Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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.

 

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

Upcoming Events
Skip Upcoming Events widget
Tiny BIT of Art
Sun, Mar 22, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "The Gods Must Be Crazy"
Sun, Mar 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of Director Jamie Uys' 1980 film.
Tiny BIT of Art
Mon, Mar 23, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Senior Bingo
Mon, Mar 23, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
This event is full
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 23, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Let's Talk Books - "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward
Mon, Mar 23, 7:00pm - 7:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward.
Tiny BIT of Art
Tue, Mar 24, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
America’s Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis - with Author Shoshana Walter & Guest Host Barbara Kingsolver
Tue, Mar 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they chat about Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal.Register
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Mar 24, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Mar 24, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Looking for a space to talk about climate change and the things affected that we love? Join us for a monthly discussion focused on a relevant topic. Register to receive the materials suggestions.
Tiny BIT of Art
Wed, Mar 25, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Mar 25, 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.
Jewelry Making Workshop
Wed, Mar 25, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate America 250 by joining us for a relaxing workshop making handcrafted stretch bracelet, earrings and necklace with handcraft jewelry designer Toni.
This event is full
Where She Grows - A Plant Swap Celebrating Women's History Month
Wed, Mar 25, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Share plants, cuttings, and conversation as we honor growth, resilience, and the women who help our communities flourish.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Mar 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
DIY Pressed Flower Bouquet - (ADULTS ONLY)
Wed, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Arrange dried and pressed flowers into a colorful bouquet that is frame-worthy for your home! (ADULTS ONLY)
This event is full
The America 250 Book Club
Wed, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Local History/Special Collections
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.
English Language Learning
Wed, Mar 25, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Duncan Library
Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes! / ¡Únase a nosotros todos los miércoles por la noche para recibir clases GRATIS para principiantes e intermedios!
What Is a Cinematic Book - and Why Do We Love Them So Much?
Wed, Mar 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Some books don’t just tell a story. They play like a movie in your mind. Book coach, Karen Bacellar, examines the elements of cinematic fiction revealing how they combine to capture the imagination.
Romance Book Club
Wed, Mar 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance enthusiasts? Join us on the last Wednesday of the month! Click on the event title for more details. Register
Tiny BIT of Art
Thu, Mar 26, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Application Assistance - One-on-One Help
Thu, Mar 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Get help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Mar 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Line Dancing 101
Thu, Mar 26, 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!
Line Dancing 201
Thu, Mar 26, 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.
250th Film Festival - "Mudbound"
Thu, Mar 26, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of the 2017 historical film based on the 2008 novel by Hillary Jordan.
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, Mar 26, 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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Mar 26, 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Mar 26, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting 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.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Mar 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group: Group A - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Mar 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Tiny BIT of Art
Fri, Mar 27, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Tiny BIT of Art
Sat, Mar 28, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
New Year Digital Decluttering
Sat, Mar 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
At the limit of your cloud storage? Laptop moving at a snails pace? Join us for a Saturday morning dedicated to clearing up space on devices and cloud accounts accompanied by camaraderie and coffee.
This event is full
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Mar 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, Mar 28, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Grand Gaming Melee: The Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) invites you to play dice games, card games, tile games, and just about any other kind of tabletop game. Register
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Mar 28, 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
Teen Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Mar 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning calligraphy? Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke! Teens and adults welcome!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Mar 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board 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!
Tiny BIT of Art
Sun, Mar 29, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Tiny BIT of Art
Mon, Mar 30, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 30, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Bad Art Night! - Create something truly terrible!
Mon, Mar 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Adults and teens are encouraged to create the worst pieces of art they have ever seen to win a prize for worst artwork!
Tiny BIT of Art
Tue, Mar 31, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Mar 31, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Mar 31, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Mini Quilt
Tue, Mar 31, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us to make a mini quilt in the Log Cabin style. A basic knowledge of hand sewing is required to participate in this activity.
This event is full
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 01, 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.
Digital Skills For Life (En español)
Wed, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Resume and finance classes are offered to strengthen your career and personal opportunities / Se ofrecen clases de currículum y finanzas para fortalecer sus oportunidades laborales y personales
English Language Learning
Wed, Apr 01, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Duncan Library
Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes! / ¡Únase a nosotros todos los miércoles por la noche para recibir clases GRATIS para principiantes e intermedios!
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Apr 01, 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
Application Assistance - One-on-One Help
Thu, Apr 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Get help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "Midnight on the Potomac" by Scott Ellsworth
Thu, Apr 02, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
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! 📚 ☕
On a Mission: The History of U.S. Women Astronauts - with Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal
Thu, Apr 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight.Register
Carefull Knit & Crochet - America250
Thu, Apr 02, 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.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 04, 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
GED & Adult Literacy Tutoring
Sat, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 1:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to strengthen reading skills and prepare for the high school equivalency GED test? Come for supportive tutoring to practice reading and/or review questions, studying tips and taking the test.
English Conversation Club - Develop & Practice Your English Conversation Skills
Sat, Apr 04, 2:00pm - 2:55pm
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+
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+
Oddball Cinema - Touching the Void
Sun, Apr 05, 2:00pm - 4:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Oddball Adventure series
Senior Bingo
Mon, Apr 06, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 06, 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.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025