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

Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop - with Linda "Litl'l Bit" Bryson

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

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Sun, Jun 15, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

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.

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Mon, Jun 16, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

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

This event is full

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Tue, Jun 17, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

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.

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Wed, Jun 18, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

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

Wed, Jun 18, 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.

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!

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Thu, Jun 19, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good

Thu, Jun 19, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Cancelled

Handcraft Crafternoon

Thu, Jun 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

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 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+

Rescheduled

Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"

Thu, Jun 19, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

New date Thursday, June 26, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Virtual - Zoom

Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info!

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Fri, Jun 20, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

Summer Film Series - "Will & Harper"

Fri, Jun 20, 1:15pm - 3:15pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Celebrate Pride Month with this heartfelt documentary featuring two close friends who go on a road trip together where they discover love and acceptance.

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Sat, Jun 21, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw

Sat, Jun 21, 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

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Sun, Jun 22, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "Cecil B. Demented"

Sun, Jun 22, 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.

Cancelled

Alexandria Oddball Cinema - With Love and a Major Organ

Sun, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

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!

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Mon, Jun 23, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Jun 23, 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 23, 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.

LGBTQ+ Pride Galaxy Paint Night - Paint your galaxy!

Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month by painting a galaxy using the colors of the Pride flag!

Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective

Mon, Jun 23, 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

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Tue, Jun 24, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition

Tue, Jun 24, 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

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Wed, Jun 25, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

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

Wed, Jun 25, 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.

Reclaim Your Power: Finding Resilience in Challenging Times - A virtual workshop for unemployment or stressful jobs

Wed, Jun 25, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Zoom

If you were recently laid off, forced to resign, or recently retired; join us for an empowering safe space to share difficult feelings, process them, and explore career passions to move forward

English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, Jun 25, 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.

DASH 101: Your Ride, Your Way

Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) invites you to stop by, connect with the DASH team, and learn how to get the most out of Alexandria’s fare-free public transit.

DIY Shrinky Dinks - Celebrate Pride Month with a make and take craft

Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area

Join us for a DIY craft that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, make a Shrinky Dink for yourself or a loved one to show your support! (Adults Only) 🏳️‍🌈

English Language Learning - ELL Classes

Wed, Jun 25, 6:45pm - 7:45pm

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

Drop in Conversational English language learning!

Romance Book Club - Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Wed, Jun 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Virtual - Virtual

Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us on Zoom on the last Wednesday of the month! Click on the event title for more details.Register

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Thu, Jun 26, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation

Thu, Jun 26, 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.

Line Dancing

Thu, Jun 26, 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.

American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play

Thu, Jun 26, 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 26, 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.

Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Jerry and Marge Go Large

Thu, Jun 26, 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. Click on the event title for more info!

Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group

Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+

Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"

Thu, Jun 26, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Virtual - Virtual

Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info! Register

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Fri, Jun 27, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025

Sat, Jun 28, All day

Virtual

Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?

VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw

Sat, Jun 28, 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

Parenting Professional Development Series - How to Give Feedback to Your In-Laws (and others)

Sat, Jun 28, 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.

Calligraphy Workshop

Sat, Jun 28, 11:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!

Oddball Cinema - The Five Obstructions

Sat, Jun 28, 2:00pm - 4:30pm

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

2003 film, directed by Lars Von Trier

Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition

Sat, Jun 28, 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!

French Conversation Club

Sat, Jun 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room

Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.

See all events

Phone and internet service is currently unavailable at the Burke Branch Library. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Beginning May 1, 2025, 6-Digit Account Numbers will no longer be able to access online resources, eBooks, and music services. Patrons can still place holds on in-house materials. Please visit any library to obtain a permanent card.

Printing at Beatley Central Library is currently unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.