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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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Tue, Feb 17, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Tue, Feb 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.

Tue, Feb 17, 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.

Tue, Feb 17, 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.

Tue, Feb 17, 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. For February we are discussing American Street by Ibi Zoiboi.

Wed, Feb 18, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Wed, Feb 18, 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, Feb 18, 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, Feb 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Black History Month by joining us for a discussion of Colson Whitehead's acclaimed novel based on the history of a real reform school in Florida that destroyed the lives of many children. Register

Wed, Feb 18, 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, Feb 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Calling all Science Fiction and Fantasy fans! Let's celebrate Black History Month by talking about Science Fiction and Fantasy books by Black authors.

Wed, Feb 18, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
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!

Wed, Feb 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Help shape the future of the Alexandria Library!

Thu, Feb 19, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Thu, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 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.

Thu, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Black History Month by joining us for a screening of the acclaimed 2025 horror film set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta.

Thu, Feb 19, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.

Thu, Feb 19, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Alexandria Library Board meeting

Thu, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Let's make air-dry clay cat jars! All supplies will be provided for this teens-only activity!

Thu, Feb 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!

Thu, Feb 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Thu, Feb 19, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info.Register

Fri, Feb 20, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Sat, Feb 21, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Sat, Feb 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Black lawyers in Virginia have played a remarkable role in the Commonwealth's history, legal system and politics. Join us for a panel discussion of this history from the 1800’s to present.

Sat, Feb 21, 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, Feb 21, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us in honoring the legacy of African American writers. Participants can sign up to read an excerpt from a work by a favorite author, poet or essayist. Reading times are limited to 3-5 minutes.

Sat, Feb 21, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join the local Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to practice intentional writing skills with Virginia writer, Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Sat, Feb 21, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Join us for the opening of the Elrich Murphy Photograph Collection, featuring a lecture by Char McCargo Bah and Murphy's daughter Rita Harris.

Sun, Feb 22, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Sun, Feb 22, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
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, Feb 22, 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, Feb 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Mon, Feb 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.

Mon, Feb 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.

Mon, Feb 23, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large 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, Feb 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.

Mon, Feb 23, 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!

Tue, Feb 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Tue, Feb 24, 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, Feb 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble.Register

Tue, Feb 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.

Tue, Feb 24, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Help shape the future of the Library!

Tue, Feb 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.

Tue, Feb 24, 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, Feb 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Wed, Feb 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.

Wed, Feb 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.

Wed, Feb 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a beginner/intermediate DIY craft that is sure to impress your Valentine 💝 ADULTS ONLY
This event is full

Wed, Feb 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join credit educators from PNC Bank to dive deeper into how loans and managing debt can impact your credit.

Wed, Feb 25, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
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!

Wed, Feb 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

Thu, Feb 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Thu, Feb 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.

Thu, Feb 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.

Thu, Feb 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!

Thu, Feb 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.

Thu, Feb 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Black History Month by joining us for a screening of this 2023 comedy-drama film, an adaption of the 2001 novel "Erasure" by Percival Everett.

Thu, Feb 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.

Thu, Feb 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!

Thu, Feb 26, 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.

Thu, Feb 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+

Thu, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's make air-dry clay cat jars! All supplies will be provided for this teens-only activity!

Fri, Feb 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Fri, Feb 27, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Read the book, Watch the film. Celebrate Black History Month by joining us for the 2024 film, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead's acclaimed 2019 novel.

Sat, Feb 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!

Sat, Feb 28, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor,Youth Services Area
Join us for the Northern Virginia Writers Club Book Festival! Meet over 20 local authors and enjoy presentations on writing and publishing!

Sat, Feb 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

Sat, Feb 28, 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

Sun, Mar 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Beatley Virtual Room
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. 

Sun, Mar 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.

Sun, Mar 01, 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, Mar 01, 2:00pm - 4:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Oddball Adventure series

Mon, Mar 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Beatley Virtual Room
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. 

Mon, Mar 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.

Mon, Mar 02, 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.

Tue, Mar 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Beatley Virtual Room
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. 

Tue, Mar 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.

Tue, Mar 03, 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, Mar 03, 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.

Tue, Mar 03, 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, Mar 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.

Wed, Mar 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Beatley Virtual Room
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. 

Wed, Mar 04, 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, Mar 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us in conversation with bestselling author and humorist Michael Perry, whose collection of genre-spanning works encapsulates the experiences–and magic–of the everyday people in rural towns. Register

Wed, Mar 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom - Zoom
Join us on March 4, 2026, as we celebrate America250 and learn about Copyright Law, its history, process and rights.

Wed, Mar 04, 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

Last updated:  January 2025