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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 1st, customers 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 Monday, February 28, 2022. 

 

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

Staff Picks for eBooks & Audiobooks

 

They Will Drown in Their Mothers' Tears The Alienist The Goldfinch A Mind Unraveled Manhattan Beach Dark Places

Upcoming Events
Yarn Storm
Sun, Nov 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
National Novel Writing Month Write-Ins
Sun, Nov 27, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
It's National Novel Writing Month! Please join us in reaching the goal of 50,000 new words of fiction in 30 days.
Yarn Storm
Mon, Nov 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
ESL Beginner Conversation - In Person
Mon, Nov 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
ESL is returning to the Burke Library as an in-person event. Come join us. No registration is needed.
Computer Assistance - ***THIS IS NOT A CLASS***
Mon, Nov 28, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Need help copying or scanning? Need to send an or download an attachment but don't know how? Volunteers are here to help!
ESL II Conversation Class
Mon, Nov 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This is a space for intermediate speaker to practice English and build confidence.
Yarn Storm
Tue, Nov 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
ESL I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Nov 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for ESL language learners
Line Dancing
Tue, Nov 29, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Current Events - Discussion Group
Tue, Nov 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us on Zoom for a current events discussion on the 4th Weds. of the month. Email reflib@alexlibraryva.org to join our email list and get details on this month's topic.Register
Computer Assistance - ***THIS IS NOT A CLASS***
Tue, Nov 29, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Need help copying or scanning? Need to send an or download an attachment but don't know how? Volunteers are here to help!
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Nov 29, 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
Yarn Storm
Wed, Nov 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Computer Assistance - ***THIS IS NOT A CLASS***
Wed, Nov 30, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Need help copying or scanning? Need to send an or download an attachment but don't know how? Volunteers are here to help!
ESL II - Conversation Club for Intermediate ESL Speakers
Wed, Nov 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
The is a space for intermediate speaker to practice English and build confidence.
Canceled
Civics Class at Burke - Preparing for the Citizenship Test & interview
Wed, Nov 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
This class is for those who are preparing for the Citizen Exam and Interview. Ideally, you will have already submitted your N-400.
NaNoWriMo Write In
Wed, Nov 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Have you always wanted to write a book but needed help getting started? November is "National Novel Writing Month" so what better time to start!
Friends of Duncan Film Club - Second Annual Double Feature Film Festival
Wed, Nov 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Watch the selected films at your leisure, and join the Friends of Duncan Library Film Club on the last Wednesday of the month to discuss!Register
Romance Book Club
Wed, Nov 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us! Email reflib@alexlibraryva.org for info about this month's selection or to join our email list. Register
Yarn Storm
Thu, Dec 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Thu, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
ESL I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Dec 01, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for ESL language learners
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner
Thu, Dec 01, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
The Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM. All are welcome! Register
Carefull Knitting
Thu, Dec 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group! Together we'll be making items to donate to those in need.
Yarn Storm
Fri, Dec 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Fri, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Ugly Sweater DIY
Fri, Dec 02, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring in a sweater and decorate it for all your ugly sweater parties coming up this holiday season!
Yarn Storm
Sat, Dec 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Sat, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Yarn Storm
Sun, Dec 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Sun, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Yarn Storm
Mon, Dec 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Mon, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Computer Basics: Computer, Keyboard & Mouse - Get familiar with how to interact with a desktop computer.
Mon, Dec 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Beatley Library computer area
If you know little or nothing about computers and want to learn more, this is the place to start!
This event is full
ESL Beginner Conversation - In Person
Mon, Dec 05, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
ESL is returning to the Burke Library as an in-person event. Come join us. No registration is needed.
ESL II - Conversation Class
Mon, Dec 05, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
This is a space for intermediate speaker to practice English and build confidence.
Yarn Storm
Tue, Dec 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Tue, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
ESL I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Dec 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for ESL language learners
Line Dancing
Tue, Dec 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Fair Trade for the Holidays - From Ten Thousand Villages
Tue, Dec 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Kate McMahon of Ten Thousand Villages on King Street (the only location in the Metro area) will explain the concept of 'fair trade" and bring sample products from all over the world.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Dec 06, 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
Yarn Storm
Wed, Dec 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Wed, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Computer Basics: Computer, Keyboard & Mouse - Get familiar with how to interact with a desktop computer.
Wed, Dec 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Beatley Library computer area
If you know little or nothing about computers and want to learn more, this is the place to start!
This event is full
ESL II - Conversation Class
Wed, Dec 07, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
This is a space for intermediate speaker to practice English and build confidence.
Canceled
Civics Class at Burke - Preparing for the Citizenship Test & interview
Wed, Dec 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
This class is for those who are preparing for the Citizen Exam and Interview. Ideally, you will have already submitted your N-400.
Yarn Storm
Thu, Dec 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Thu, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
ESL I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Dec 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for ESL language learners
Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism
Thu, Dec 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage with a talk about modern Mexican art. Register
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Thu, Dec 08, 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.
DIY Fairy Jars
Thu, Dec 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Create your own fairy jar to bring a little magic into your home! ✨
Yarn Storm
Fri, Dec 09, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Fri, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Yarn Storm
Sat, Dec 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Sat, Dec 10, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Trash Trekkers
Sat, Dec 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Barrett Branch walking and litter pickup club.
Pathway to Citizenship
Sat, Dec 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Citizenship gives you many rights including the right to vote and sponsor a family member to immigrate to the U.S.
Friends of Duncan Film Club - Parallel Mothers
Sat, Dec 10, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
A special viewing of contemporary film releases.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Dec 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
Death Cafe
Sat, Dec 10, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Death Cafes are an opportunity to demystify the death experience. We offer an open, safe environment for discussing thoughts and feelings about all topics related to death and dying.Register
Yarn Storm
Sun, Dec 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Help keep someone warm this winter. We are collecting hand-made or store-bought hats, scarves and mittens. All items donated will benefit Alexandria's Community Lodgings.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Sun, Dec 11, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Bell, Book and Candle
Sun, Dec 11, 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.
Recycled Wrapping - Holiday Upcycled Gift Decorating Kits
Mon, Dec 12, 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. Get a kit at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch beginning December 1.
ESL Beginner Conversation - In Person
Mon, Dec 12, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
ESL is returning to the Burke Library as an in-person event. Come join us. No registration is needed.
ESL II - Conversation Class
Mon, Dec 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
This is a space for intermediate speaker to practice English and build confidence.
DIY Holiday Cards
Mon, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us at the table near the teen area and make some holiday cards with us! Supplies provided. Program for teens (ages 12 and up) and adults.
Friends of Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Dec 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
The Friends of Duncan Library's monthly board meeting will take place virtually this month using Zoom.Register
Let's Talk Books - "Wintering" by Katherine May
Mon, Dec 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Please join Let's Talk Books club to read and discuss "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times" by Katherine May. Register
Diversity Book Club - "Funny, You Don't Look Autistic" by Michael McCreary
Mon, Dec 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a virtual discussion of McCreary's 2019 memoir.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2022