Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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
Book Sale - Friends of the Duncan library
Sat, May 03, 10:00am - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Book sale starts Thursday May 1st @4pm - Sunday May 4th @5pm
Parenting Professional Development Series - Personal Finance 101 for Parents
Sat, May 03, 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.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 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!
Book Sale - Friends of the Duncan library
Sun, May 04, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Book sale starts Thursday May 1st @4pm - Sunday May 4th @5pm
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, May 05, 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, May 05, 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.
Family Game Night! - Let's have a gaming adventure!
Mon, May 05, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, May 05, 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, May 05, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, May 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, May 06, 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!
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, May 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. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Silent Book Club
Tue, May 06, 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Bring a book or chose from one of ours and join in a quiet, low-tech reading time. This month's theme: Asian American and Jewish American authors.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 07, 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.
How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wed, May 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient.Register
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, May 07, 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, May 07, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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, May 07, 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, May 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, May 08, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Silver Artisans - Zen Calligraphy
Thu, May 08, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn and practice brush painting techniques to create a beautiful Zen painting. 
This event is full
Aging at Home
Thu, May 08, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us to find out how to build a plan to age in place successfully at home. This program is co-sponsored by Goodwin Living At Home.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Bandit Queens” by Parini Shroff
Thu, May 08, 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! 📚 ☕
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, May 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. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, May 08, 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, May 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,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.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, May 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, May 08, 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!
Friends of the Barrett Library Spring Book Sale
Sat, May 10, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come browse and buy from a large selection of books, DVDs and CDs at the Friends of the Barrett Branch Library bi-annual book sale.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, May 10, 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.
This event is full
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, May 12, 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, May 12, 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, May 12, 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.
Diversity Book Club - "As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfah Katouh
Mon, May 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for an online discussion of Zoulfah Katouh's 2022 YA novel.
Let's Talk Books - "The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Callahan Henry
Mon, May 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Barrett Virtual Room
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Callahan Henry.Register
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, May 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, May 13, 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.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, May 13, 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.
First-Time Home Buying
Tue, May 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Learn about buying homes from the process experts. Valuable for first time buyers or previous home owners.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, May 13, 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
Computer Skills for the Workplace - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, May 14, 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, May 14, 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
Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, May 14, 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
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 14, 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.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, May 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
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 - "The Murder of Mr. Ma" by John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan
Wed, May 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by joining us for a discussion of this groundbreaking collaboration. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, May 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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 - The Plinko Bounce by Martin Clark
Wed, May 14, 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, May 14, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Sustainable Action & Spheres of Influence - a Neighbors Teaching Neighbors Panel
Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Ready to take sustainability beyond your household? Hear how people in your community are having a positive influence in the places they work and live. Register
On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller - with Author Liann Zhang
Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for an propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 15, 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, May 15, 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.
Land Justice: A Green Future for All - Rooted in Black & Indigenous Land Ownership
Thu, May 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join author Brea Baker for a discussion on land justice and her book, Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership. Registration required.Register
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, May 15, 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, May 15, 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, May 15, 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! Register
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, May 17, 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.
This event is full
Psychic Development Workshop + Channeling Session - with Del Ray’s Resident Intuitive, Amy
Sat, May 17, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a workshop on reading and understanding energy. This interactive session offers a safe and supportive space to explore energy awareness, practice intuitive techniques, and ask questions
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, May 17, 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!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 18, 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, May 18, 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 Oddball Cinema - Spontaneous
Sun, May 18, 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!
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group
Sun, May 18, 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.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025