Alexandria Library Locations Reopen To Public

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After closures since March due to the pandemic, Alexandria Library's locations will reopen to the public on Monday, Aug. 17. The Duncan Branch Library will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Library members should be aware of limited hours, capacity limits and other health guidelines.

The library will move into phase three of its reopening plan by allowing the public to access physical locations. Curbside pickup will remain available on days when libraries are open, and curbside-only service will be offered on Fridays.

The health guidelines are in place to protect staff and members during the pandemic. A library greeter will take temperatures upon arrival and offer a mask to members who don't have one. Masks are required for all members over the age of 10. Customers with a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or without a mask will be denied entry.

Locations will operate at 25 percent capacity, including staff. That equates to 120 people at Beatley Central Library, 50 at Barrett Branch Library, 34 at Duncan Branch Library, 21 at Burke Branch Library, seven at Alexandria Law Library and five at the Local History/Special Collections Branch.

Members will be allowed in the library for up to two hours at a time, and computer access is available for two hours. Copying and printing releases will be handled by staff, with up to 30 pages offered for free (not including Local History/Special Collections and the Law Library). Meeting rooms remain unavailable, and donations are not being accepted.

The libraries have reconfigured furniture for physical distancing, and partitions have been installed. Members are asked to maintain six feet of distance from others in the library.

For hours and more information, visit alexlibraryva.org/reopen.