New Holds Accepted For Curbside Pickup At Alexandria Libraries

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A few days after curbside pickup launched at Alexandria library locations, new holds and Staff-Assisted Materials Selection will be available starting Thursday.

Alexandria's four library branches and the Alexandria Law Library have been closed during the pandemic and only offered electronic resources and virtual programs. But services are starting to gradually return after the library's board approved a phased reopening plan in late May. Curbside pickup for the backlog of holds started Monday.

On Thursday, library members can begin placing new holds online at alexlibraryva.org. Up to 20 items can be reserved per library card. Members can also call or email the library for Staff-Assisted Materials Selection, or requests for items by topic or genre.

Once notifies that holds are available, members can schedule a pick-up reservation online or by calling the library branch. Holds expire four days after notification that items are ready.

Curbside pickup hours are 11 a.m. to p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

When arriving for curbside pickup, park in the designated parking spot and call or text the number on the sign. Members in vehicles should open their trunk for staff to place materials inside; staff will place materials on a table for members who walk to the library.

Alexandria Library is waiving fines and fees for materials returned during an amnesty period — June 15 through July 31. Library members may return items at library branch book drops, but materials will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in.

Questions about curbside pickup can be directed to your local library branch:

• Beatley Central Library: 703-746-1702, beatley-holdspickup@alexlibraryva.org
• Barrett Branch: 703.746.1703, barrett-holdspickup@alexlibraryva.org
• Burke Branch: 703.746.1704, burke-holdspickup@alexlibraryva.org
• Duncan Branch: 703.746.1705, duncan-holdspickup@alexlibraryva.org