2025 (via Washington Revels/Facebook)

Various events will honor Black history in Alexandria as this February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month being nationally observed.

Founded in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is an observance to preserve and honor Black history as a month-long celebration. Alexandria has its own rich Black and African American history, dating back to 18th century free Black communities to the 19th century slave trading operations and Civil War, to the 1939 library sit-in protest and 2020 protests after George Floyd’s death.

News

Alexandria will begin Black History Month with annual student poster exhibition

By Katie Taranto

Published January 30, 2026 at 3:45PM

Students' posters in the 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Exhibition (via City of Alexandria/Facebook)

Black History Month starts this Sunday, and in Alexandria, it will be celebrated with the city’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Exhibition.

More than 130 student posters inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. will go on display at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street), starting Sunday during an awards ceremony from 1-3 p.m. The event has showcased posters by students in grades 2-5 at Alexandria City Public Schools for over 30 years.

News

Alexandria reopens facilities, cancels waste collection as cold weather continues

By Katie Taranto

Published January 28, 2026 at 8:15AM

Snowy day at the 1600 block of King Street in Old Town, Jan. 25, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The City of Alexandria’s government offices and facilities are slated to reopen at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday), while waste collection has been canceled.

There will not be a make-up run for this week’s canceled trash, recycling, yard waste and composting collection, according to the City. The Alexandria Circuit Court will also remain closed for the day.

Around Town

Winter Book Festival will draw more than 20 authors to Alexandria library

By Emily Leayman

Published January 26, 2026 at 9:15AM

The Kate Waller Barrett Branch of the Alexandria Library (staff photo by James Cullum)

Bookworms of all ages can gather for author discussions and book signings during the Alexandria Library’s Winter Book Festival next month.

The festival is expected to draw more than 20 authors for discussions on their journeys to publishing, as well as to sell and sign copies of their books. The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street). Registration is not required.

Around Town

History tours, concerts and more coming to Alexandria this winter for America’s 250th anniversary

By James Cullum

Published January 5, 2026 at 2:45PM

The 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line cries 'Huzzah!' at the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

From historical tours and adult field trips to trivia nights, several events coming to Alexandria this winter will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The various roles Alexandria played in the forging of the U.S. will be told in events across the city. The events are compiled in a list by the American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, which was established by the General Assembly in 2020.

Around Town

These were the most popular books in Alexandria this fall

By Katie Taranto

Published December 19, 2025 at 2:30PM

The Kate Waller Barrett Branch of the Alexandria Library (staff photo by James Cullum)

What did you read this past fall?

The Alexandria Library system shared its most-checked out books from mid-September through last week with ALXnow, with over a dozen fiction reads topping the charts. The library recorded a grand total of 1,811 check-outs of its top 20 titles during that period.

Around Town

‘Yarn Storm’ at Alexandria Library collects hundreds of hats, mittens and scarves for donation

By Katie Taranto

Published December 18, 2025 at 11:45AM

Jessica Shea sits among piles of hats and cold weather accessories for donation (courtesy of Alexandria Library)

If you visited Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library recently, you might have noticed a colorful collection of pom-poms planted in the grounds outside.

The whimsical pom-pom garden encouraged donations to the Alexandria Library’s annual Yarn Storm drive, which collected some 400 hats, mittens and scarves for donation to an Alexandria shelter.

Around Town

What’s happening this weekend in Alexandria: Annual film festival, wine class and more

By Katie Taranto

Published November 7, 2025 at 11:45AM

Fall Farmers Market. (Photo credit Cade Martin for Visit Alexandria)

From the annual Alexandria Film Festival to free crafting, author events and a sold-out Banned Book Speakeasy, this fall weekend in Alexandria is packed with plenty of interesting activities. Catch an independent film, try a candle-making workshop or attend Sunday morning jazz brunch.

Discover all that’s happening in your community this weekend (Nov. 7-9), from events and entertainment to live music and more.