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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
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Sat, Jul 12, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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
Registration is now closed
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!
Registration is now closed
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!
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Sun, Jul 13, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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.
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Mon, Jul 14, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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
Adults and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED -
Mon, Jul 14, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
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
This event is full
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
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Tue, Jul 15, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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.
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Wed, Jul 16, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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!
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Thu, Jul 17, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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.
Summer Film Series - Nonnas
Thu, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Culinary Month by joining us for a new film which was inspired by a real chef at Enoteca Maria restaurant in New York.
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
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Fri, Jul 18, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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).
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Sat, Jul 19, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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!
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Sun, Jul 20, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
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!
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Mon, Jul 21, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jul 21, 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 21, 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.
Adults and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED -
Mon, Jul 21, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Jul 21, 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!
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Jul 21, 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
This event is full
Votes for Cats! Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025 Voting - Vote now for the next Library Cat
Tue, Jul 22, All day
Virtual
Voting is now open to determine who will be the Alexandria Library Cat of 2025.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Jul 22, 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 22, 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.
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Jul 22, 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.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jul 23, 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 (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jul 23, 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 23, 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 24, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Jul 24, 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
Thu, Jul 24, 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.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Jul 24, 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 24, 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.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Parenting Professional Development Series - Baby Steps Towards Self-Care and Building Resiliency
Sat, Jul 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Parenting can be hard enough! Learn to work a bit smarter, not harder, in our monthly Parenting Professional Development Sessions hosted by Carin Andrews, founder of Engaged Training & Consulting.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jul 26, 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
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 26, 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!
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop
Sat, Jul 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
Summer Treats Recipe Swap - What are your favorite summer recipes?
Sat, Jul 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Bring in your favorite summer recipes and try recipes other people bring in!
House Plant Swap
Sat, Jul 26, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Bring your extra houseplants or cuttings and take something new home! Please check your plants for pests before bringing them in and put cuttings in soil, water, or wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Oddball Cinema - The Man Who Wasn't There
Sat, Jul 26, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Oddball Cinema for of showing of the film!
French Conversation Club
Sat, Jul 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "Kajillionaire"
Sun, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025