Duncan Branch Library Wins 2015 Beautification Award

The Alexandria Beautification Commission has selected the James M. Duncan Branch Library for its 2015 Beautification Award for a public building. The award will be presented on Monday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Temple, 101 Callahan Drive in Alexandria.

Phase 1 of the Duncan Library Landscaping Plan was completed in 2014. The Circle Garden and new Butterfly Garden are part of the second phase of the Landscaping Plan, which also includes an irrigation system as well as several new benches.

The plan was submitted to the City Horticulturist and Library Administration. Phase 1 of the project was designed and installed by Sam Rich from The Greener Side and fully funded by the Friends of Duncan Library.

Duncan Branch Library is the first City of Alexandria facility with an ecologically friendly rooftop, often referred to as a Green Roof. The vegetation and soil of a “green roof” reduce rainwater to sewer run-off and naturally filter water that is discharged. Duncan’s Green Roof was sown in early 2005 with a variety of sedum; the same species of plants have been placed throughout the landscaping of the Duncan Library grounds.

For more information about the Beautification Award, please visit the Friends of Duncan Library website or contact Elaina Palincsar, Landscaping Chair, at 703-548-1585.

PHOTO of library exterior courtesy of Friends of Duncan Library

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