Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are you located and what are the hours?

The library has a central branch library and three neighborhood branches. More information on locations, hours and service information.

2. How do I get a library card?

You must apply in person at any branch. Cards are available to any resident, property owner, business employee, student, resident of a reciprocating library's service area. Click here for more details on library cards.

3. Can I check the library's catalog from home, school, or business?

The library's automated catalog is available for remote use on the Internet 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You may search the entire collection, an individual branch's collection, or a selected format such as reference works, magazines or children's materials. The Help function is available from any page. Click here to go to the catalog.

4. How do I check my own account? And what is my PIN?

The catalog homepage has fields (upper right hand side of the screen) to enter your complete library card number and the last four digits of your telephone number or the "PIN" (Personal Id Number) that you created. Once entered, your record will show current activity. Click here to go to the catalog and access your record. If you do not know or remember your PIN, please visit your local library’s circulation department to find out your PIN. Valid identification is required. PINs cannot be given or changed over the phone.

5. How do I renew books and other materials I have borrowed?

You may renew books via telephone to any branch and on line with the web catalog. Overdue materials and materials that other patrons have requested or reserved may not be renewed.

6. May I have materials moved from any branch to my local branch?

Yes. It is best to call the branch where you have identified an available item that is not owned or in circulation at your local branch. The owning branch will locate the item and have it delivered to your local branch. That branch will call you when it arrives, usually within 24 hours, and will hold the item for you for five days.

7. How may I get a book or other item when all copies are checked out?

You may request that your name be put on the waiting list for the next available copy of a checked-out book through the automated catalog while at the branch or while using it remotely. You may also call any branch and request that your name be put on the list. You may designate the branch where you would like the item sent. The branch will call you when it arrives and will hold the item for five days.

8. Will a branch hold a book for me?

Yes. You may call any branch to find an available item. The branch will verify that the item is on the shelf and will hold it for you at the circulation desk for five days. You may also request that an available item be held for you through the automated catalog. You must display the full record on the catalog and use the Request Item button. The branch will call you when the item has been retrieved from the shelf.

9. How can I get an item the library does not own?

The library has a service to locate and borrow items from other libraries. Click here or on Interlibrary Loan under Policies on the home page. There is a fee for this service.

10. Where do I return materials?

All items borrowed from the library may be returned at any branch except items borrowed through the Interlibrary Loan service. Some reciprocal libraries (Arlington, Fairfax, Frederick County, Falls Church, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Prince William) will also accept returning materials; however, material will still accrue fines until they are returned to Alexandria Library.

11. Can I use the Internet at the library?

Internet terminals are available for use at all branch libraries. To accommodate heavy demand, use is limited to two hour per person per day. Please read our Internet Policy on this website or at the branch.

12. Does the library have word processing computers for public use?

Yes. The Beatley Central Library and the Burke Branch Library each have six word processing PCs with both Word and WordPerfect software. These word processors are available for use two hours per day per person. They were provided to the library through the generosity of the William D. Euille Foundation. The Barrett and Duncan branches have word processing terminals available for one hour use.

13. Does the library use volunteers?

Yes. Volunteers are welcome to help in all areas. Volunteers are encouraged to contac the volunteer coordinators.

14. How do I get a job at the library?

Library staff members are employees of the City of Alexandria. The library posts current openings on this web site. You may also call 703-746-1701 for current openings and application forms.

15. How do I get library service if I am unable to get to the library?

The library provides several services to disabled or homebound residents through home delivery.

16. May I donate items to the Library?

Materials, such as books, CDs, and DVDs, can be donated to the Library to be placed in circulation or, more often, to be sold at book sales sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Encyclopedia sets, magazines, VHS tapes, records or cassettes are not accepted. Materials damaged by bugs, mold or smoke, or materials left outside the building will be recycled or thrown away. Donated materials can be dropped off to any of the four Library buildings during regular hours, though it is extremely helpful for patrons to call a certain Library branch ahead of time with information on the materials, the amount of the materials, and the estimated time of the drop off. It also may be possible that a particular Library branch is currently not taking donations. Patrons wishing to donate 10 or more boxes must first call the library branch to make special arrangements. Due to desk scheduling, library staff cannot help with unloading vehicles or carrying boxes to library sorting areas. Receipts are available for those who would like a record of their donation. Library policy states that staff cannot appraise donated books or other materials. Please contact any Library branch circulation desk for more information.

17. Does the Library accept monetary donations?

The Library accepts monetary donations. Private donations are often made to The Alexandria Library Foundation, which was formed to enhance the Alexandria Library's services. More information, including naming opportunities, can be found on the Foundation homepage. The Library has also recently posted book "wish lists" on Amazon.com: an Adult Wish List and a Juvenile Wish List for enhancing the adult and children's collections. Another option for those who wish to donate to the Library is to join a branch's Friends group. To learn more about these groups, please visit the Friends of Alexandria Library page. The Library will accept other forms of monetary donations, such as stock. Please call 703-746-1701 for more information or to discuss other options for giving to the Library.

18. Does the Alexandria Library proctor exams?

No. Continuing Education and Workforce Development of Northern Virginia Community College (Alexandria Campus) will proctor exams. Please call 703-845-6240 for more information.

19. I know Alexandria Library has eAudioBooks, but does it have "eBooks"?

Yes. Please visit OverDrive's "Getting Started" page to learn more about "EPUB" and "PDF" eBooks formats. For complete information on device compatibilities, click on OverDrive's eAudioBook or eBook campatibility pages. For other questions, please click on OverDrive's "Help - Basics - General" page or the Library's FAQ on OverDrive concerning questions about Kindle and checking in and checking out titles.

Additionally, the Library has eBook material on our NetLibrary database. Sony E-Reader and Nooks are compatible with NetLibrary materials. Patrons can "checkout" some titles for 7 days. The eBook, in PDF form, can be checked out and downloaded to a computer for transfer to Sony E-Reader and Nook. Only materials with a "CHECKOUT AND DOWNLOAD" in the review box are available for download. Patrons must establish a NetLibrary account (a library card number is required) before they can checkout and download materials. Please note, our online catalog does not link directly to NetLibrary title browse. Please access NetLibrary’s title search and browse feature via the Library’s online database link.

20. Can I use a credit card to pay fines on my account?

Yes. You can pay with a credit card at any circulation desk or online at My Account. Please visit our Frequently Asked Question page on credit cards or read our instructions on how to pay online (pdf).