Adult Winter Reading

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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

Upcoming Events

Incorporating Native Plants for Biodiversity - Part I - Understanding Native and Non-native Plants

Sat, Jul 27, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Janet Entwistle will give a seminar on practical ways to enhance our local ecosystem through planting native plants and following supportive maintenance routines.

Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition

Sat, Jul 27, 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!

Oddball Cinema - After Hours

Sun, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

An ordinary word processor has the worst night of his life after he agrees to visit a girl in Soho he met that evening at a coffee shop.

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, Jul 29, 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.

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, Jul 30, 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.

One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch

Tue, Jul 30, 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.

Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition

Tue, Jul 30, 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

Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!

Wed, Jul 31, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Animal Encounters: Fangs, Frogs, and More - Encuentros con animales: Colmillos, ranas y más

Wed, Jul 31, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden

Meet different live reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. (All ages)

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, Jul 31, 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.

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Thu, Aug 01, 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.

Line dancing

Thu, Aug 01, 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.

Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams

Thu, Aug 01, 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! 📚 ☕

Summer Film Series - "Where the Crawdads Sing"

Thu, Aug 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us a screening of the 2022 film, which is based on the 2018 novel, of the same name, by Delia Owens.

Handcraft Crafternoon

Thu, Aug 01, 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!

Mahjong Club - with DC Riichi Mahjong

Thu, Aug 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

The Inklings - Adult Library Writing Group

Thu, Aug 01, 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 ⭐

Nerdy Knotters - Knitters and crochet group

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

World Short Story Discussion Group

Thu, Aug 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Virtual - Zoom

If you love reading short stories, join us to discuss these two: "Incident in Aziana" by Evelyn Waugh and "In a Grove" by Ryunosuke Akutagawa. Register

Making Beautiful Handmade Gift Cards

Fri, Aug 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us to create handmade cards using collage materials to create beautiful and unique gift cards. Please register, as space is limited.

All We Can Save Circle - Discussion Group

Sat, Aug 03, 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.

Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop

Sat, Aug 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

At this workshop, you will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and build one to take home. Registration is required, with a fee of $55 for the cost of the barrel.Register

Medicare 101 - Helping you navigate Medicare with VA Insurance Counseling

Sat, Aug 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge 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)

Writers Group at Beatley

Sun, Aug 04, 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, Aug 04, 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.

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, Aug 05, 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.

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, Aug 06, 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.

One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch

Tue, Aug 06, 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.

Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!

Wed, Aug 07, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Summer Film Series - "Young Woman and the Sea"

Wed, Aug 07, 2:00pm - 4:15pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us for a screening of an extraordinary true story of the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. Rated PG. 2024

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, Aug 07, 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.

Author Talk - Elizabeth Bruce

Wed, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Join local author for a reading of her short story collection Universally Adored & other One Dollar stories

Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels

Wed, Aug 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Zoom

Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Thu, Aug 08, 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.

Canceled

Line dancing

Thu, Aug 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library

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.

African American Film Series - "40 Years a Prisoner" (a documentary)

Thu, Aug 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us for this 2020 documentary featuring Philadelphia native Tommy Oliver as he follows the efforts of Mike Africa, Jr. to exonerate his parents, members of the revolutionary group MOVE.

Learn and Play Mahjong - American Style (winning hands on 2024 League card)

Thu, Aug 08, 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.

Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body

Thu, Aug 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

New venue Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.

Duncan Literary Society - We meet at The Company of Books.

Thu, Aug 08, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

New venue James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

Join us for an "anti-book club" where we discuss what we're currently reading.

Nerdy Knotters - Knitters and crochet group

Thu, Aug 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Incorporating Native Plants for Biodiversity - Part II - Designing Your Native Plant Garden

Thu, Aug 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Virtual - Virtual

Janet Entwistle will give a virtual talk with ideas on which native plants might thrive in your garden and where you can buy them. Register