Alexandria Library Five Year Plan 2026-2031

Alexandria Library's mission is to build community by providing opportunities to learn, explore, create, and connect. The Library's Five Year Plan lays out the goals—endorsed by our patrons—which let us bring that mission to life. In early 2026, we asked our community members, stakeholders, and staff about how they use the Library and what they would like us to prioritize over the next five years. We collected feedback through surveys and focus groups, and the results informed the priorities and objectives contained in the Five Year Plan below.  

See the completed Five Year Plan here.

Message from the Director

As we look forward to the next five years, it’s hard to imagine what changes, challenges, and opportunities might lie ahead. But one thing is certain: the Alexandria Library will remain committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, and forward-thinking space for our entire community. This Five Year Plan reflects both our core values and our readiness to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

In the first three months of 2026, the Library asked patrons, community members, and stakeholders for feedback to help guide our strategic choices over the next half-decade. The plan outlined in the following pages springs directly from that feedback.

The Library will continue to expand access to information in all forms—print, digital, and archival—while strengthening programs that support learning, creativity, and connection. From early literacy initiatives, to resources for students and job seekers, to seniors staying connected and active, our goal is to meet people where they are and help them grow.

We also recognize the importance of collaboration. By partnering with sister agencies, local organizations, schools, and community members, we can better understand Alexandria’s evolving needs and respond with meaningful programs and services.

At the heart of this Five Year Plan is a simple promise: to listen, to innovate, and to serve. Together, we will ensure that our library—the Alexandria Library—remains a vibrant, essential resource for years to come.

Physical and Digital Resources

Provide relevant resources and continued access to special collections for patrons to meet the needs and interests of the community.

• Acquire materials in a timely manner to serve and fulfill community interests, prioritizing those in high use while maintaining a broad spectrum of resources.
• Explore and evaluate new and non-traditional materials to add to the Library's collection.
• Emphasize the care and maintenance of special collections to ensure continued access for future generations.

Learning and Engagement

Support the community’s learning needs by offering a robust variety of programming, resources, and activities for all ages.

• Expand programming efforts targeted at middle grade youth and teenagers and their unique needs and interests which promote life skills.
• Provide workforce development and life skills assistance programming.
  Expand programs and services for older adults encouraging learning and social interaction.
• Provide programming and resources that support Alexandria’s immigrant communities, including English language learning and connecting people with community resources.
• Promote programs and services for early literacy and beginning readers.

Access to Technology

Provide technology, services and access to Library patrons, with an emphasis on underserved communities.

• Collaborate with community partners to assist with training that helps patrons keep up with quickly evolving technology.
• Work directly with underserved communities to provide technology and resources where they are needed.
• Review current library technology availability and knowledge to identify gaps that can be addressed to meet community needs.

Connected Community

Serve as a safe and open space for staff and the community to meet, learn, and grow.

• Offer welcoming and accessible spaces, both online and in-person, for Alexandria’s entire diverse community to meet and thrive.
• Conduct facilities assessments/space evaluations at all locations.
  Provide programming that fosters community connections and understanding.
• Promote staff wellbeing by connecting them with available health and wellness resources.

Library Support and Outreach

Engage the community with Library programming and resources through active outreach and marketing.

• Evaluate ways to engage with new and existing Library card holders.
• Develop strategies to educate patrons about Library programs, services, and materials.
• Utilize the outreach vehicle to meet community members where they are.
• Collaborate closely with the Alexandria Library Foundation to identify how we can effectively work together to enhance and expand fundraising to ensure long-term vitality.
• Work with Library Friends groups and other private and public funding sources to develop fundraising support.

Five Year Plan Survey Results

Beginning in January, 2026, the Library conducted a series of surveys and focus groups to gather feedback from patrons, staff, and stakeholders on what they would like to see the Library prioritize in its next Five Year Plan. 

City of Alexandria Demographic Profile

As part of the Five Year Plan project, staff compiled data on the demographic composition of Alexandria's residents. Below are some of the key findings:

• Alexandria’s population has grown by 7.2% to 156,976 residents over the past 10 years.
• The last five years have seen a slight decrease in population of -1.6%, down from 159,467 residents in 2020.
• Currently, approximately half of Alexandria residents identify as White alone (49.1%), while just over one-fifth identify as Black or African American alone (21%). Over 18% identify as Hispanic or Latino, while 6% identify as Asian alone. Close to 5% of residents identify as being two or more races, while less than one percent identifies as American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, or another race.
• Nearly a quarter of Alexandria residents identify as immigrants. 
• Alexandria’s median household income is $119,681. This figure is above the national average but lags most metropolitan DC suburbs. 
• Many Alexandria residents over the age of 25 – 66.2% have a Bachelor’s, Graduate, or Professional Degree. These numbers are roughly comparable to surrounding jurisdictions but much higher than the national average. Ninety-three percent of Alexandrians have a high school degree or higher.
• Approximately one third of Alexandria residents are between the ages of 35 and 54. The median age for Alexandria residents is 37.7, just under the national average and 1.2 years older than the median age at the conduction of the previous  Five Year Plan.
• The population of residents ages 10 to 14 has exploded in the past ten years, growing seven times faster than the City’s rate. Residents ages 55 to 74 have seen a strong growth of 21% over the past decade, continuing the trend noted in the 2022-2026 Five Year Plan. Residents ages 20-34, by almost 10%, have been the most significant decrease in population.  

Alexandria Library Board

Chair: Albert Moseley II, City Council citizen appointee
Vice Chair: Robert Ray IV, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Treasurer: Dianne Fox, City Council citizen appointee
Secretery: Anh Phan, City Council citizen appointee
Canek Aguirre, Alexandria City Council member
Oscar P. Fitzgerald, Alexandria Library Company appointee
Peter H. Smeallie, Alexandria Library Company appointee