ADULT WINTER READING
To celebrate Love Your Library Month, the Library is hosting its annual Adult Winter Reading Contest.
Starting February 1, patrons 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 Friday, February 28, 2026.
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.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Browse genres, search for a title or author, review booklists and more.
NOVELIST
Find book recommendations based on appeal factors, curated lists, and read-alikes for titles you enjoy.
Upcoming Events
Skip Upcoming Events widget
Fri, May 29, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Read the book, then join us to watch this 2026 film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's 2022 novel.
Sat, May 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Butterfly Garden
Identify local birds and their habitats with experienced birders who will lead a walking tour around Del Ray - be sure to wear comfy shoes!
Sat, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All levels are welcome, to stretch, breathe and cultivate connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
This event is full
Sat, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults
ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
This program is intended for people who are new to knitting or returning to knitting and in need of a refresher.
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Experienced knitters from Project Knitwell will offer their advice on your knottiest knitting problem.
Sat, May 30, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Lawn
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!
Sat, May 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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!
Sun, May 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Parents and caregivers, enjoy an afternoon of making art as a way to rest, recharge, and share the complexities of caregiving with others.
Mon, Jun 01, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Mon, Jun 01, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo! Enjoy snacks, prizes, and fun while you're here. Registration is required.
Mon, Jun 01, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Mon, Jun 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Learn how to hem your pants, shorts, skirts and dresses. Experienced volunteers will explain the basics of hemming, style options and methods, followed by time to hem an item of your choosing.
This event is full
Mon, Jun 01, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for an all-levels yoga class that invites you to connect with your body, build stability over time, and deepen your practice in a supportive, welcoming environment—no prior experience needed
This event is full
Tue, Jun 02, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air and enjoy some sunshine as we discuss the latest books we've been reading!
Tue, Jun 02, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Tue, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Veronica Holmes, Esquire, will discuss the fundamentals of divorce law—including policies, process and procedure—in Virginia.
Wed, Jun 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Wed, Jun 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Wed, Jun 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a talk by historian Dr. Brooke Newman on her latest book, “The Crown’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery.” Register
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of the 1989 historical war film about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
Wed, Jun 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more!Register
Wed, Jun 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
A quarterly book club honoring the nation's 250th anniversary. Join us to explore U.S. history through books that highlight freedom, democracy, and identity.
Wed, Jun 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
ZOOM
Join us the first Wednesday of the month for a relaxing session led by David Kosar with Yoga in Daily Life! We will learn methods, practices, and techniques to help guide you through yogic philosophy
Thu, Jun 04, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Thu, Jun 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn the basic line dance steps to great Oldies and Motown music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes!
Thu, Jun 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Viva Line Dancing: Join our intermediate level of line dancing to improve flexibility and enhance memory. We work the dance floors! This class is not intended for beginners.
Thu, Jun 04, 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 chosen by fellow book club members! 📚 ☕
Thu, Jun 04, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a screening of the gripping 2025 film that earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Thu, Jun 04, 3:00pm - 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!
Thu, Jun 04, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Contribute to Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making scarves to donate. Visit our display in honor of America250 and our work to build a community of care. Add your scarf to the collection.
Thu, Jun 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Thu, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us to celebrate Pride Month with a discussion of stories by the Nigerian author Jude Dibia and American author Jared Jackson. Register
Fri, Jun 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Sat, Jun 06, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Sat, Jun 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join neighbors and other community members for conversation over a cup of coffee.
Sat, Jun 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Welcome! Are you looking to improve your English language skills? Join us for English conversation practice, with new topics each session! Ages 14+
Sat, Jun 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for an hour of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Sat, Jun 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+
Sun, Jun 07, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Sun, Jun 07, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Sun, Jun 07, 2:00pm - 4:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Oddball Adventure series
Mon, Jun 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Mon, Jun 08, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Mon, Jun 08, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Cancelled
Mon, Jun 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Join us for an all-levels yoga class that invites you to connect with your body, build stability over time, and deepen your practice in a supportive, welcoming environment—no prior experience needed
Mon, Jun 08, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us online for a discussion of Mike Hixenbaugh's 2024 study of how a school board win for the conservative right in one Texas suburb inspired a Christian nationalist campaign.
Mon, Jun 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a free and open to the public meeting where the Friends of Duncan Library Board will share updates about the staff, library programming, book sales, and more!
Tue, Jun 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Tue, Jun 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Virtual Room
Join Alexandrians & our Sister City Helsingborg, Sweden to discuss short story "The Games of Night" by Stig Dagerman from his collection "The Games of Night." Registration required.
Register
Tue, Jun 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an empowering conversation with health expert and award-winning bioethicist, oncologist, and chocolatier Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel as he shares his vision for living well and aging with purpose.Register
Wed, Jun 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Wed, Jun 10, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Bring and share your projects, and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.
Wed, Jun 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for an online discussion of John Dickson Carr's 1935 locked-room mystery novel featuring his series detective, Sir Henry Merrivale. Register
Wed, Jun 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
Learn about the untold stories of people of African and Indigenous descent whose courage and sacrifice played an important role in America's fight for freedom during the Northern Campaigns.
Wed, Jun 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Library of Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register
Wed, Jun 10, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Port City Brewing Company
Free comedy show: Enjoy a night of laughs and celebrate the graduates of the Laugh Lab: Stand Up Comedy Workshop!
Thu, Jun 11, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Thu, Jun 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn the basic line dance steps to great Oldies and Motown music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes!
Thu, Jun 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Viva Line Dancing: Join our intermediate level of line dancing to improve flexibility and enhance memory. We work the dance floors! This class is not intended for beginners.
Thu, Jun 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
The Barrett Branch Mahjong group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.
Thu, Jun 11, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Capture the sun-soaked energy of the season by joining us to create a summer journal collage to document and preserve your experiences this season.
Thu, Jun 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free 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.
Thu, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Company Of Books 2200 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, Va 22301
Join us at The Company of Books, where we discuss what we're currently reading. Bring something to write with; you are always going to leave with a list of things to add to your TBR pile!
Thu, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Thu, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for an hour of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Thu, Jun 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! Matt Dinniman, author of the wildly popular (and just plain wild) Dungeon Crawler Carl series, joins us to chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles. Register
Thu, Jun 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Your lawyer is your advocate and your cooperation is essential as the two of you navigate the legal system.Register
Fri, Jun 12, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Fri, Jun 12, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us to screen the original 2006 film that started as a bestselling 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger.
Sat, Jun 13, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Sat, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All levels are welcome, to stretch, breathe and cultivate connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
This event is full
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
AWLA's Behavior and Training Manager will provide tips for living harmoniously with your dog or cat at home, answer specific questions about your pet, and chat about AWLA's Alexandria Animal Academy.
Sat, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Join us to work on your book journal and share with others what you've added and read!