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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 1st, customers 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 Saturday, February 29 at 5 p.m.  Online entries can be submitted till midnight. Winners will be notified the following week.

 

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

NEW AT THE LIBRARY

 

Naked came the Florida man No fixed line The vanished birds The race of aces : WWII's elite airmen and the epic battle to become the masters of the sky Run me to earth : a novel Followers

SEE MORE >>

Upcoming Events
Online Job Hunting
Fri, Feb 28, 10:15am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
The Internet has become an essential part of any job search. It can be difficult to know where to begin.
Canceled
ESL Class - Beginning Level
Fri, Feb 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Free English classes for beginners in speaking, reading and writing English. Text materials will be provided in class. Children can accompany their parents in the classroom.
Let's Talk - An ESL Conversation Class
Sat, Feb 29, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
Chess
Sat, Feb 29, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Interested in playing chess or learning about the game? Join us in the Children's Area. All skill levels are welcome. All ages. Children under 8 age must be accompanied by their adult.
Preparing For Retirement - Six Strategies for a Successful Retirement
Sat, Feb 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
This seminar will cover the most important financial considerations and strategies for those approaching retirement and current retirees.
Salsa Dance Classes
Sat, Feb 29, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us at Duncan to learn how to Salsa! Come alone or with a partner. All skill levels are welcome.
The Great Escape in Washington DC - Presented by the National Park Service
Sat, Feb 29, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn about the Capital City under the institution slavery and the people who tried to escape this system which will be presented by NPS Ranger Kenya Finley in honor of Black History Month. 
Women in Jazz
Sun, Mar 01, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Presented by master flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq. Experience the history of women in jazz through lecture, trivia, and live performance.
Romance Book Club
Sun, Mar 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us! Email reflib@alexlibraryva.org for info about this month's selection or to join our email list.
Canceled
ESL Class- Beginning Level
Mon, Mar 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Free English classes for beginners in speaking, reading, and writing English. Text materials will be provided in class. Children can accompany their parents in the classroom.
Tech Monday Matinee - "Bombshell— The Hedy Lamarr Story"
Mon, Mar 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Austrian actress Hedy Lamarr fled an oppressive marriage to create a name for herself as one of Hollywood's top leading ladies in the 1940s.
Image Editing 101
Mon, Mar 02, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Get tips on editing images so your photos look their best!
ESL Class - Intermediate Level
Mon, Mar 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Story Room
PLEASE NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME! Class will be meeting on Monday evenings from 7-8 PM in the Story Room on the first floor.
English Language Workshop - Intermediate Level
Tue, Mar 03, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Free ESL Intermediate Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Handcraft Tuesday
Tue, Mar 03, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Share your projects, tips and ideas, and enjoy the company of other crafters while you do your craft of choice.
Microgreens! - From the Master Gardeners of NOVA
Tue, Mar 03, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Microgreens: what are they, why they are so fabulous and how to grow them.Register
Practice Your English Conversation Club - Adult "All Levels" for English Conversation
Wed, Mar 04, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come practice your English language skills with others in friendly conversations. Free and open to the public. No registration is required; drop-in when you can.
Bridge Club
Wed, Mar 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This club is for the social enjoyment of the game of Bridge. It is open to all all levels. Beginners welcome.
A Year of Great Neo Noir - "Inherent Vice"
Wed, Mar 04, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
The Friends of Duncan Library present A Year of Great Neo Noir Films.
Women in Espionage During World War II
Wed, Mar 04, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education in the Exhibitions and Programs Department of the International Spy Museum, will discuss true stories of daring women spies of World War II.
English Language Workshop - Beginner Level
Thu, Mar 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Free ESL Beginner Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
English Language Workshop - Intermediate Level
Thu, Mar 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Free ESL Intermediate Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Afternoon Book Dicussion Group - "Americanah"
Thu, Mar 05, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
The Afternoon Book Discussion Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM. All are welcome!
Carefull Knitting
Thu, Mar 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group!
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Mar 05, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a discussion of the following two stories: "In the Gloaming" by Alice Elliott Dark and "Proper Library" by Carolyn Ferrell
Canceled
ESL Class- Beginning Level
Fri, Mar 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Free English classes for beginners in speaking, reading, and writing English. Text materials will be provided in class. Children can accompany their parents in the classroom.
Buying a Home
Sat, Mar 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn how to shop for a home and be successful in the competitive metro Washington, D.C., area market.
Intro to Local History / Special Collections - Women's History
Sat, Mar 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
Learn about what is available and what resources are available for researching the history of women in Alexandria at the Local History and Special Collections Branch.
Let's Talk - An ESL Conversation Class
Sat, Mar 07, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
Selling a Home
Sat, Mar 07, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn how to make your house stand out from the others on the market.
Chess
Sat, Mar 07, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Interested in playing chess or learning about the game? Join us in the Children's Area. All skill levels are welcome. All ages. Children under 8 age must be accompanied by their adult.
Home Buying and Selling
Sat, Mar 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn about buying and selling a home. A realtor and lender will answer your questions about buying and selling with professionals or on your own!
Rock Painting
Sat, Mar 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Transform your garden and outdoor area by blending nature and art through rock painting.
The 19th Amendment and Women's Vote Centennial - Presented by the National Park Service
Sat, Mar 07, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
As we come upon the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, let's explore Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, and other suffrage activists of the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Writers Group
Sun, Mar 08, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Calling all writers...join the Beatley Central Writers Group.
Grow What You Eat
Sun, Mar 08, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a workshop with a Master Gardener to learn how to turn your yard into a bountiful garden.
Brain Games
Mon, Mar 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Seniors, sharpen your mind and exercise your brain with stimulating games, puzzles, and activities.
Canceled
ESL Class- Beginning Level
Mon, Mar 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Free English classes for beginners in speaking, reading, and writing English. Text materials will be provided in class. Children can accompany their parents in the classroom.
Tech Monday Matinee - "Great Unsung Women of Computing"
Mon, Mar 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
A series of three remarkable documentary films that show how women revolutionized the computing and Internet technology we use today.
English Language Workshop - Beginner Level
Mon, Mar 09, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Free ESL Beginner Workshops usually held every Monday.
Friends of Duncan Library Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Mar 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
The Friends of Duncan Library's monthly Board Meeting is open to all.
ESL Class - Intermediate Level
Mon, Mar 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Story Room
PLEASE NOTE NEW DAY AND TIME! Class will be meeting on Monday evenings from 7-8 PM in the Story Room on the first floor.
Genealogy Discussion Group - Roots Worth Remembering: Focused Research on Irish Origins
Mon, Mar 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join genealogist Kelly McGuinness as she shares the tips and tricks for finding Irish ancestors.
Let's Talk Books - Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Mon, Mar 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Let's Talk Books is a monthly book discussion club at the Barrett Branch Library. Call 703-746-1721 for more information.
Diversity Book Club
Mon, Mar 09, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a discussion of "The Round House" by Louise Erdrich.
English Language Workshop - Beginner Level
Tue, Mar 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Free ESL Beginner Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
English Language Workshop - Intermediate Level
Tue, Mar 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Free ESL Intermediate Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
LinkedIn for Career Advancement
Tue, Mar 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Ousman Jobe, U.S. Public Policy Senior Manager for LinkedIn, will explain how to optimally use the social media business platform to find your next job and advance your career.  
Friends of Beatley Central Library Meeting
Tue, Mar 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our monthly business meeting and learn how to become more active with the Friends.
Tales & Ales Book Club - at La Casa Restaurant
Tue, Mar 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
La Casa Restaurant
Join us for a book club with beer, contact kdow@alexlibraryva.org or 703-746-1746 for more information. We will be reading "The Woman Behind the New Deal" by Kirstin Downey.
Google Live Stream Event - Spring into Action
Wed, Mar 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Start the year off on the right foot by learning how to use Google Analytics to gain insights into how consumers engage with businesses online.
Burke Branch Friends' Book Sale
Wed, Mar 11, 3:00pm - 6:45pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Half-price sale on Sunday. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Memento Mori Book Club
Wed, Mar 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a death-themed book club and discussion, plus tea and cake!
Muslim Women in America: Ideals and Realities
Wed, Mar 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
This presentation looks at the role and status of women in the Islamic tradition and analyzes why and how the lived realities of Muslim women are at times in contradiction with normative sources.
English Language Workshop - Beginner Level
Thu, Mar 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Free ESL Beginner Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
English Language Workshop - Intermediate Level
Thu, Mar 12, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Free ESL Intermediate Workshops usually held every Tuesday and Thursday of the week all month long.
Burke Branch Friends' Book Sale
Thu, Mar 12, 1:15pm - 8:45pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Half-price sale on Sunday. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Online Job Hunting
Thu, Mar 12, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
The Internet has become an essential part of any job search. It can be difficult to know where to begin.
Tech on Tap - Self Driving Cars
Thu, Mar 12, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Port City Brewing Company - Port City Brewing Company
Get up to speed with self driving cars!
Zora Neale Hurston - Jump at the Sun
Thu, Mar 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this free documentary screening during Women's History Month.
Burke Branch Friends' Book Sale
Fri, Mar 13, 10:15am - 5:45pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Half-price sale on Sunday. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Burke Branch Friends' Book Sale
Sat, Mar 14, 10:15am - 4:45pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Half-price sale on Sunday. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Let's Talk - An ESL Conversation Class
Sat, Mar 14, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Interested in building your confidence in your use of English?
Chess
Sat, Mar 14, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Interested in playing chess or learning about the game? Join us in the Children's Area. All skill levels are welcome. All ages. Children under 8 age must be accompanied by their adult.
Chess
Sat, Mar 14, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Interested in playing chess or learning about the game? Join us in the Children's Area. All skill levels are welcome. All ages. Children under 8 age must be accompanied by their adult.
Death Cafe
Sat, Mar 14, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Meeting Room
Death Cafes are an opportunity to demystify the death experience. We offer an open, safe environment for discussing thoughts, feelings about all manner death and dying.
Equal Rights Amendment Explained
Sat, Mar 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Learn more about the newly ratified Equal Rights Amendment!
See all events