The Barrett Branch Library was built in 1937 and named in honor of Kate Waller Barrett, a humanitarian, social equality crusader, and political reformer. Barrett Branch serves the Old Town section of Alexandria.
The Special Collections Division of the Alexandria Library is located at the Barrett Branch Library and houses many resources for historians, genealogists, and others interested in local and American history.
The Special Collections Division holds a variety of materials in multiple formats, including books, microfilm, microfiche, journals, manuscript collections and photographs.