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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
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "Communion" (1989) directed by Philippe Mora.
Sun, Mar 23, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 24, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 24, 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.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Mar 24, 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.
An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South - An Author Talk with Robert K.D. Colby
Tue, Mar 25, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a virtual talk by historian Robert K.D. Colby on his first book, “An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South.”Register
Beatley Friends' Book Sale - Members Preview Day
Tue, Mar 25, 3:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beatley Friends Members get a chance to browse a huge selection of books for all ages, movies, CDs, and more one day early! Memberships are available to purchase day-of for $15.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Mar 25, 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.
Money Talk for Women
Tue, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Money Talk for Women is a series aimed at enhancing financial literacy and empowering women to make informed financial decisions.
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Mar 25, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Mar 25, 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
Salary Negotiations - Virtual Webinar for Federal Workers
Tue, Mar 25, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Free and practical webinar offered by career coach Karen Chopra for federal workers.Register
Beatley Friends' Book Sale
Wed, Mar 26, 10:00am - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Shop a selection of thousands of books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, and more!
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Mar 26, 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, Mar 26, 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.
Reclaiming your power: Healing from a job loss - with Serena Wills
Wed, Mar 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Join Serena Wills for a two-hour virtual workshop that is available to anyone and everyone who is facing or currently going through unemployment
Dreams We Chase: Author Talk with Novelist Jennifer Weiner
Wed, Mar 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us as we chat with NY Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner about the signature emotional depth of her books that have been inspiring readers toward self-discovery for decades.Register
English Language Learning - Conversational learning every Wednesday
Wed, Mar 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Romance Book Club
Wed, Mar 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us on the last Weds. of the month! Click on the event title for more details.Register
Book a Librarian - Application Assistance
Thu, Mar 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with computer-based projects. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Beatley Friends' Book Sale
Thu, Mar 27, 10:00am - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Shop a selection of thousands of books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, and more!
Understanding Reverse Mortgages
Thu, Mar 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Learn about reverse mortgages from a Home Equity Retirement Specialist.
Line dancing
Thu, Mar 27, 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.
Silver Artisans - Creating with Collage
Thu, Mar 27, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us 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.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Mar 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
The Barrett Branch Mahjong group meets the second and fourth Thursdays. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Mar 27, 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Mar 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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, Mar 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Beatley Friends' Book Sale
Fri, Mar 28, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Shop a selection of thousands of books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, and more!
Beatley Friends' Book Sale
Sat, Mar 29, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Shop a selection of thousands of books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, and more!
Parenting Professional Development Series - Time Management Triage
Sat, Mar 29, 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.
Beatley Friends' Book Sale - Half-Price Day
Sun, Mar 30, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Shop thousands of books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, and more at half-price!
Beatley Friends' Book Sale - $10 Bag Day
Mon, Mar 31, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Get a whole bag of books, DVDs, CDs, and more for just $10!
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 31, 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.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Mar 31, 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
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Tue, Apr 01, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Apr 01, 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.
Money Talk for Women
Tue, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Money Talk for Women is a series aimed at enhancing financial literacy and empowering women to make informed financial decisions.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Apr 01, 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
All Alexandria Reads Book Discussion - "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca Solnit
Tue, Apr 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
As a part of All Alexandria Reads, please join us to read and discuss our nonfiction selection "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca Solnit.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Wed, Apr 02, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 02, 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.
Alexandria Artists Meet and Greet - Ages 18+
Wed, Apr 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Engage with other amateur and professional Alexandria artists to talk about personal and community needs for successful art careers.
Ready, Set, Grow!
Wed, Apr 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Plan your outdoor adventures with the Master Gardeners! Discover how to enjoy the outdoors sustainably, stay bug-free, and become an eco-savvy gardener
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Apr 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
This event is full
Wordsmith and Wonder: An Author Talk with Jodi Picoult
Wed, Apr 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Step into Spring with us as we chat with the highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about her newest novel, By Any Other Name. Register
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Thu, Apr 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Line Dancing
Thu, Apr 03, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "James" by Percival Everett
Thu, Apr 03, 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 - "Anora"
Thu, Apr 03, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2025 film that won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress of the Year.
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, Apr 03, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Fri, Apr 04, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sat, Apr 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 05, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Apr 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
New venue 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!
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Tiny Art Show Opening
Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 06, 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!
All Alexandria Reads Screenings - "Colors of Change" and "A Thousand Pines"
Sun, Apr 06, 3:00pm - 5:15pm
Patagonia Old Town - 815 1/2 King St.
Stop into Patagonia Old Town to watch two documentaries that explore remote spaces and their relationships to humans.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Apr 07, 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.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025