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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
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, Jun 03, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air, explore Old Town, and talk about the books we've been reading!
Registration is now closed
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Jun 03, 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.
Extinctopedia with Smithsonian Scientists - What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About It
Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia.Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jun 04, 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, Jun 04, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Jun 05, 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, Jun 05, 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.
Film - "Conclave"
Thu, Jun 05, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for the screening of a 2025 Golden-Globe winning film that delves into the clandestine process of electing a new pope following the sudden death of the incumbent.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Heart in Winter" by Kevin Barry
Thu, Jun 05, 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! 📚 ☕
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, Jun 05, 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, Jun 05, 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jun 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Jun 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
If you love reading short stories, join us for a discussion of the following stories: "Camp Emeline" by Taryn Bowe and "Leng Lui is for Pretty Lady" by Elaine Chew.Register
Six Pillars of Brain Health
Fri, Jun 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
It's never too late to take charge of your brain health!
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jun 07, 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
PRIDE Learn To Knit Class - A partnership with Project Knitwell
Sat, Jun 07, 11:00am - 1:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Project Knitwell helps people facing challenges by providing knitting instruction and shared community opportunities that promote wellness and resilience.
This event is full
Reading Garden Party
Sat, Jun 07, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Celebrate our revitalized Reading Garden space with sweet treats and learn about the native plants used from landscapers Hivemind Habitats. Stay after for a chamber music performance from SONOVA!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Jun 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board 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!
Royals - Chamber Music from Mozart to Disney
Sat, Jun 07, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join the Symphony of Northern Virginia for a chamber music performance featuring classical, contemporary, and movie music. Rain Location: Periodicals Room
Music of the Americas - Selections for Wind Quintet
Sun, Jun 08, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join the Symphony of Northern Virginia for a performance featuring a selection of Music of the Americas for Woodwind Quintet.
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, Jun 09, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Brush up on your digital and media literacy skills to protect yourself with the Be MediaWise Misinformation Resilience Toolkit. Register
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jun 09, 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, Jun 09, 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 Talk Books - "In the Garden of Beasts" by Erik Larson
Mon, Jun 09, 7:00pm - 7:50pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin" by Erik Larson.
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Jun 09, 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.
Diversity Book Club - "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
Mon, Jun 09, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for an online discussion of Celeste Ng's 2022 novel.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Jun 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns - with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
Tue, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Register
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jun 10, 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
Immigration 101: Know Your Rights
Tue, Jun 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Immigration 101: Know Your Rights Register
Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jun 11, 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
Computer Skills for the Workplace - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jun 11, 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
Resume Writing Workshop - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Jun 11, 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
Genealogy 101
Wed, Jun 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
Learn how to use key resources like census records, newspapers, and online databases to start building your family tree.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Jun 11, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
Mystery Book Club - "Come to Grief" by Dick Francis
Wed, Jun 11, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of Dick Francis' mystery novel "Come to Grief," the third in his Sid Halley series. Register
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Jun 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join Library of Virginia for a virtual volunteer session to learn how you can help make historical documents more searchable and usable for researchers now and in the future.Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jun 11, 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.
Literary Virginia Book Group - Walk Through Fire by Sheila Johnson
Wed, Jun 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Jun 11, 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, Jun 12, 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.
Creating with Collage
Thu, Jun 12, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stop by for a collage workshop where the participants will use various papers to layer on a flat surface using the principles of design to make a collage. Registration required.
Line Dancing
Thu, Jun 12, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
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, Jun 12, 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, Jun 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals 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, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, Jun 12, 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!
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop
Sat, Jun 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
Brass Quintet - Music from Canzonas to Big Band
Sat, Jun 14, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join the Symphony of Northern Virginia to enjoy a selection of music from Canzonas to Big Band played by a brass quintet. Rain location: Periodicals Room
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jun 15, 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!
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Jun 15, 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 friends.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Jun 16, 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.
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, Jun 16, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Brush up on your digital and media literacy skills to protect yourself with the Be MediaWise Misinformation Resilience Toolkit. Register
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jun 16, 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, Jun 16, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Alexandria Library Board Meeting
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Jun 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Jun 16, 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 and getting chills in the summer? This is the event for you!
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Jun 16, 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
Medicare 101 - Helping you navigate Medicare with VA Insurance Counseling
Tue, Jun 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Jun 17, 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.
Burke Book Club - "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders
Wed, Jun 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of George Saunders' 2017 Booker Prize-winning book. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jun 18, 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, Jun 18, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025