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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
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Pom Pom Kit - Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
Mon, Nov 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Everything you needed to make a pom pom is included in our kit. Keep for yourself or donate to our Pom Pom Garden.
Yarn Storm - Keep Someone Warm This Winter
Mon, Nov 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.
Community Knits!
Mon, Nov 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Let's work together to knit a scarf and hat.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Nov 24, 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
Adult and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Mon, Nov 24, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Hangul for Beginners
Mon, Nov 24, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join this 3-part series with certified educator Byul Yim to learn Korean in a fun, small-group setting.
Registration is now closed
Pom Pom Kit - Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
Tue, Nov 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Everything you needed to make a pom pom is included in our kit. Keep for yourself or donate to our Pom Pom Garden.
Yarn Storm - Keep Someone Warm This Winter
Tue, Nov 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.
Community Knits!
Tue, Nov 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Let's work together to knit a scarf and hat.
Trans-Atlantic Book Club: Alexandria & Helsingborg - Reading Tove Jansson
Tue, Nov 25, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join participants from Alexandria and our Sister City Helsingborg, Sweden for a virtual discussion of two short stories by Tove Jansson in English. Registration required.Register
Small Business Series
Tue, Nov 25, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Six Steps To Starting A Small Business
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Nov 25, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Looking for a space to talk about climate change and the things affected that we love? Join us for a monthly discussion focused on a relevant topic. Register to receive the materials suggestions.
Yarn Storm - Keep Someone Warm This Winter
Wed, Nov 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.
Community Knits!
Wed, Nov 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Let's work together to knit a scarf and hat.
Pom Pom Kit - Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
Wed, Nov 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Everything you needed to make a pom pom is included in our kit. Keep for yourself or donate to our Pom Pom Garden.
Cancelled
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Nov 26, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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.
Film Series - "Frankenstein"
Wed, Nov 26, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Read the book, then join us to watch this 2025 film adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic tale.
Computer Basics and Resume Classes (En español) - 5 CLASES GRATIS DE TECNOLOGIA, EN ESPAÑOL
Wed, Nov 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
¡Únase a nosotros para una introducción básica gratuita a las computadoras y cómo hacer un currículum! (Join us for a free basic introduction to computers and how to make a resume!)
English Language Learning
Wed, Nov 26, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Want to practice your English and learn more vocabulary? Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes!
Yarn Storm - Keep Someone Warm This Winter
Sat, Nov 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.
Community Knits!
Sat, Nov 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Let's work together to knit a scarf and hat.
Pom Pom Kit - Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
Sat, Nov 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Everything you needed to make a pom pom is included in our kit. Keep for yourself or donate to our Pom Pom Garden.
Yarn Storm - Keep Someone Warm This Winter
Sun, Nov 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.
Community Knits!
Sun, Nov 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Let's work together to knit a scarf and hat.
Pom Pom Kit - Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
Sun, Nov 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Everything you needed to make a pom pom is included in our kit. Keep for yourself or donate to our Pom Pom Garden.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Nov 30, 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!
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Mon, Dec 01, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Dec 01, 10:30am - 12:15pm
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, Dec 01, 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, Dec 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.
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Tue, Dec 02, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, Dec 02, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Dec 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.
Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity - with Author Sue Hincenbergs
Tue, Dec 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Buckle up for a wild ride and join us as we sit down for a chat with debut author Sue Hincenbergs to discuss her novel The Retirement Plan, in which murder is the name of the game. Register
Small Business Series
Tue, Dec 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Writing Your Business Plan
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Dec 02, 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
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Wed, Dec 03, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Dec 03, 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.
Film Series - "Downton Abbey: Grand Finale"
Wed, Dec 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
The time has come to say good bye. Join us for a screening of the third and final film in the series following the Crawley family into the 1930s as they face scandal and financial trouble.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Dec 03, 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.
Computer Basics and Resume Classes (En español) - 5 CLASES GRATIS DE TECNOLOGIA, EN ESPAÑOL
Wed, Dec 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
¡Únase a nosotros para una introducción básica gratuita a las computadoras y cómo hacer un currículum! (Join us for a free basic introduction to computers and how to make a resume!)
Citizenship and Immigration 101 - A Guide to Your Rights and The Process
Wed, Dec 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Learn about citizenship and an update on the immigration process as we celebrate Bill of Rights Day This seminar is presented in person at Barrett Library (717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA) .
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Thu, Dec 04, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Dec 04, 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 - Application Assistance
Thu, Dec 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Get help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Line dancing 101
Thu, Dec 04, 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
Line dancing 201
Thu, Dec 04, 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.
Art with Julie - Winter Crafts: Ojo de Dios and Sculptural Snowflakes
Thu, Dec 04, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Get into the festive holiday mood by joining us to for a couple of winter crafts.
Carefull Knit & Crochet - Crafting for Good
Thu, Dec 04, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Dec 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Dec 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.
From Resume to LinkedIn - Crafting a Winning Personal Brand
Thu, Dec 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Certified Federal Career Coach and Job Search Trainer, Latoyah Saunders will explain the importance of developing a personal brand that stands out on your resume and online.Register
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Fri, Dec 05, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Sat, Dec 06, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Your Library Card: A Tour - Making the best of the most valuable card in your wallet
Sat, Dec 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Make good on your New Year resolution to read more, learn, explore, create, and connect with your community using your library card!
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Dec 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your spanish conversation skills.
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Sun, Dec 07, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Dec 07, 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!
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Mon, Dec 08, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Dec 08, 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, Dec 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.
Let's Share Books - A Let's Talk Books End of Year Celebration
Mon, Dec 08, 7:00pm - 7:50pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join the Let's Talk Books discussion group to recommend and learn about books and writings enjoyed throughout the year. There will be after dinner sweets and drinks.
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Dec 08, 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.
Upcycled Wrapping - Gift Decorating Kits
Tue, Dec 09, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Dec 09, 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.
Rescheduled
The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen - with Author and Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Tue, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
New date Tuesday, August 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen.
Rescheduled
Exoplanet Detection - Presentation & Demonstration
Tue, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
New date Tuesday, January 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing Exoplanet Detection!
NASA's Roman Space Telescope - Core Community Surveys
Tue, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing NASA’s flagship observatory: The Roman Space Telescope.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Dec 09, 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
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025