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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, 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.
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!
This event is full
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.
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+
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 03, 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!
Oddball Cinema - Big Game
Sun, May 03, 2:00pm - 4:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Oddball Adventure series
Colonial Crafternoon - Covered Buttons
Sun, May 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Make a covered button, a popular colonial era craft, and create a keychain.
Senior Bingo
Mon, May 04, 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, May 04, 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.
Stability in Motion - A Weekly Yoga Class with Seven Petals Yoga
Mon, May 04, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for an all-levels yoga class that invites you to connect with your body, build stability over time, and deepen your practice in a supportive, welcoming environment—no prior experience needed
Let's Talk Books! - "Land of Milk and Honey" - C. Pam Zhang
Mon, May 04, 7:00pm - 7:55pm
Virtual - Virtual
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "Land of Milk and Honey" by C. Pam Zhang!Register
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, May 05, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air and enjoy some sunshine as we discuss the latest books we've been reading!
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, May 05, 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
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 06, 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.
English Language Learning
Wed, May 06, 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!
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, May 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
ZOOM
Join us the first Wednesday of the month for a relaxing session led by David Kosar with Yoga in Daily Life! We will learn methods, practices, and techniques to help guide you through yogic philosophy
Line Dancing 101
Thu, May 07, 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, May 07, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay"
Thu, May 07, 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! 📚 ☕
Film Screening - "Wicked: For Good"
Thu, May 07, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for the epic conclusion to the untold story of the witches of Oz.
Carefull Knit & Crochet - America250
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Contribute to Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making scarves to donate. Visit our display in honor of America250 and our work to build a community of care. Add your scarf to the collection.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, May 07, 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!
Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group: Group B - Adventure awaits!
Thu, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Laugh Lab - Stand-Up Comedy Workshop
Thu, May 07, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Aspiring comics -- join local comedian Kerby Valladares to learn the ins and outs of stand-up comedy.
On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love - with Bestselling and Award-Winning Author Marjan Kamali
Thu, May 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an exciting conversation with internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali as we delve into the timeless wonder of her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehran. Register
On the Move! American Migration Routes - From the Colonial Period to the Early Republic, Part 1
Fri, May 08, 10:00am - 11:30am
Virtual - Virtual
How did Americans travel before the advent of planes, trains and automobiles?Register
Gear Up for Bike to Work Day!
Sat, May 09, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Get set for Bike to Work Day by making sure your bike is ready to go. Volunteer mechanics from Velocity Bicycle Co-op will be on hand to provide checkups and basic maintenance.
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Introduction to Tarot
Sat, May 09, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour learning more about tarot!
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, May 09, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, May 09, 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!
Rescheduled
Building Better Bonds! - Positive reinforcement training and bonding with your pet!
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
New date Saturday, May 23, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
AWLA's Behavior and Training Manager will provide tips for living harmoniously with your dog or cat at home, answer specific questions about your pet, and chat about AWLA's Alexandria Animal Academy.
Swing Dancing
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join Tom and Debra of Gottaswing for a fun and low-pressure introductory swing dance lesson.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, May 11, 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.
Stability in Motion - A Weekly Yoga Class with Seven Petals Yoga
Mon, May 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for an all-levels yoga class that invites you to connect with your body, build stability over time, and deepen your practice in a supportive, welcoming environment—no prior experience needed
How to Robot-Proof Your Kids (and Yourself) - with Dr. Vivienne Ming
Tue, May 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a timely conversation on AI, humanity, and the next steps towards building a better future with self-proclaimed “mad scientist” Dr. Vivienne Ming as we discuss her new book, Robot-Proof.Register
What to Expect at Work - A Parents Guide to Employment Protections
Tue, May 12, 6:15pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This presentation provides an overview of workplace rights for employees who are pregnant, postpartum or lactating in the DMV area.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 13, 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.
Literary Virginia Book Group: Hell Put to Shame - 1921 Murder Farm Massacre & Horror of America's 2nd Slavery
Wed, May 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Library of Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register
English Language Learning
Wed, May 13, 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!
Line Dancing 101
Thu, May 14, 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, May 14, 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 - Felted Birds
Thu, May 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Felted birds were a common theme for the early American colonists. They could be used as ornaments and had simple yet beautiful forms and colors. Come make a stylized felted bird with us!
This event is full
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, May 14, 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.
Ancient Wisdom & Modern Technologies for Brain Performance - with Dr. Patrick K. Porter and Ruchika Sikri
Thu, May 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us as Ruchika Sikri and Dr. Patrick Porter discuss their book, Brain Fitness Blueprint, in which they present a 30-day action plan to supercharge your brain and achieve peak performance.Register
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, May 14, 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.
Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group: Group A - Adventure awaits!
Thu, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Cancelled
Sit & Stitch
Thu, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for an hour of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, May 14, 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!
Laugh Lab - Stand-Up Comedy Workshop
Thu, May 14, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Aspiring comics -- join local comedian Kerby Valladares to learn the ins and outs of stand-up comedy.
On the Move! American Migration Routes - From the Colonial Period to the Early Republic, Part 2
Fri, May 15, 10:00am - 11:30am
Virtual - Virtual
How did Americans travel before the advent of planes, trains and automobiles?Register
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, May 16, 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
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, May 16, 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
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025