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ADULT WINTER READING

To celebrate Love Your Library Month, the Library is hosting its annual Adult Winter Reading Contest.

Starting February 1st, customers are encouraged to stop by any Alexandria Library branch to learn more about the Adult Winter Reading program.

By reading one book or listening to one audiobook, you can be entered to win a gift card. You can fill out an entry form at any of the branches or participate at alexandria.beanstack.com. Maximum of five entries per customer.

Physical entries must be submitted by Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

 

BOOK MATCH

What are your favorite types of books? What book can you not live without? 

Fill out a short questionnaire and receive a personalized list of book recommendations hand-picked by our staff.

 

GET A BOOK MATCH

 

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Browse genres, search for a title or author, review booklists and more.

 

ACCESS BOOKS AND AUTHORS

 

 VIEW TUTORIAL

 

NOVELIST

Find book recommendations based on appeal factors, curated lists, and read-alikes for titles you enjoy.

 

ACCESS NOVELIST

 

 VIEW TUTORIAL

Staff Picks for eBooks & Audiobooks

 

They Will Drown in Their Mothers' Tears The Alienist The Goldfinch A Mind Unraveled Manhattan Beach Dark Places

Upcoming Events
Exploring Watercolor Takes Courage - A painting class by artists Teresa Brunson and Lynn Martin
Sat, Apr 20, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Watercolor painting is not as scary as you may think! Come join us to explore this art medium. This free class taught by local artists will give you the tips to create! Registration required.
Registration is now closed
Spring Cleaning your Chakras Workshop - Amy K
Sat, Apr 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Discover the world of chakras and techniques to cleanse them while deepening your connection with your body's innate wisdom and intuition 🧘
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 21, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to network, share moral support, and offer constructive criticism. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Oddball Cinema - Barry Landon
Sun, Apr 21, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An Irish rogue wins the heart of a rich widow and assumes her dead husband's aristocratic position in 18th-century England.
English Language Learning (ELL) - Beginner Conversation
Mon, Apr 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners. No registration required.
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Intro to Genealogy - Furthering Your Research
Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join the Local History Special Collection team for the third session of the virtual genealogy workshop series as we take a deeper dive into the archives to identify additional genealogical sources. Register
Recycle - Documentary & Discussions - Solving Plastic from The Story of Stuff Project
Mon, Apr 22, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us online to view and discuss two short documentaries from The Story of Stuff envisioning the community health of neighbors helping neighbors. This is the last discussion in a 4-part series. Register
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Advancing Stormwater Management - What You Can Do to Protect Water Quality & Mitigate Flooding
Tue, Apr 23, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual
Join staff from Alexandria City's Stormwater Management Division to learn what you can do to protect and improve water quality and mitigate flooding. Registration Required.Register
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Apr 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!Register
Stitchers' Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 24, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects or learn new skills. Quilting tutorials will be provided on 1st Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Film Series - "The Holdovers"
Wed, Apr 24, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a film screening of the 2024 Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress.
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
AAR Read-alike Book Discussion - Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Wed, Apr 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Gather with fellow readers in the community to talk about Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a title similar to AAR’s adult fiction pick, Black Cake, that highlights the theme of COURAGE.
Romance Book Club
Wed, Apr 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us on the last Weds. of the month! Click on the event title for more details.Register
Writing Courageously (All Alexandria Reads)
Wed, Apr 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join our panel of local authors and an educator on how you can write about difficult issues. Register
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Line Dancing
Thu, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Trans-Atlantic Book Club - Reading Langston Hughes
Thu, Apr 25, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join participants from Alexandria and our Sister City, Dundee, Scotland, to discuss a short story by Langston Hughes that embodies our All Alexandria Reads theme of "Courage." Registration required.Register
Learn and Play Mahjong (American Rules)
Thu, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Our Mahjong group uses the American rules variation developed from the ancient Chinese game. Meetings are from 2-4 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Registration is limited and required.
This event is full
Fim Series - "Oppenheimer"
Thu, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Don't miss the screening of this 2023 Academy Award Winning film: winner of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Apr 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Mahjong Club - with DC Riichi Mahjong
Thu, Apr 25, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Apr 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+
Air Quality Action Days
Fri, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us virtually to learn more about air quality and the steps you can take to improve air in your home. Register
Film Series - "Mean Girls"
Fri, Apr 26, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to screen a new 2024 twist on the modern classic "Mean Girls."
Trash Trekkers - Barrett Branch Walking & Litter Pickup Club
Sat, Apr 27, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Barrett Branch walking and litter pickup club.
English Language Learning (ELL) - Beginner Conversation
Mon, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners. No registration required.
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Intro to Genealogy - Documenting and Organizing Your Findings
Mon, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join the Local History Special Collection team for the final session of the virtual genealogy workshop series where you will learn how to adequately organize and document your findings. Register
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 01, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Intellectual Property - A Guide To Your Rights And The Process
Wed, May 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
virtual - virtual
Join us on May 1, 2024, Law Day, and learn about Intellectual Property rights and processRegister
Monthly Meditation - A free online meditation class open to all levels
Wed, May 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Line dancing
Thu, May 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Honey Bus" by Meredith May
Thu, May 02, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the titles book club members have picked!
Carefull Knitting - Knit and Crochet for Good
Thu, May 02, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Thu, May 02, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Mahjong Club - with DC Riichi Mahjong
Thu, May 02, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.
The Inklings - Library Writing Group
Thu, May 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
⭐ Please email Ally Zomchek at azomchek@alexlibraryva.org if interested in joining ⭐
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, May 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Fri, May 03, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Sat, May 04, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, May 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 05, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to network, share moral support, and offer constructive criticism. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Sun, May 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
A Living Legacy of Courage - 1939 Library Sit-In Descendants Panel
Sun, May 05, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Hear from Stephen and Jackie Martin, descendants of Morris Murray, one of participants in the 1939 Library Sit-In, to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of this historic civil rights protest.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2024