American Girl® Dolls Return to Alexandria Library — Lending Program Brings History Home
Beloved program returns with Felicity, Melody, and Molly, honoring Alexandria’s past and inspiring young imaginations.
Alexandria, VA – Alexandria Library is once again inviting families to bring history, imagination, and adventure home with its beloved American Girl® lending program, now back at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library.
For a week at a time, library cardholders can check out special American Girl® doll kits featuring characters who honor both national and local history. Each doll comes with her own story, wardrobe, journal, and carrying case — ready to inspire play, learning, and creativity.
Dolls with a Story to Tell
The Library’s collection currently features three remarkable dolls:
-
Felicity® – A Colonial-era doll from Virginia, celebrating Alexandria Library’s 225th anniversary and its founding in 1794.
-
Melody® – A 1960s civil rights activist whose story reflects the spirit of the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In, commemorating its 80th anniversary.
-
Molly® – A World War II-era doll generously donated by a library patron.
Together, these dolls highlight the Library’s connection to Alexandria’s history and the larger American story.
How the Program Works
-
Who Can Borrow? Regular/adult Alexandria residents with library cards in good standing.
-
Loan Period: One week (7 days).
-
Where to Pick Up: Behind the circulation desk at Beatley Central Library.
-
What’s Included: Doll, full outfit, pajamas, book, journal, hairbrush, and carrying case.
-
Special Note: One doll kit per household; kits cannot be renewed.
Borrowers are encouraged to write about their doll’s “adventures” in the included journal, adding to a living scrapbook of Alexandria families’ experiences.
A Community-Backed Effort
The program is made possible through support from the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Friends and fundraising by a local troop of Girl Scouts, ensuring that future generations can learn, play, and engage with Alexandria’s past in a hands-on way.
Why It Matters
More than just toys, these American Girl® dolls offer young readers a chance to connect with history and empathy while enjoying the magic of storytelling. By blending play with learning, the Library’s program shows how books, history, and imagination can come alive.
To check availability or place a hold, visit the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library circulation desk or log in with your Alexandria Library card.
