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Monthly Staff Picks
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EVENTS
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Wed, Sep 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Sep 09, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Wed, Sep 09, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Sep 09, 4:00pm - 5:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Coffee, crafts, and conversation (Ages 13-18) Cafe, arte, y conversación (Edades 13-18)

Wed, Sep 09, 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 09, 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

Wed, Sep 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
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.

Wed, Sep 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Hear what the Burke Branch Friends have been up to and learn how you can get involved.

Wed, Sep 09, 6:05pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come build and paint a wooden model airplane! (Ages 8-12) Registration required ¡Venga y construya y pinte un avión de madera! (Edades 8-12) Hay que registrarse con anticipación

Wed, Sep 09, 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 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Small Business Series: Financial Planning 101 Perfect For Small Business Owners, Artists, Inventors, Innovators, Creatives and Freelancers This event is presented online only via Zoom Register

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, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5. Tickets required. Edades 0-5, se requieren boletos.

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, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5. Tickets required. Edades 0-5, se requieren boletos.

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, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.

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, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.

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 - 11:30am
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, 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, 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.

Sat, Sep 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Yoga, literacy, and family fun! Registration required. (Ages 3-8) ¡Yoga, alfabetización, y diversión familiar! Hay que registrarse. (Edades 3-8)
This event is full

Cancelled
Sun, Sep 13, 1:15pm - 2:15pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Craft, snack, and chat! (ages 9-12)

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, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An interactive story time for kids of all abilities, especially those with sensory needs. Registration required. (Ages 2-8)

Mon, Sep 14, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Make a paper lei and share books about Hawaiian history and culture inspired by American Girl's Nanea Mitchell (ages 6-12)

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, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 14-18. Drop in for an evening of art, your way.

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!

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.

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, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, Sep 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in to make bracelets, necklaces, and new friends! (Ages 6-12)

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, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Join DM John in a dino DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.

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, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Sep 16, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Wed, Sep 16, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

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, 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, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Do you love comics? Drawing? Graphic novels? Then join crazy comix club! (Ages 6-12)

Rescheduled
Wed, Sep 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New date Wednesday, September 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Draw, paint, learn, and create your way through Hispanic Heritage Month (Ages 6-12) Dibuje, pinte, aprenda, y cree durante el Mes de Hispanos (Edades 6-12)

Cancelled
Wed, Sep 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Do you want to practice reading aloud? Do you like dogs? Sign up for a 15-minute reading slot to read to a dog by calling (703) 746-1753 or by stopping by Beatley's Children's Desk. Ages 6-12.

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 - 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, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Smiley faces, grouchy faces, square faces, lopsided faces, and more! Create hand sewn plushie emojis packed with personality. Get creative! All supplies will be provided. For ages 8-18.

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

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Tax Assistance - Federal tax forms will be available for customers to pick up at most Library branches beginning in late January.  The Library does not offer tax preparation assistance. However, the City's Department of Community & Human Services offers free tax return preparation to eligible residents beginning in February.

Alexandria's Workforce Development Center provide services and resources for job seekers, including access to the Career Center, career readiness workshops, career assessments and customized hiring events.

Those feeling depressed or anxious can call SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services) Disaster Distress 1-800-985-5990 or Text Talk with Us 66746

For those who feel unsafe at home call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Text Loveis at 22522

Alexandria Health Department
Visit the Alexandria Health Department's page about the Coronavirus to find information and resources related to COVID-19. For updates text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777

Virginia Department of Health
You can also visit the Virginia Department of Health's page about the Coronavirus to find resources related to COVID-19. The information line is 877-ASK-VDH3

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are our nation’s premier authorities on public health information.