Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Alexandria Library Sit-In
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 23, 2025
1. Alexandria Library Sit-In Marker
America's first recorded sit-in at a library took place in this building. The Alexandria Library (now Barrett Branch Library) opened as a whites-only facility. To force desegregation, lawyer Samuel Tucker organized a sit-in. On August 21, 1939, five young African American men-William Evans, Edward Gaddis, Morris Murray, Clarence Strange, and Otto Tucker -entered the library and requested a library card. When the librarian refused, each selected a book, sat down, and began to read. 14-year-old Robert Strange served as the lookout, notifying Tucker when the librarian called the police. Tucker alerted the press, and he and the press arrived to witness the police escorting the five young men out of the library. They were ultimately charged with disorderly conduct.
While Tucker hoped to gain equal access, the City instead built a separate facility. The Robert H. Robinson Library for African Americans opened in 1940. Tucker refused a library card to this separate facility, which was far from equal to the whites-only library. The library system did not begin desegregation until 1959.
Timeline
August 21, 1937
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The Alexandria Library (now Barrett Branch Library) opens to the public.
March 1939
Lawyer Samuel Tucker completes a library card application to the Alexandria Library on behalf of retired Army Sgt. George Wilson. He is denied. Tucker files a petition on behalf of Wilson for unequal treatment.
Summer 1939
Tucker, along with his brother Otto, recruits 11 young Black Alexandrians to train for a sit-in in hopes of expanding library access to all.
August 21, 1939
Five young African American men participate in the sit-in. They are ultimately arrested for "disorderly conduct."
August 22, 1939
Hearings for the sit-in begin, but Judge James Duncan issues a continuance, delaying the case. He never issues a final ruling.
January 10, 1940
Judge William Woolls dismisses Wilson's petition for library privileges, but rules that Alexandria residents and taxpayers who complete their own application and provide a reference are entitled to a card.
April 1940
The Robert H. Robinson Library opens to serve the African American community.
1959
The Alexandria Library begins to integrate.
October18, 2019Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 23, 20252. Alexandria Library Sit-In MarkerThe marker is to the left of the main entrance to the Barrett Library. A view of the marker from the street is blocked by some bushes.
Alexandria Circuit Court officially dismisses the disorderly conduct charges against the five young men.
[Captions:]
The protesters being escorted from the library by police.
Samuel W. Tucker (1913-1990) Attorney Tucker spent a long career battling for equal access across the Commonwealth. He served as an infantry officer in the Second World War and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Interior of the Barrett Library taken in the 1940s.
Picture of the new Barrett Library taken in the late 1930s. The building has been expanded over the years.
The new Robert H. Robinson Library not long after its opening in April 1940. The new library for African American residents was opened just seven months after the sit-in.
Erected by City of Alexandria, Virginia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 10, 1940.
Location. 38° 48.455′ N, 77° 2.835′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. It can be reached from Queen Street east of North Columbus Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 721 Queen St, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alexandria Quaker Burial Ground (a few steps from this marker); Elisha Cullen Dick, M.D. (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Alexandria Library Sit-In (within shouting distance of this marker); Lloyd House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation (about 400 feet away); Historic Street (about 500 feet away); In Memory of the Honorary Pall-Bearers of General George Washington (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Alexandria Library Sit-In (has been replaced with this marker).
More about this marker. This version of the marker replaces #195649. It includes updated text, reordered photos and a timeline.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2026, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 16, 2026, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
