Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Staff Picks for October
Skip Staff Picks for October widget
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
EVENTS
Skip EVENTS widget
Wed, Oct 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Wed, Oct 01, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Wed, Oct 01, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Wed, Oct 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.

Wed, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Oct 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses.

Wed, Oct 01, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Wed, Oct 01, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Oct 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library Teen Section to get book suggestions, resource help, or just chat!

Wed, Oct 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
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, Oct 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!

Wed, Oct 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18

Wed, Oct 01, 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, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop - 102 N. Fayette St.
Calling young minds 9 to 15 years old! Come to Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop to uncover the ins and outs of both disposable and reusable period products. Dads are encouraged to attend!

Wed, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.

Wed, Oct 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️

Thu, Oct 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Thu, Oct 02, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Thu, Oct 02, 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, Oct 02, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5

Thu, Oct 02, 11:00am - 11:45am
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

Thu, Oct 02, 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, Oct 02, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.

Rescheduled
Thu, Oct 02, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
New date Thursday, October 09, 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! 👻 🎃 🦇

Thu, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key highlight inspiring stories of Latinos and their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.Register

Thu, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Robert Redford by joining us for a screening of his final film, a fitting farewell to a legend.

Cancelled
Thu, Oct 02, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.

Thu, Oct 02, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!

Thu, Oct 02, 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, Oct 02, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come learn and play Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon TCG!

Rescheduled
Thu, Oct 02, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New date Thursday, October 09, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for a couple hours of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!

Thu, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.

Thu, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!

Thu, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+

Thu, Oct 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate October by reading these two scary stories perfect for a cold October night: "My Sad Dead" by Mariana Enriquez and "The Murderer" by Ray Bradbury. Register

Fri, Oct 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Fri, Oct 03, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Fri, Oct 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Fri, Oct 03, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!

Rescheduled
Fri, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
New date Friday, October 10, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.

Fri, Oct 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Have fun on Fridays after school building, making, playing word bingo, and winning prizes! Grades K-5.

Fri, Oct 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your best building brains!

Sat, Oct 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Sat, Oct 04, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Sat, Oct 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Beatley Central Library parking lot
Join us for a fun, leisurely ride through Alexandia as we visit all the Library branches!

Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!

Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Del Ray - Along Mt. Vernon Ave, between Hume Ave & Bellefonte Ave
Join our Avenue Ambition graduates as they take their art businesses on the road, to Art on the Avenue in Del Ray!

Sat, Oct 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

Sat, Oct 04, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!

Sat, Oct 04, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, crafts, face painting and food! The fiesta will take place outside in Beatley Central Library's beautiful Reading Garden. All ages.

Sat, Oct 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your spanish conversation skills.

Sat, Oct 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Auditorium, Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center - 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Meet the authors that brought you your favorite rascals, Dory Fantasmagory and Bibsy Cross, in conversation at the Nannie J. Lee Rec Center. CODE: LIBRARYRegister

Sun, Oct 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Sun, Oct 05, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Sun, Oct 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Sun, Oct 05, 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, Oct 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!

Sun, Oct 05, 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!

Sun, Oct 05, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Bring your preschooler to the Duncan Library on Sunday afternoons to explore STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)! This is a drop-in event. Recommended ages 3-6

Mon, Oct 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Mon, Oct 06, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Mon, Oct 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Mon, Oct 06, 10:15am - 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, Oct 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Mon, Oct 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

Mon, Oct 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Spitfire girls book club!

Mon, Oct 06, 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, Oct 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!

Mon, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.

Mon, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Kick off Banned Books Week by celebrating the freedom to read with a Banned Books Book Tasting! Recommend your favorites and discover new books to try while eating pastries!

Mon, Oct 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
The Friends of Duncan Library's Board Members discuss the Duncan Branch activities, fund raising actives supporting the Duncan Branch programs, collection needs and Alexandria Library community goals.

Tue, Oct 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Tue, Oct 07, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Tue, Oct 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Tue, Oct 07, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air, explore Old Town, and talk about the latest books we've been reading!

Tue, Oct 07, 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, Oct 07, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!

Tue, Oct 07, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
This Hispanic Heritage Month, start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish!

Tue, Oct 07, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Tue, Oct 07, 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, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a special uninterrupted playtime with your child and meet other caregivers. Discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand; toys and resources will be divided up by age (ages 0-3).

Tue, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A storytime in English and Spanish. un cuentacuentos en inglés y español.

Tue, Oct 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tue, Oct 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Calling all brick enthusiasts: come join us to make cool creations and participate in themed challenges. Grades 2-5.

Cancelled
Tue, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
ESTRATEGIAS PARA AHORRAR

Tue, Oct 07, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Show off your Freedom to Read by making a bottle cap pin honoring frequently challenged books and words.

Tue, Oct 07, 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, Oct 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.

Wed, Oct 08, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about 400 years of Black history in Virginia.

Wed, Oct 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Wed, Oct 08, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Wed, Oct 08, 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, Oct 08, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Oct 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses.

Wed, Oct 08, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Wed, Oct 08, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Oct 08, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a virtual presentation from Donovan Schaefer, a Virginia Humanities Fellow, on his research project “Nationalism & Cosmopolitanism in the Creation of Richmond’s Confederate Monuments.” Register

Wed, Oct 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join our annual Halloween-themed in-person discussion of Agatha Christie's "Hallowe'en Party."

Wed, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Welcome the fall season by decorating pumpkins inspired by the art of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Pumpkins and pens will be provided.
This event is full

Wed, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library Teen Section to get book suggestions, resource help, or just chat!

Wed, Oct 08, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!

Wed, Oct 08, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18

Wed, Oct 08, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join Library of Virginia for a virtual volunteer session to learn how you can help make historical documents more searchable and usable for researchers now and in the future.Register

Wed, Oct 08, 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, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.

Wed, Oct 08, 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

Rescheduled
Wed, Oct 08, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
New date Thursday, October 23, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join this 3-part series with certified educator Byul Yim to learn Korean in a fun, small-group setting.

Wed, Oct 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mystery lovers of Alexandria rejoice and join us for an evening with local crime writers who will discuss their books.

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

 

All City government facilities are now open to the public, or open by appointment only. Check individual department or program pages for details about specific services. Customers may also call 311 or 703.746.4311 to request in-person information or service.

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
The Alexandria Health Department is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by coronavirus "COVID-19." Learn about the City's response and find information and resources related to COVID-19. For updates text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777

Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness, called coronavirus disease 2019 (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 authority on public health information.