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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.

Entries must be submitted in by Thursday, February 28 at 9 p.m. Winners will be notified the following week.

 

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

Use the Who, What, Where, When tool to discover books matched to your mood or interests.

 

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

NEW BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY

 

SEE MORE >>

EVENTS
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Tue, Feb 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Knitting
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Tue, Feb 19, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Expand your knitting skills and learn to purl, cast on and bind off.
I Am Not Your Negro - Diverse Documentaries
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Tue, Feb 19, 7:00pm - 8:40pm
This documentary, based on the unfinished work of James Baldwin, reflects on the death of three historic African-American men and the current civil rights, Black Lives Matter movement. PG-13.
Afternoon Book Club - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Feb 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Celebrate Black History Month by joining us for a discussion of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.
Duncan Book Discussion Group - "Underground Railroad"
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Feb 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
The Duncan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month.
Highlights from Alexandria’s African American History
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Wed, Feb 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join Audrey Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, and learn some of the fascinating history of African Americans in Alexandria.
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Thu, Feb 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Student Loans
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Thu, Feb 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
This program gives an overview of student loans and highlights the financial costs of post-graduate life.
Great Books Discussion Group
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Thu, Feb 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
This library-sponsored program is held on the third Thursday of each month. Selections are from the Great Books Foundation series. For more information, call Bill Scouton at 703.931.3559.
Microsoft Word Basics Class
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Fri, Feb 22, 10:00am - 11:30am
Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn how to create and enhance various types of documents, such as resumes and flyers, using MS Word 2010. Registration Requested at 703-746-1772.
ESL Class Beginning Level
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Fri, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Free English class for beginners in speaking, reading, and writing English.
Movie Matinee - The Hate U Give
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Fri, Feb 22, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Join us for a screening of the film "The Hate U Give".
English as a Second Language at the Barrett Branch - New ESL class: What's on your mind?
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Fri, Feb 22, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Would you like to practice speaking English? Join our new ESL class every Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm. Participants should have at least an intermediate understanding of English.
Let's Talk: An ESL Conversation Class
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Sat, Feb 23, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
Chess
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Sat, Feb 23, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Interested in playing chess or learning about the game? Join us every Saturday in the Children's Area. All skill levels are welcome. All ages, children under 8 age must be accompanied by their adult.
Thor: Dark World - Marvel Movie Marathon
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Sat, Feb 23, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Join us as we watch through the known Marvel Cinematic Universe in anticipation of the final installment this April. This week's feature film is Thor: Dark World. Rated PG-13.
Writers Group
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Sun, Feb 24, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Calling all writers...join the Beatley Central Writers Group.
Brain Games
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Mon, Feb 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
Seniors, sharpen your mind and exercise your brain with stimulating games, puzzles, and activities.
ESL Class Beginning Level
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mon, Feb 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Free English class for beginners in speaking, reading, and writing English.
(re)Reading "Sapphira and the Slave Girl"
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mon, Feb 25, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Dr. Janie Mitchell returns to Duncan to lead a discussion of Willa Cather's "Sapphira and the Slave Girl."
Speaker: Journalist Jim McElhatton - 60 Years of Integration of Alexandria Schools
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mon, Feb 25, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Join us for a talk with journalist Jim McElhatton as he highlights the stories of ordinary people who helped change civil rights in Alexandria Schools.
Liberated Muse Arts Group
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Mon, Feb 25, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Liberated Muse Arts Group Presents: "Zora Past the Sun" a musical and poetic tribute to Zora Neale Hurston.
Manumission Tour Company Presents - "Alexandria's Fight for Freedom"
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Mon, Feb 25, 7:15pm - 8:15pm
The Manumission Tour Company presents early Alexandria's African-American history.
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Tue, Feb 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Senior Services Food Demo
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Tue, Feb 26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Join Min Krishnamurthy MS, RD, in-store nutritionist from Giant®, who will be doing themed cooking demos for seniors to promote healthy nutrition.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Marvel Movie Marathon
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Tue, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 8:20pm
Join us as we watch through the known Marvel Cinematic Universe in anticipation of the final installment this April. This week's feature film is Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Rated PG-13.
Family Game Night
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Tue, Feb 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Face-off against friends or family while playing our wide selection of board games and card games! All ages with adult.
Practice Your English Conversation Class
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Feb 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Come practice your English language skills with others in friendly conversations. Free and open to the public. No registration is required; drop-in when you can.
Guardians of the Galaxy (PG-13) - Marvel Movie Marathon
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Feb 27, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe. (2014)
African-American: Keeping Heritage Alive
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Feb 27, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us for a special presentation of African-American: Keeping Heritage Alive by Sheila Arnold Jones in honor of Black History Month.
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Thu, Feb 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Tango Without Borders
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Thu, Feb 28, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join a tango choreographer for two free classes at the library. No dance experience or partner necessary.
Change of Screen: Oddball Cinema
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Thu, Feb 28, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
A Year of Shifting Realities: Interstate 60 Rated R.
English as a Second Language at the Barrett Branch - New ESL class: What's on your mind?
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Fri, Mar 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Would you like to practice speaking English? Join our new ESL class every Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm. Participants should have at least an intermediate understanding of English.
Let's Talk: An ESL Conversation Class
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Sat, Mar 02, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Crumb
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Sat, Mar 02, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Alexandria Oddball Cinema will screen Crumb as part of a spring documentary series.
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Tue, Mar 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Tango Without Borders
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Tue, Mar 05, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join a tango choreographer for two free classes at the library. No dance experience or partner necessary.
Medicare 101
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Tue, Mar 05, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Medicare education for new beneficiaries.
Movie Matinee - RBG
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Tue, Mar 05, 2:00pm - 3:40pm
Join us for a screening of the exceptional life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming a pop culture icon. Rated PG
First-Time Home Buying
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Tue, Mar 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
One-hour seminar for first-time house buyers.
Handcraft Tuesday
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Tue, Mar 05, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Share your projects, tips and ideas, and enjoy the company of other crafters while you do your craft of choice.
Explore Google
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Wed, Mar 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Google is more than its search engine. Learn how you can harness some of its most popular applications.
Practice Your English Conversation Class
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Come practice your English language skills with others in friendly conversations. Free and open to the public. No registration is required; drop-in when you can.
A Year of Great Neo Noir Films - "Body Heat"
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 06, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Friends of Duncan Library present A Year of Great Neo Noir Films!
Hidden Figures - 80th Anniversary Film Festival
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 06, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Alexandria Library Sit-In, the first known sit-in of the civil rights era, the library will screen films that celebrate black history and civil rights.
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Thu, Mar 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Afternoon Book Discussion Group - "It Can't Happen Here"
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Thu, Mar 07, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
This discussion group meets on the first Thursday of each month. All are welcome!
Carefull Knitting 
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Thu, Mar 07, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group!
Canceled
Guardians of the Galaxy (PG-13) - Marvel Movie Marathon
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Thu, Mar 07, 6:30pm - 9:00pm
A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe. Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper. (2014)
World Short Story Discussion Group
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Thu, Mar 07, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Join us to discuss the following stories: "The Resemblance Between a Violin Case and a Coffin" and "The Country Husband".
"Out of Obscurity" - 80th Anniversary Film Festival
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Fri, Mar 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Alexandria Library Sit-In, the first known sit-in of the civil rights era, the library will screen films that celebrate black history and civil rights.
English as a Second Language at the Barrett Branch - New ESL class: What's on your mind?
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Fri, Mar 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Would you like to practice speaking English? Join our new ESL class every Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm. Participants should have at least an intermediate understanding of English.
Alexandria in 1900 - A Demographic Profile of the City
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
Sat, Mar 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Campbell Gibson, PhD. will discuss Alexandria after the Civil War, examining industry, utilities, and other intriguing facts captured in the Census.
Let's Talk: An ESL Conversation Class
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Sat, Mar 09, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
Avengers: Age of Ultron - Marvel Movie Marathon
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Sat, Mar 09, 1:00pm - 3:25pm
Join us as we watch through the known Marvel Cinematic Universe in anticipation of the final installment this April. This week's feature film is Avengers: Age of Ultron. Rated PG-13.
Buying and Selling a Home - Buying and Selling Real Estate in Today's Market
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Sat, Mar 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Presented by Will and Marcella Oakley Re/Max Distinctive.
Close to Home: German POWs in the Washington DC Area
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Sat, Mar 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn the surprising history of WWII POW activities in our region from presenter Ann Shields who has interviewed over 70 German ex-POWs, guards, vets, and civilians in the US and in Germany.
Writers Group
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Sun, Mar 10, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Calling all writers...join the Beatley Central Writers Group.
Brain Games
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Mon, Mar 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Seniors, sharpen your mind and exercise your brain with stimulating games, puzzles, and activities.
Friends of Duncan Library Monthly Meeting
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mon, Mar 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join the Friends of Duncan Library for their monthly meeting! These meetings are open to the public. Learn more about what the Friends do, become a member, and get involved!
Author Talk: Patricia Miller "Bringing Down the Colonel"
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Mon, Mar 11, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join Author Patricia Miller as she discusses her book Bringing Down the Colonel: A Sex Scandal of the Gilded Age and the "Powerless" Woman Who Took On Washington.
Let's Talk Books - Elizabeth Warren
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Mon, Mar 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join Barrett Branch Library's monthly book club to read "Elizabeth Warren: Her Fight, Her Work, Her Life" by Antonia Felix.
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Tue, Mar 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Tribute to Women in the Civil War
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Tue, Mar 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
An interpretive program presented on the contributions of women who actively participated in the Civil War (as physicians, nurses, spies and even undercover as a soldier).
Friends of Beatley Central Library Meeting
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Tue, Mar 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us for our monthly business meeting and learn how to become more active with the Friends.
Tales & Ales Book Club @ La Casa Restaurant
La Casa Restaurant
Tue, Mar 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us for a book club with beer.
Family Game Night
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Tue, Mar 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Face-off against friends or family while playing our wide selection of board games and card games! All ages with adult.
Native Plants for Shade Gardeners - Presented by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Tue, Mar 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Advance registration requested at mgnv.org.
Mystery Book Club - Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us for a discussion of mystery novel "Maisie Dobbs" by Jacqueline Winspear, the first book in the Maisie Dobbs series.
A Chat with Dorothy Parker
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Performer Elaine Flynn performs as the incomparable Dorothy Parker who was a celebrated wit, a writer and a social satirist during the roaring 1920s.
Ant-Man - Marvel Movie Marathon
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 13, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us as we watch through the known Marvel Cinematic Universe in anticipation of the final installment this April. This week's feature film is Ant-Man. Rated PG-13.
ABC's of Starting Your Business
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Wed, Mar 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Have you considered starting your own business, but you're not sure how to start? Or perhaps you don't know about resources available to you?
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Thu, Mar 14, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Change of Screen: Oddball Cinema
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Thu, Mar 14, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
A Year of Shifting Realities: Another Earth Rated PG-13
English as a Second Language at the Barrett Branch - New ESL class: What's on your mind?
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Fri, Mar 15, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Would you like to practice speaking English? Join our new ESL class every Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm. Participants should have at least an intermediate understanding of English.
Let's Talk: An ESL Conversation Class
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Sat, Mar 16, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
A Tribute to Women in the Civil War - From the National Park Service (NPS)
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Sat, Mar 16, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Learn about the various roles women played in the U.S. Civil War: from physicians, nurses, spies and even undercover soldiers.
Death Cafe
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Sat, Mar 16, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Death Cafes are an opportunity to demystify the death experience. We offer an open, safe environment for discussing thoughts, feelings about all manner death and dying.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Duke of Burgundy
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Sun, Mar 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Join Alexandria Oddball Cinema for a special screening of the 2014 film, The Duke of Burgundy.
DMVConnect - DMV Mobile Customer Service Center
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Mon, Mar 18, 10:00am - 2:00pm
DMV Connect provides all DMV transactions except vital records and testing. No appointments.
A Year of Great Neo Noir Films - Red Rock West
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mon, Mar 18, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Friends of Duncan Library present A Year of Great Neo Noir Films!
English Language Workshop
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Tue, Mar 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Free ESL "All Levels" Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Captain America: Civil War - Marvel Movie Marathon
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Tue, Mar 19, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us as we watch through the known Marvel Cinematic Universe in anticipation of the final installment this April. This week's feature film is Captain America: Civil War. Rated PG-13.
Determined to Rise - Women's Historical Activism for Equal Rights
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Tue, Mar 19, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join the National Women's History Museum to celebrate National Women's History Month.
See all events