Alexandria Library Celebrates 75th Anniversary as Public Library System

Alexandria Library Celebrates 75^th Anniversary as Public Library System

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

For immediate release: February 7, 2012

On August 20, 2012 the Alexandria Library will officially celebrate 75 years as a public library system. In recognition of the 75^th Anniversary, Alexandria Library will host a number of special programs throughout 2012. 

Alexandria Library opened as a public library system on August 20, 1937 with the construction of the Barrett Branch Library. However, the Library originally began as a subscription library, founded on July 24, 1794 by the Alexandria Library Company, and members were required to pay a fee. 

A kick-off event was already held on Saturday, January 28 at the Beatley Central Library hosted by the Alexandria Library Special Collections Division. Robert K. Krick, author and former Chief Historian of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, gave a lecture titled “Robert E. Lee and His Detractors in the Age of the Anti-Hero.” Special Collections also displayed a newly acquired letter penned by Robert E. Lee himself. 

“We look forward to commemorating 75 years as a public library system,” said Library Director Rose Dawson. “Throughout 2012, the Library will host a number of programs and events to mark this milestone. Like the rest of Alexandria, the Library has fascinating history.”

Join the Alexandria Library throughout 2012 to celebrate 75 years of history and also look forward to the future of this vibrant library system! Contact Library Administration at (703) 746-1701 for information or questions about the celebration of their 75^th Anniversary.