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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 1, patrons 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 Friday, February 28, 2025. 

 

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

Upcoming Events
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Sat, Jul 05, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 05, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Sun, Jul 06, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jul 06, 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!
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Mon, Jul 07, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, Jul 07, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Brush up on your digital and media literacy skills to protect yourself with the Be MediaWise Misinformation Resilience Toolkit. Register
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jul 07, 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
Family Game Night! - Let's have a gaming adventure!
Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Jul 07, 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.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Jul 07, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can explore, learn, play, and evolve together - one breath at a time
Diversity Book Club - "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Alexie
Mon, Jul 07, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a discussion of Sherman Alexie's 2007 young adult novel.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Jul 08, 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.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Jul 08, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jul 08, 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
Helping You Navigate Medicare - VA Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP)
Wed, Jul 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jul 09, 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.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Jul 09, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
Mystery Book Club - "Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies" by Catherine Mack
Wed, Jul 09, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of Catherine Mack's first book in The Vacation Mysteries series. Register
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Jul 09, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jul 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.
Literary Virginia Book Group - Simply Lies by David Baldacci
Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Jul 09, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Jul 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Line Dancing
Thu, Jul 10, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
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.
Relaxation Techniques as Self-Care workshop
Thu, Jul 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Massage therapist Michael Jones will be demonstrating facial acupressure and hand reflexology relaxation techniques as self-care.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Jul 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.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Jul 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Jul 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
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, Jul 10, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Company Of Books 2200 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, Va 22301
Join us at "The Company of Books", where we discuss what we're currently reading. Bring something to write with, you are always going to leave with a list of things to add to your TBR pile!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jul 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Low Vision Resource Group - Resources for people experiencing low vision
Fri, Jul 11, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stretch, breathe and cultivate your connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
This event is full
Book Tasting - Get book recommendations and enjoy pastries!
Sat, Jul 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Need more books to fill your SummerQuest logs? Look no further!
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 12, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Book Journaling Meetup
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us to work on your book journal and share with others what you've added and read!
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Jul 13, 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 ones.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Jul 14, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jul 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Jul 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room,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.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Jul 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can explore, learn, play, and evolve together - one breath at a time
Let's Talk Books - "The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez
Mon, Jul 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Barrett Virtual Room
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez.Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Jul 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.
Inova Blood Drive
Tue, Jul 15, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be in the Beatley Library parking Lot. Book your appointment to give blood using the link below.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Jul 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jul 16, All day
Virtual - Virtual
World-renowned author and career advisor shows you how to get the job you want quickly and easily and in any economy. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, lessons are asynchronous over 6 weeks)Register
Resume Writing Workshop - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jul 16, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Discover the secret to transforming your tired, boring resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Computer Skills for the Workplace - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jul 16, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Gain a working knowledge of the computer skills you will need to succeed in today's job market. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jul 16, 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.
Burke Book Club - "Winesburg, Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson
Wed, Jul 16, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of an American classic!Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jul 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.
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Jul 16, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Jul 17, 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.
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Jul 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Line Dancing
Thu, Jul 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.
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, Jul 17, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Jul 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
NEW EXTENDED TIME! 3-5 PM! Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu - 9th-12th Grade
Thu, Jul 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Explore the intricate world of Legend with Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets.Register
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Death of Stalin
Thu, Jul 17, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jul 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Jul 17, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info! Register
Medicare 101 - Helping you navigate Medicare with VA Insurance Counseling
Fri, Jul 18, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jul 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stretch, breathe and cultivate your connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
This event is full
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Jul 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jul 20, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame
Sun, Jul 20, 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!
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025