Kate Waller Barrett Library
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2420
Phone:   703-838-4555
Fax:       703-838-5021
Directions, maps & public transit

Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm
Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm

The Barrett Branch Library was built in 1937 and named in honor of Kate Waller Barrett, a humanitarian, social crusader and political reformer. The Branch serves the Old Town section of Alexandria and offers an outstanding popular collection of adult and juvenile books and audiovisual materials. In addition, the library provides eight Internet and word processing stations for free public use as well as wireless Internet access. The facility was renovated and expanded in 1995 and has recently undergone some minor reconfiguration to house the historical and genealogical research collections from the former Lloyd House Branch, which relocated in April 2000. Library tours are available for small groups by reservation. Please call 703-838-4555 ext. 2. Floorplan (PDF file).

The Foundation Center at Barrett Library
Alexandria Library collaborates with The Foundation Center as a Regional Cooperating Collection: a large collection of Foundation Center print and online resources, including online training, are located at the Barrett. Foundation and Grant classes, arranged by Barrett staff, are offered to patrons. Although Barrett is the home location for this special collection, all Alexandria Library branches have electronic access to both "The Foundations Directory Online" and "The Foundation Grants to Individuals Online" databases on their Catalog computers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Barrett's Reference Manager at 703-838-4555x233.

Children's Program
Our popular, drop-in children's programs include: Mother Goose Time for ages 12-24 months with an adult; Time for 2s for ages 24-36 months with an adult, and Story Time, for ages 3-5. Each year we offer a Summer Quest a reading program for children in grades K-5. Day care centers and local groups are welcome to call 703-838-4555 ext. 3 to schedule a library story program or a tour. Click here for the latest Children's Calendar (PDF file).

"Let's Talk Books" - Barrett Book Discussion Group
This alternating fiction and nonfiction discussion group is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Barrett Branch Library. Selections are chosen by the participants. See the library's calendar of events for dates and times. For information on the selections for discussion, call Diana or Suzanne at 703-838-4555. This is a Library-run group.

Become a Friend of the Barrett Library
The Friends of the Barrett library play an important role in cementing ties between the library and the community. They provide funds for children's programs as well as equipment and materials that enhance library services through book sales, membership dues and fund raising projects. Membership forms are available here (pdf form) or in the library.