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.

ALL ALEXANDRIA READS 2023

 

Celebrate "JOY" this year with All Alexandria Reads!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Celebrate "JOY" this year with All Alexandria Reads! In 2023, we are highlighting two titles. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, a memoir by Elisabeth Tova Bailey, describes the joy and rewards the author found while closely observing a common woodland snail as she remained bedridden from a long illness. Remarkably Bright Creatures, a novel by Shelby Van Pelt, tells the story of widowed aquarium employee Tova, who forms a friendship with Marcellus, a giant octopus who is determined to solve the mystery of what happened to Tova's missing son.

From March 20 through May, join us for a wide-range of special programs and events for all ages, both virtual and in-person. Look for our brochure at the end of March, and check out our AAR website for details and to register for events.

ABOUT ALL ALEXANDRIA READS
Facilitated by the Alexandria Library, this program is designed to create shared experiences through reading. Everyone is invited to read the featured title and selected books for younger readers.

ALL ALEXANDRIA READS EVENTS
Wed, Mar 22, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Thu, Mar 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Fri, Mar 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Mar 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Mar 25, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Experience the joy of music in an exuberant concert with Ukulele Jon of The Unlikely Strummers, an award winning ukulele group from Rhode Island.

Sun, Mar 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Mar 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Mar 27, All day
The Alexandria Library Virginia YouTube Channel
Miss Lisa reads "This Joy," our 2023 All Alexandria Reads picture book. Recommended for ages 2+

Tue, Mar 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Wed, Mar 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Thu, Mar 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Fri, Mar 31, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Barrett Branch walking and litter pickup club. For this special All Alexandria Reads Trash Trekkers, we'll be spreading joy too!

Sat, Apr 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club. 

Sat, Apr 01, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate the joy of moving our bodies in this active dance-style class taught by a certified Zumba® Kids Jr. instructor. Ages 5-8.

Sun, Apr 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Apr 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Apr 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join an officer from the Alexandria Police Department for a special story time featuring picture books about joy. Ages 0-5; must be accompanied by an adult.

Tue, Apr 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Tue, Apr 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All Alexandria Reads theme this year is Joy! Join us for an especially joyful Stories and Songs! Ages 0-5

Tue, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Tue, Apr 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All Alexandria Reads theme this year is Joy! Join us for an especially joyful Stories and Songs! Ages 0-5

Tue, Apr 04, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Miss Katie for a selection of Pre-K stories and themed craft each week. Ages 3+ with a caregiver. Siblings welcome! Recommended Ages 3-5

Tue, Apr 04, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Grades 3-7 Please note we are meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday this month!

Tue, Apr 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Make joy scattering stones – handcrafted, colorful rock treasures to place around your neighborhood. We provide the paint and rocks; you design colorful pieces of art to share. Ages 8-12.

Wed, Apr 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Wed, Apr 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
A hoppy, happy return of a Barrett Branch tradition! Activities for ages 3+

Thu, Apr 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Thu, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Fri, Apr 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Fri, Apr 07, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Fleece Tug Toys for Dogs!

Sat, Apr 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Help us weed, feed and beautify the public art garden bed and plant stunning Spring/Summer annuals.

Sat, Apr 08, 10:15am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Joyful yoga play for babies ages 6 weeks to 11 months and their grownups.

Sun, Apr 09, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new friends. Burke Branch Meeting Room.

Mon, Apr 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Learn how to download and stream music -- all for free -- using your library card. In a nod to our AAR YA book, "Love Radio," you'll also put on your DJ hat and learn how to create your own playlists.

Mon, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join Let's Talk Books club to read and discuss the nonfiction All Alexandria Reads pick "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. Register

Mon, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a virtual discussion of Alka Joshi's 2020 historical fiction.

Tue, Apr 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Tue, Apr 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Tue, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
A well-crafted book cover or design can delight the senses, streamline the reading experience, and sell more copies.

Wed, Apr 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Wed, Apr 12, 4:00pm - 4:40pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
We "yogify" our 2023 AAR picture book, "This Joy," No yoga experience required. Ages 3+

Wed, Apr 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for an art class where we focus on the joy of the painting process rather than the final product.

Thu, Apr 13, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Fri, Apr 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 15, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of painting along with the episode "Morning Mist". All materials provided. Space is limited and registration is required.

Sat, Apr 15, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Grammy-winning children's musician Andrés for an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish. All ages.

Sat, Apr 15, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of painting along with the episode "Morning Mist". All materials provided. Space is limited and registration is required. For ages 12-18.

Sun, Apr 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Apr 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Knot together a string friendship bracelet or make your own upcycled beads. All supplies provided. Learn various techniques, experiment, and create!

Mon, Apr 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Test your cephalopod knowledge and win prizes! Ages 12 and up.

Tue, Apr 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Tue, Apr 18, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Miss Katie for a selection of Pre-K stories and themed craft each week. Ages 3+ with a caregiver. Siblings welcome! Recommended Ages 3-5

Tue, Apr 18, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Grades 3-7 Please note we are meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday this month!

Tue, Apr 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Joy, sadness, disgust, anger or fear – whatever you may be feeling, come enjoy a movie on the “big screen” with friends and family. All ages.

Wed, Apr 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join Burke Book Club to read and discuss the All Alexandria Reads fiction pick "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt. Register

Wed, Apr 19, 4:00pm - 4:40pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
We read All Alexandria Reads' 2022 selection, "Saturday," do a little yoga,and make a fun craft. A story time for ages 3+

Wed, Apr 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a terrarium workshop where we build a tiny garden in a glass container - which could double as a home for a little wild friend 🐌 For teens, adults, and seniors

Thu, Apr 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Thu, Apr 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join our friends from Dundee, Scotland to discuss the 2023 All Alexandria Reads adult fiction selection, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt! Register

Fri, Apr 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
This is an imaginative and fun class that will encourage children to have joyful, positive feelings while breathing deeply and moving in different positions and poses. Age: 3-5

Fri, Apr 21, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Clearing clutter doesn't have to be a chore. Log on and learn organizing humorist and author Jamie Novak's strategies for decluttering joyfully.Register

Fri, Apr 21, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come spend the afternoon making a card for your BFF. Inspired by the All Alexandria Reads book Jojo Makoons!

Sat, Apr 22, 10:15am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Joyful yoga play for babies ages 6 weeks to 11 months and their grownups.

Sat, Apr 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
In this doodling and drawing event, Zara will lead everyone in some of her favorite silly drawing exercises focused on making interesting marks and embracing mistakes. For school-age children K-5.

Sat, Apr 22, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
In honor of our All Alexandria Reads titles, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating and Remarkably Bright Creatures. Registration required as space is limited.

Sat, Apr 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Share plants and craft supplies with others and find something new to you.

Sat, Apr 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Duncan Lawn
Show your library pride and add some chalk art work to the sidewalks around the Duncan library and in the butterfly garden. Limited supplies will be provided.

Mon, Apr 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Miss Amy and Miss Amanda for songs, stories, and a science-based activity. Ages 5-8.

Tue, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Wed, Apr 26, 4:00pm - 4:40pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Based on our 2021 All Alexandria Reads picture book. A Yoga Story time for ages 3+

Wed, Apr 26, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Watch this endearing film which investigates how two icons, His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, connect to joy even amongst sorrows and challenges. Join the discussion after.

Thu, Apr 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Thu, Apr 27, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Artists' tiny art creations will be on display

Fri, Apr 28, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Come dressed as your favorite animal and participate in a variety of fun activities, including a story, a craft, and a parade! Ages 0-5; must be accompanied by an adult.

Fri, Apr 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Is clutter preventing you from enjoying the fun things in your life? Register

Sat, Apr 29, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association Poet In Residence KaNikki Jakarta and internationally known Spoken Word Artist 13 of Nazareth as they team up in a workshop for performance poets.

Sat, Apr 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Chef Charles is back with another recipe to teach you for springtime.

Sat, Apr 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate the joy of music and dance with the Bolivian Dance Group FFCCUSS Cochabamba Filial Virginia and experience the roots of Andean folk music.

Sun, Apr 30, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the documentary "My Octopus Teacher" by Craig Foster.

Tue, May 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Wed, May 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a weekly introductory Hula dance class (3 classes total) where you will become familiar with basic Hula steps & hand movements.

Thu, May 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Sat, May 06, 10:15am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Joyful yoga play for babies ages 6 weeks to 11 months and their grownups.

Tue, May 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Wed, May 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a weekly introductory Hula dance class (3 classes total) where you will become familiar with basic Hula steps & hand movements.

Thu, May 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Tue, May 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Wed, May 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a weekly introductory Hula dance class (3 classes total) where you will become familiar with basic Hula steps & hand movements.

Wed, May 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Mahjong is an Oregon Book Award finalist in Nonfiction and has been featured by National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, and the South China Morning Post.Register

Thu, May 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Sat, May 20, 10:15am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor,Outdoors
The zucchini is a little early this year-the always magical Great Zucchini, that is! Weather permitting, we will be out on the lawn--please bring a blanket to sit on. Recommended for ages 2+

Sun, May 21, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new friends. Burke Branch Meeting Room.

Tue, May 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Thu, May 25, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?

Tue, May 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn basic line dance steps while you workout to Golden Oldies music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

BOOKS FOR ALL AGES


YOUNG ADULT

The Midnight Library

MIDDLE GRADE

When Stars Are Scattered


EARLY ELEMENTARY

Save Me a Seat


PRE-K

Saturday



PREVIOUS ALL ALEXANDRIA READS SELECTIONS

 

2020/2021

The Library Book
Susan Orlean

2019

It's All Relative
A. J. Jacobs

2018

Sergeant Stubby
Ann Bausum

2017

Priceless
Robert Wittman

2016

The Astronaut Wives Club
Lily Koppel

2015

Big Stone Gap
Adriana Trigiani

2014

When Washington
Was in Vogue
Edward Williams

2013

Listening iS an Act of Love 
StoryCorps Project

2012

Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
William Kamkwamba

2011

The Shadow of the Wind
Carlos Ruiz Zafón

2010

The Geography of Bliss
Eric Weiner

2009

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Barbara Kingsolver

2008
Marley and Me
John Grogan