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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, 2026. 

 

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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Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, Apr 17, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, Apr 18, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All levels are welcome, to stretch, breathe and cultivate connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
This event is full
Language & Latinidad in The Nation’s Capital
Sat, Apr 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Dr. Tseng, Professor of Spanish and Linguistics at American University, will discuss the history of Latin American immigration to the DC Metro Area and how its shaped a unique regional language.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Apr 18, 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!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sun, Apr 19, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 19, 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 - The Fare
Sun, Apr 19, 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!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Mon, Apr 20, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Apr 20, 10:30am - 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.
This event is full
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 20, 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.
Alexandria Library Board meeting
Mon, Apr 20, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Alexandria Library Board meeting
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 20, 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A year-round horror club!
Mon, Apr 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Do you like scary movies, books, tv shows, or video games? Do you enjoy making horror themed DIY projects? This is the event for you!
Let's Talk Books - "America, América" by Greg Grandin
Mon, Apr 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss this year's All Alexandria Reads nonfiction selection in celebration of America250 "America, América: A New History of the New World" by Greg Grandin.Register
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Tue, Apr 21, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club promotes freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged. For April we are discussing the 2026 All Alexandria Reads selection, Sing, Unburied, Sing.
Death Café
Tue, Apr 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Take part in a group-led discussion about death and dying without any set agenda, objectives, or themes. Tea and sweets will be provided.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Wed, Apr 22, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 22, 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.
Lush Lyricism and Intimate Confessions - with Miranda Cowley Heller, NY Times Bestselling Author
Wed, Apr 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Award-winning and bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller takes us on an intimate journey through the life stages of a woman in her new poetry collection, What the Deep Water Knows. Register
Prevent Food Waste Workshop
Wed, Apr 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
In celebration of Earth Day, please join us to learn practical tips and resources for reducing food waste.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Apr 22, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the Library! Enjoy a tutorial with instructions on how to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
Burke Book Club (All Alexandria Reads Edition) - "America, America" by Greg Grandin
Wed, Apr 22, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion on Zoom of our 2026 All Alexandria Reads Adult Non-Fiction selection, “America, América” by Greg Grandin. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 22, 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
Wed, Apr 22, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Duncan Library
Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes! / ¡Únase a nosotros todos los miércoles por la noche para recibir clases GRATIS para principiantes e intermedios!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Thu, Apr 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 23, 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.
Line Dancing 101
Thu, Apr 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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 shoes!
Line Dancing 201
Thu, Apr 23, 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.
Trans-Atlantic Book Club: Alexandria & Dundee - Reading Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman
Thu, Apr 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Virtual Room
Join Alexandrians and our Sister City Dundee, Scotland to discuss short story "The Long Arm" by Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman. Registration required. Register
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, Apr 23, 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.
250th Film Festival - "Train Dreams"
Thu, Apr 23, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of the 2025 film based on the 2011 novella by Denis Johnson.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Apr 23, 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, Apr 23, 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 free 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.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group: Group A - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Apr 23, 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
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, Apr 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, Apr 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, Apr 25, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Grand Gaming Melee: The Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) invites you to play dice games, card games, tile games, and just about any other kind of tabletop game. Register
Build Your Own Time Capsule
Sat, Apr 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Story Room
All ages are welcome to create a personal time capsule to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. Materials will be provided.
A Celebration of History and Nature
Sat, Apr 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
As we celebrate our country's founding, local Virginia Master Naturalists will share information about some regional gems where you can discover history and nature together. 
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sun, Apr 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Colonial Crafternoon - Cross-Stitch
Sun, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Learn about the art of cross-stitch, a craft popular during the American Colonial period. Create a small sampler to take home.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Mon, Apr 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Language
Mon, Apr 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
In celebration of Arab American Heritage Month, we invite you to join us for a presentation on the Arabic language and calligraphy.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 27, 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, Apr 27, 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A year-round horror club!
Mon, Apr 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Do you like scary movies, books, tv shows, or video games? Do you enjoy making horror themed DIY projects? This is the event for you!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Tue, Apr 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 28, 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.
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Tue, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
At this workshop you will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and build one to take home. Registration is required, with a fee of $55 for the cost of the barrel.Register
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Apr 28, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Apr 28, 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
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Wed, Apr 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 29, 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.
Medicare 101 - Helping you navigate Medicare with VA Insurance Counseling
Wed, Apr 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge 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)
Artful Flowers
Wed, Apr 29, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Artificial flowers are versatile decorations that date back long before the 18th century. Join us to to make your own flowers on stems or as a brooch.
This event is full
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 29, 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.
Ghost Stories in the American South - A historical perspective on ghosts in Sing, Unburied, Sing
Wed, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Office of Historic Alexandria staff will join us to help unpack the differing concepts of ghosts, ghost stories, and other spirits raised in Jesmyn Ward’s novel "Sing, Unburied, Sing."
DIY Paper Marbling
Wed, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a historic technique used to create beautiful designs on paper, which you can use to decorate the interior of your favorite book or journal!
This event is full
English Language Learning
Wed, Apr 29, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Duncan Library
Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes! / ¡Únase a nosotros todos los miércoles por la noche para recibir clases GRATIS para principiantes e intermedios!
Romance Book Club
Wed, Apr 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance enthusiasts? Join us on the last Wednesday of the month! Click on the event title for more details. Register
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Thu, Apr 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 30, 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.
Line Dancing 101
Thu, Apr 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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 shoes!
Line Dancing 201
Thu, Apr 30, 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.
How to Avoid Identity Theft
Thu, Apr 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Identity theft can happen to anyone, but you can take steps to protect yourself.
The Soul of Algeria: Music, Fashion, Food & Stories
Thu, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 7:45pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
In celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, this special cultural program invites the public to explore Algeria's rich heritage.
Mending by Hand - Learn basic skills so you can do your own mending at home! 
Thu, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Guidance on patching, hemming, sewing on buttons, and Japanese Sashiko mending. All supplies included. Ages 14 and up.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Estate Planning 101
Thu, Apr 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us on April 30, 2026, for a presentation on Estate Planning 101 Register
Writing Beloved Characters & Powerful Resilience - with Award-Winning and NYT Bestselling Author Jason Reynolds
Thu, Apr 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us in conversation with bestselling author Jason Reynolds as we discuss his latest work, Coach, the fifth–and last–entry in the highly popular Track series.Register
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, May 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Introduction to Hula
Fri, May 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for an introductory Hula dance class where you will become familiar with basic Hula steps and hand movements.
Cancelled
Introduction to Hula
Fri, May 01, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Join us for an introductory Hula dance class where you will become familiar with basic Hula steps & hand movements.
Film Screening - "Sinners"
Fri, May 01, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a screening of the acclaimed 2025 horror film set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, May 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Coffee & Conversation
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join neighbors and other community members for conversation over a cup of coffee.
How To Grow Homegrown Herbal Tea
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join the Extension Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia for a hands-on learning session about herbal teas, their history, and medicinal benefits!
House Plant Swap
Sat, May 02, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Do you love plants and/or looking to start or grow your collection? Find new friends and new plants by bringing house plants and cuttings to swap!
English Conversation Club - Develop & Practice Your English Conversation Skills
Sat, May 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Welcome! Are you looking to improve your English language skills? Join us for English conversation practice, with new topics each session! Ages 14+
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, May 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025