Library · Alexandria
Libraries in Alexandria
Alexandria Library serves Alexandria’s 158,675 residents from 5 locations. Last year it logged 525,013 visits, about 3.3 for every resident, and lent 1.3M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
5005 Duke Street, Alexandria 22304
58 hrsopen a week
58,580sq ft
311Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#11
#11 of 24 · Most-used libraries in VA →Among VA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#9 · Most library borrowing →#6 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
525K
visits
3.3 per resident
1.3M
loans, print + digital
7.9 per resident
2,253
programs & events
77K attended
38K
library cards
24% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
3.3 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 82% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
5.2 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 72% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
2.7 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 76% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.8 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 74% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
24% of residents
Lower than most similar-size libraries (19th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
1.3M loans last year
Books & media (adults)30%Kids’ books & media35%E-books, audio & streaming35%
Who the programs are for
2,253 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$60 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $9.5M.
Local 95%State 3%Gifts & other 2%
Locations
Other libraries in Alexandria
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.