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 2024

 

Celebrate "COURAGE" this year with All Alexandria Reads!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Celebrate "COURAGE" this year with All Alexandria Reads! In 2024, we are highlighting two titles. Brave the Wild River, a nonfiction story by Melissa Sevigny, describes the expectation-defying journey of two female botanists to document the plants of the Grand Canyon. Black Cake, a novel by Charmaine Wilkerson, tells the story of an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.

From March 8 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 your local Alexandria Library branch in mid-March.

All Alexandria Reads is made possible through a generous grant from the James M. Duncan, Jr. Library Foundation, Inc.

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
Sat, Mar 01, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sun, Mar 02, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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.

Mon, Mar 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Tue, Mar 04, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Wed, Mar 05, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Thu, Mar 06, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Fri, Mar 07, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sat, Mar 08, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good for your community. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.

Sat, Mar 08, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sat, Mar 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a demonstration of some of the most famous dances, including the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance, and even learn a step or two yourself!

Sun, Mar 09, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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.

Mon, Mar 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Tue, Mar 11, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Wed, Mar 12, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Thu, Mar 13, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Fri, Mar 14, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sat, Mar 15, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sun, Mar 16, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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.

Mon, Mar 17, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Tue, Mar 18, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Wed, Mar 19, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Wed, Mar 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Adults Only

Thu, Mar 20, 10:00am - 8:00pm
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.

Fri, Mar 21, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sat, Mar 22, 10:00am - 5:00pm
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.

Sun, Mar 23, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
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.

Tue, Apr 01, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Tue, Apr 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
As a part of All Alexandria Reads, please join us to read and discuss our nonfiction selection "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca Solnit.

Wed, Apr 02, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Thu, Apr 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Thu, Apr 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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, Apr 03, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
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! 📚 ☕

Fri, Apr 04, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sat, Apr 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.

Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Tue, Apr 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 09, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Thu, Apr 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Thu, Apr 10, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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.

Fri, Apr 11, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Fri, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Do you have treasures to appraise or clothes and toys to sell? Clean out your closets, attic, and garage to find things to sell easily. Register

Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good for your community. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.

Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Manumission Tour Company will lead a 90-minute walking tour along the King Street corridor incorporating stories from abolitionist William Still's 1872 book.

Sat, Apr 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
The Jazz Trotters will guide you through an exploration of the development of Jazz music.

Sun, Apr 13, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Mon, Apr 14, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Mon, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Please join us to read and discuss this year's fiction choice for All Alexandria Reads, "James" by Percival Everett. Register

Tue, Apr 15, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 16, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 16, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Thu, Apr 17, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Thu, Apr 17, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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.

Fri, Apr 18, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sat, Apr 19, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Mon, Apr 21, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Tue, Apr 22, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 23, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 23, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 23, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a virtual discussion of the fiction pick of this year's All Alexandria Reads. The 2025 AAR theme is adventure.Register

Thu, Apr 24, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Thu, Apr 24, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Make journals to take on your travels!

Thu, Apr 24, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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, Apr 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love action-packed adventure? Are you ready for the thrill? You’re invited to a riveting conversation with NYT bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz as he chats with us about his Orphan X series.Register

Fri, Apr 25, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sun, Apr 27, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Sun, Apr 27, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Four Mile Run - Water Access
Help keep our waterway beautiful by participating in a land and water-based cleanup hosted by the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. (Ages 12+)

Mon, Apr 28, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Visualize the next adventure of your life by making a vision board. All supplies will be provided along with instructions and ideas for how to begin. 

Tue, Apr 29, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 30, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.

Wed, Apr 30, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 30, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2

BOOKS FOR ALL AGES

YOUNG ADULT

Rust in the Root

MIDDLE GRADE

Clues to the Universe

EARLY ELEMENTARY

The Secret of the Jade Bangle

PRE-K

The Boy Who Touched the Stars

PREVIOUS ALL ALEXANDRIA READS SELECTIONS

 

2023

The Sound of a Snail Eating
Remarkably Bright Creatures

2022

Crying in H Mart
Infinite Country

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

2024 ALL ALEXANDRIA READS SPONSORS

All Alexandria Reads is made possible through a generous grant from the JAMES M. DUNCAN, JR. LIBRARY FOUNDATION, INC.

Additional sponsors and partners include the following local businesses and organizations:

Last Updated:  March 2024