Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
🏢 Alexandria Library · Alexandria, Virginia
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library is the flagship branch of Alexandria Library, anchoring public library service for Virginia's independent city of Alexandria with seven-day access, passport services, and a rich array of digital resources.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | 1 PM – 5 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 5005 Duke Street, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
Phone: +1-703-746-1702
Website: alexlibraryva.org
Plus Code: 87C4RV6M+Q4 (ALEXANDRIA, VA)
📱 Scan for directions
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
Alexandria Library operates four public branches serving Alexandria, an independent city in Northern Virginia adjacent to Washington, D.C. The system's main branch — named for longtime library supporter Charles E. Beatley, Jr. — is located on Duke Street and functions as the administrative and collections hub for the network. The library offers passport acceptance services, a notary public, community meeting rooms, curbside pickup, and extensive computer and Wi-Fi access. The digital catalog runs on the Vega platform (alexandria.na5.iiivega.com), and cardholders can borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, and digital magazines alongside subscriptions to online learning platforms and research databases. The library's programming ranges from yoga classes and sewing workshops to book discussions and language learning sessions, reflecting the diverse, multilingual character of Alexandria's residents.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Open seven days a week including Sunday afternoons (1 PM–5 PM)
- Passport acceptance services — apply for a U.S. passport in person
- Notary public services available at the branch
- Community meeting rooms for groups and civic organizations
- Vega online catalog and streaming media via Kanopy and OverDrive/Libby
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Find It Virginia — powered by the Library of Virginia — gives Alexandria cardholders free access to statewide databases, newspapers, and genealogy resources.
📚 Services
- Passport acceptance services
- Notary public
- Community meeting rooms
- Computer access and free Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Curbside pickup
- OverDrive / Libby eBook and audiobook borrowing
- Kanopy streaming video
- Online catalog (Vega platform)
- Research databases and online learning tools
- Technology assistance
🎸 Programs
- Book clubs and author discussions
- Yoga and wellness programming
- Sewing workshops and creative classes
- Language learning and multilingual programs
- Children's story times and youth programming
- Teen activities and study support
📍 Nearby Libraries in Northern Virginia
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in ALEXANDRIA · Browse all Virginia libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Beatley Central Library offer passport services?
Yes. The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library is a U.S. passport acceptance facility. You can apply for a new passport or renew an eligible passport in person. Bring your completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and the applicable fees. Contact the library at 703-746-1702 to confirm current appointment availability.
What are the Sunday hours at Beatley Central Library?
Beatley Central Library is open on Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM, making it one of the few public libraries in the region with Sunday service. Monday through Thursday hours are 10 AM to 8 PM; Friday and Saturday are 10 AM to 5 PM.
Can I reserve a meeting room at the Alexandria Library?
Yes. Beatley Central Library has community meeting rooms available for public use. Rooms can be reserved for civic groups, nonprofit organizations, and community gatherings. Contact the library at 703-746-1702 or visit alexlibraryva.org for reservation policies and availability.
What digital resources are free for Alexandria Library cardholders?
Cardholders have free access to OverDrive/Libby for eBooks and audiobooks, Kanopy for streaming films and educational content, digital magazine platforms, research databases, and online learning tools. Find It Virginia, the statewide resource from the Library of Virginia, is also available at no cost.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
🛂 This library offers U.S. passport services. See how library passport acceptance works — requirements, fees and appointments — and find other passport acceptance libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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