How about stepping into a place that embodies the spirit of a remarkable woman? I am talking about the Kate Waller Barrett Branch. It stands as a lasting tribute to a humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer.
The Kate Waller Barrett Branch opened its doors in 1937. It was Alexandria’s first public library. The Society of Friends granted a 99-year lease for the land. It was once the old Quaker Burial Ground on Queen Street.
The Kate Waller Barrett Branch has undergone several renovations. These expansions occurred in 1954, 1964, and 1993. When the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library was built, things changed. The Kate Waller Barrett Branch shifted. It went from being the main library to a branch library. It now serves Old Town Alexandria residents.
This branch is named after Dr. Kate Waller Barrett. She was a local humanitarian and social reformer. Kate Waller Barrett was born in Stafford County, Virginia. Her family estate was named Clifton. In 1876, she married Rev. Robert Barrett. He was the minister at her Episcopal Church in Aquia.
One evening, an unwed mother and her baby sought shelter. Mrs. Barrett took them in. She vowed to work for this outcast class. She was horrified by society’s abandonment of these women.
Rev. Barrett was transferred to Atlanta in 1886. Mrs. Barrett earned her M.D. in 1892. She attended the Women’s Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Barrett hoped this knowledge would help her open a shelter for unwed mothers. Despite opposition, she secured land. She met Charles Crittenton. He agreed to finance the shelter. It was named for his daughter Florence. She had died of scarlet fever. The home opened in 1893.
Rev. Barrett died in 1896. His wife was left with six young children. She became Superintendent of the Mission in 1897. She succeeded Mr. Crittenton as President of the Mission on his death in 1909. There were 90 homes with a national headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Barrett was involved in charitable work and social reform. She served on national boards and commissions. She was active in war work and women’s suffrage. She also supported veterans’ relief and the restoration of Arlington Mansion.
Kate Waller Barrett died at her home on Duke Street in Alexandria in 1925. The flag over the state capitol flew at half-mast. She is buried in the Aquia Church cemetery.
The Kate Waller Barrett Branch is the second largest collection in the Alexandria Library. It has more than 100,000 items. In 1995, it was renovated and expanded. In April 2000, it was reconfigured. It now houses the historical and genealogical research collections. These were formerly located at Lloyd House.
The Kate Waller Barrett Branch offers children’s programs for babies through age 5. It also hosts a book discussion group called Let’s Talk Books.
The Foundation Center at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch offers print and online resources. These include online training. Foundation and Grant classes are arranged by branch staff. All Alexandria Library branches have electronic access to databases.
Today, the Kate Waller Barrett Branch stands as a testament. It honors a woman’s dedication to social reform and community service. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Kate Waller Barrett. Reflect on her impact on Alexandria and beyond.