1939 - Alexandria Library Sit-In

“One of the very first sit-ins took place at the Alexandria Library in Alexandria, VA. Although, the library was the only one in the city, it only served the white citizens. On August 21, 1939, Four Black men entered and asked to register for a library card. When refused, they took books off the shelves, sat down and quietly read. Library staff then called the police and they were arrested for disorderly conduct.