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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 Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

 

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
Sat, Nov 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Join us for a creative writing workshop where you will learn how to prep your environment for your best writing experience; novel structures, dialogue, worldbuilding, the editing process, and more!

Sun, Nov 03, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
*Meeting every Sunday in November for NaNoWriMo!* 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!

Sun, Nov 03, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An eight week series on mindfully exploring how the mind works, mindful meditation, and setting intentions for a growth mindset to start your week off right!

Mon, Nov 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners.

Mon, Nov 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Mon, Nov 04, 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.

Cancelled
Tue, Nov 05, 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.

Tue, Nov 05, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Appointments are available at 5 PM and 6 PM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Wed, Nov 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.

Wed, Nov 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join the RAFT program for an interactive virtual workshop on self-care and caregiver resilience. Learn ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday life. Register

Wed, Nov 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
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

Wed, Nov 06, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
National Novel Writing Month is a frantic writing challenge in a community of encouraging aspiring novelists. Bring your computer or a journal and work on your novel!

Wed, Nov 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️

Thu, Nov 07, 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.

Thu, Nov 07, 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.

Thu, Nov 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 newest titles on our shelves! 📚 ☕

Thu, Nov 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a welcoming environment where seniors can connect, share stories, and rediscover the joy of artistry. We will be working on crafts celebrating the holiday season.

Thu, Nov 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Thu, Nov 07, 4:00pm - 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!

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
⭐ Please email Ally Zomchek at azomchek@alexlibraryva.org if interested in joining ⭐

Thu, Nov 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Thu, Nov 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join us as Navajo Ranger, Stanley Milford, Jr. chats about the chilling and clear-eyed memoir of his investigations into bizarre cases of the paranormal and the unexplained in Navajoland.Register

Thu, Nov 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by joining us for a discussion of these two stories: "The Night Cyclist" by Stephen Graham Jones and "The Team" by Tommy Orange.

Sat, Nov 09, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Sat, Nov 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
The Barrett Branch is hosting an All We Can Save Circle open to all interested in sincere discussion centered on the climate crisis and for those seeking community rooted in wise and just solutions.
This event is full

Sat, Nov 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good for your community. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.

Sat, Nov 09, 11:00am - 1:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Read and write poems that explore subjects of death, coping with loss, how to preserve memories, and heal through poetry's voice, tone, and form. Register by emailing: poet@alexandriava.gov

Sat, Nov 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
This workshop will guide you through the basics of connecting with your intuition. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to refine their intuitive skills!

Sat, Nov 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!

Sat, Nov 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
El autor más vendido del New York Times Javier Zamora conversa con nosotros sobre su fascinante historia de supervivencia y perseverancia, tal como se cuenta en sus memorias premiadas Solito. Register

Sun, Nov 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Sun, Nov 10, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!

Tue, Nov 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Tue, Nov 12, 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.

Tue, Nov 12, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Appointments are available at 5 PM and 6 PM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Tue, Nov 12, 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.

Tue, Nov 12, 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

Wed, Nov 13, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Wed, Nov 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.

Wed, Nov 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us virtually for a discussion of Erle Stanley Gardner's 13th Perry Mason mystery novel. Register

Cancelled
Wed, Nov 13, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
There will be discussion and updates on Burke Branch activities, fundraising to support Burke Branch programs, collection needs, and Alexandria Library community goals.

Wed, Nov 13, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Wed, Nov 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
National Novel Writing Month is a frantic writing challenge in a community of encouraging aspiring novelists. Bring your computer or a journal and work on your novel!

Wed, Nov 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
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

Wed, Nov 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Speaker Linda Seligmann will discuss the impact of global demand for quinoa on the culture, development, and agrarian lives of Quechua quinoa cultivators in the Andes.

Thu, Nov 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Thu, Nov 14, 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.

Thu, Nov 14, 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.

Thu, Nov 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 from 2 - 4 PM on the second floor. Accommodation is for 12 players so first come first served if more than 12.

Thu, Nov 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Javier Zamora as he chats with us about his riveting tale of survival and perseverance as told in his award-winning memoir Solito.Register

Cancelled
Thu, Nov 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18.

Thu, Nov 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
It's National Novel Writing Month and that means it's time to start thinking about publishing your story! This workshop will teach you the tips and tricks to self-publishing and what to expect

Thu, Nov 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Company Of Books - 2200 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, Va 22301
Join us for an "anti-book club" where we discuss what we're currently reading

Thu, Nov 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Fri, Nov 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Sat, Nov 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Sun, Nov 17, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
We are collecting handmade or store bought scarves, hats and mittens.

Sun, Nov 17, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
*Meeting every Sunday in November for NaNoWriMo!* 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!

Sun, Nov 17, 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.

Sun, Nov 17, 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!

Sun, Nov 17, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Alexandria Library partners with the Alzheimer's Association's National Area Chapter to bring you a quarterly support group at Beatley Central Library.

Sun, Nov 17, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An eight week series on mindfully exploring how the mind works, mindful meditation, and setting intentions for a growth mindset to start your week off right!

Last updated:  January 2024