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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 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
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Thu, Sep 10, 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.

Thu, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 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, Sep 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Thu, Sep 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Fri, Sep 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
If you've enjoyed Downton Abbey, you may also enjoy our screening of the 2025 satirical comedy film set in 1930s England.

Sat, Sep 12, 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, Sep 12, 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, Sep 12, 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.

Cancelled
Sun, Sep 13, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Let's celebrate the joy of playing games! Play a wide variety of games, both classics and new. Bring a friend or make new ones.

Sun, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!

Mon, Sep 14, 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.

Mon, Sep 14, 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, Sep 14, 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.

Mon, Sep 14, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us online for a discussion of Susan Muaddi Darraj's 2024 debut novel that gives voice to a Palestinian American community in Baltimore.

Mon, Sep 14, 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, Sep 15, 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.

Tue, Sep 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a paradigm-shifting, essential event as we sit down with world-renowned master facilitator Priya Parker to discuss her groundbreaking new book.Register

Tue, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Take part in a group-led discussion about death and dying without any set agenda, objectives, or themes. Tea and sweets will be provided.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club promotes freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.

Tue, Sep 15, 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

Wed, Sep 16, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Gain foundational knowledge of how AI works, how it will affect the workforce, and its ethical implications. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register

Wed, Sep 16, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the Library! Enjoy a tutorial with instructions on how to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
This event is full

Wed, Sep 16, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us online to discuss Abraham Verghese's 2023 epic historical novel set in Kerala, India, spanning 1900 to 1977. Register

Wed, Sep 16, 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.

Wed, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Perfect for Small Business Owners, Artists, Inventors, Innovators, Creatives and Freelancers as we celebrate Constitution Day.

Wed, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Learn how to support Afghan refugees with cultural awareness, trauma insight, and inclusive practices to help build a more welcoming community.

Wed, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come and take the first step to a better future! Learn computer skills, create your resume, and prepare for your job interview. Register

Wed, Sep 16, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Want to practice your English and learn more vocabulary? Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes!

Thu, Sep 17, 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.

Thu, Sep 17, 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, Sep 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an empowering, eye-opening virtual conversation with TEDx Speaker, TODAY Show Wellness Expert, and Bestselling Author Yasmine Cheyenne as we discuss her transformative new book.Register

Thu, Sep 17, 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, Sep 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Regular meeting of the Alexandria Library Board.

Thu, Sep 17, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!

Thu, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Thu, Sep 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Counterparts", a Great Books Foundation collection. Click on the event title for more info.Register

Fri, Sep 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals Room
*CLASS SCHEDULE HAS CHANGED!* Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Free and open to the public.

Sat, Sep 19, 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.

Rescheduled
Sat, Sep 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
New date Saturday, October 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join us to work on your book journal and share with others what you've added and read!

Sat, Sep 19, 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!

Sun, Sep 20, 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!

Mon, Sep 21, 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.

Rescheduled
Mon, Sep 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New date Thursday, September 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Regular meeting of the Alexandria Library Board.

Mon, Sep 21, 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.

Mon, Sep 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Do you like scary movies, books, tv shows, or video games? Do you enjoy making horror themed DIY projects? This is the event for you!

Mon, Sep 21, 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

Tue, Sep 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board 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.

Tue, Sep 22, 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.

Wed, Sep 23, 2:00pm - 4:05pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of the 2019 biographical film starring Cynthia Erivo as abolitionist Harret Tubman.

Wed, Sep 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.

Wed, Sep 23, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come and take the first step to a better future! Learn computer skills, create your resume, and prepare for your job interview. Register

Wed, Sep 23, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Want to practice your English and learn more vocabulary? Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes!

Wed, Sep 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
When you don't own your own home or when your condo is on the 5th floor, much of the guidance on living more sustainably just doesn't apply. But there are still plenty of things you CAN do! Register

Thu, Sep 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board 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.

Thu, Sep 24, 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, Sep 24, 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, Sep 24, 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, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Fri, Sep 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of the 2024 film inspired by the true friendship that writer/director Tracie Laymon found with a stranger when looking for her father online.

Last updated:  January 2025