James M Duncan Branch Library

The children’s resources at this library are tops! Most especially appreciated are the skills and dedication of Miss Venetta, who hosts the story times. Despite a too small overcrowded room, with undependable air conditioning she educates and excites our children with a personal welcome and recognition that is exceptional and unmatched in this area. I do hope her skills are appreciated by the library administration. The children’s area is fun and welcoming to all ages and boasts an excellent picture book selection. Getting our smallest residents excited by the library should be our primary focus and Duncan branch nails it.

I like this library they’re small and have a small collection however they can get any material from any branch if requested. They have computers to borrow and a nice dvd collection as well as monthly periodicals. The problem I have with the Alexandria Library system is that donated material RARELY if EVER makes it to the shelfs. Whether it be dvds or recent books from the past few years or pop culture books once donated you never find them into the collection. It’s very disheartening. They’re very, very picky. Even when asked they like newer books within the last 2 years so I stuck to donating those, yet still not making it on the shelves. So while this place is ok to check things out I think I might donate my books to a smaller library system which might appreciate donations more and be a little less discriminating and actually NEED donations. Arlington and alexandria might be too big for their britches. I hear fairfax co needs dvd donations as the librarian informed me they’re lacking. FYI.

It was an ok library, definitely not the most up to date. They do not have any quiet rooms nor do the insist for people to be quiet. I’m not in a hurry to return.

This library is smaller than others, but I love it for three reasons:
1. They are connected to 4 other libraries: Beatley, Burke, Barrett, and Local History/​Special Collections. If Duncan doesn’t have the book you need, they can have it delivered there for you from any of the other branches.
2. They have a website that you can search their collection online. If they have it, you can hold it. If another branch has it, you can reserve it and they can get it. You can also renew online.
3. They email you when your reserved book is ready for you. They email you when your book is about to be due.
With these offerings, it’s a gold mine at your fingertips. It’s like a library for the lazies. Any lazier and they’d be dropping off and picking up the books for you. Love the greenness!

The Duncan Branch library is a peaceful, well-​lit library where I love to plug in my computer and work for a few hours. I sometimes think I accomplish more by working from there than I do working from my office.
Things I love about the library: huge windows. lots of tables with electrical outlets. consistent wireless internet. walking distance from my home. very, very quiet. GREEN ROOF. good hours.
Check it out. There’s nothing like reading tons of good books, watching movies, and renting music for free.