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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, 2025. 

 

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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Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jan 14, All day
Virtual - Virtual
World-renowned author and career advisor shows you how to get the job you want quickly and easily and in any economy. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, lessons are asynchronous over 6 weeks) Register
Resume Writing Workshop - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jan 14, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Discover the secret to transforming your tired, boring resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Cancelled
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jan 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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.
Author Talk: Melba Moore
Wed, Jan 14, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Meet the Tony Award-winning singer as she talks about her new memoir, “This Is It – Marvelous…And Getting Better.”
Mystery Book Club - "Bangalore Detectives Club" by Harini Nagendra
Wed, Jan 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion online of Harini Nagendra's first in a joyful, cozy crime series set in 1920s Bangalore, India. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Wed, Jan 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story 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.
Literary Virginia Book Group - The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore
Wed, Jan 14, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Thu, Jan 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.
One-on-One Application Assistance
Thu, Jan 15, 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.
Carefull Knit & Crochet - Crafting for Good
Thu, Jan 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Jan 15, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Bottoms
Thu, Jan 15, 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jan 15, 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 B! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Jan 15, 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
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jan 17, 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
The Happiness Lab - bi-weekly, 4 classes total
Sat, Jan 17, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Start the New Year off right with the Happiness Lab! Bi-weekly, 4 classes total, where attendees will discover the science of joy and how to naturally boost your body's happy hormones!
This event is full
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jan 18, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Wrong
Sun, Jan 18, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Tue, Jan 20, 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.
Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine - with Journalist Julia Hotz
Tue, Jan 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Jump start your new year with us as we chat with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Register
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Jan 20, 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.
Death Café
Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
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
Sound, Stress & Well Being - An Evidence-Based Guided Relaxation and Sound Journey
Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This program integrates brief, research-informed education with guided relaxation and a 45-minute sound journey using therapeutic-grade instruments.
This event is full
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jan 21, 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.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Jan 21, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
This event is full
Burke Book Club - "The Year of Living Constitutionally" by A.J. Jacobs
Wed, Jan 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate America's 250th birthday by joining us for a discussion of A.J. Jacob's 2024 book about his attempts to follow the original meaning of the Constitution. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Wed, Jan 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.
One-on-One Application Assistance
Thu, Jan 22, 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
Thu, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 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
Street by Street, Block by Block - How Urban Renewal Uprooted Black Roanoke
Thu, Jan 22, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a virtual talk by prize-winning journalist Mary Carter Bishop and historian Jordan Bell exploring the history of urban renewal in Roanoke and its impact on the city’s Black community.Register
Line Dancing 201
Thu, Jan 22, 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.
Managing Debt
Thu, Jan 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Start the New Year right by joining Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Financial Education volunteers to learn about types of debt, how to pay off debt, and tips for working with creditors.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Jan 22, 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.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Jan 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Downsizing: Moving to a Smaller Home - Is it the right move for you?
Fri, Jan 23, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Thinking about downsizing your living space but don't know where to begin. Join us for an in depth conversation about how to start the process of relocating to a new home.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jan 24, 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
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Jan 24, 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!
French Conversation Club - Pratiquez votre conversation en français
Sat, Jan 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Art Break with Alexandria's Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso - A Creative Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
Sun, Jan 25, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Parents and caregivers, enjoy an afternoon of making art as a way to rest, recharge, and share the complexities of caregiving with others.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Jan 26, 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, Jan 26, 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 - Conversation Workshop
Mon, Jan 26, 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.
Horror Fans Unite - A year-round horror club!
Mon, Jan 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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!
How can fiction writers top what happened at the Louvre? - A Panel Discussion
Mon, Jan 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
The Curators of Crime, four authors who write about art, antiques and antiquities crime, give us their take on this brazen daylight robbery.   Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Tue, Jan 27, 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, Jan 27, 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.
Cancelled
Eco-City Homes: A Money and Energy Saving Hands-On Workshop
Tue, Jan 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Enjoy hands-on demos (plus some materials to take home) to help make your home energy-efficient and warm this winter – and apply for recognition as an Eco-City Home while you’re at it!
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jan 27, 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
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jan 28, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Wed, Jan 28, 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 Embroidery Basics - beginner stitches and techniques for Adults
Wed, Jan 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a creative beginner-friendly class where attendees will learn step-by-step how to make fundamental embroidery stitches
This event is full
Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore - New York Times Bestselling and Award-Winning Author
Wed, Jan 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights.Register
Romance Book Club
Wed, Jan 28, 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
One-on-One Application Assistance
Thu, Jan 29, 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
Thu, Jan 29, 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, Jan 29, 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
Line Dancing 201
Thu, Jan 29, 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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Jan 29, 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jan 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Self-Publishing 101: The Foundation Workshop - (ONLINE)
Thu, Jan 29, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Zoom
Are you ready to publish your book? Or learn more about the self-publishing process? This workshop will provide you with all the tools to get your creative work ready for a wider audience
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025