The Duncan Branch Library in Del Ray is closed through Monday, Nov. 16, to fix a roof leak. Holds have moved to Barrett, and this week's book sale is canceled.

The James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library on Commonwealth Avenue is closed for roof repairs. It shut Saturday and is due to reopen Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The city announced the closure in a news release Friday. It said a roof leak caused the damage.

What the city is doing

During the closure, the city said it will:

  • clean the areas affected by the leak
  • repair the roof
  • replace damaged building materials

The release gives Tuesday, Nov. 17, as the date the library is “anticipated to reopen.” That is a target, not a promise, so check before you go.

Holds, programs and the book sale

All holds waiting at Duncan have moved to the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library at 717 Queen St. in Old Town. You collect them there. That is according to the Alexandria Library’s closure page.

The Duncan branch calendar lists these as canceled:

Event When
Friends of Duncan Library board meeting 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9
Teen Dungeons and Dragons 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10
Friends of Duncan Library book sale Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 12-14
Weekly community yoga 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

Every Alexandria library branch is also closed Wednesday for Veterans Day, according to the city’s Veterans Day schedule. That includes Barrett, so holds cannot be picked up that day.

What it means for you

  • Picking up a hold: go to Barrett, 717 Queen St., during its open hours. It is closed Wednesday, Nov. 11.
  • Planning on the book sale: it is off. The library has not posted a new date.
  • Questions about the repairs: the city takes them through its Duncan closure form. Questions about programs go to communications@alexlibraryva.org.
  • Language help: free interpretation is available at LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3960.

Our Veterans Day closings guide has the rest of this week’s changes, including trash pickup. For things to do while Duncan is shut, see kids activities in Alexandria and our Del Ray neighborhood guide.