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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
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, May 20, 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 20, 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.
Introduction to Korean Language & Culture 
Tue, May 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Byul, a certified educator, for a fun Korean language and culture intro! Perfect for beginners—space is limited, sign up today!
Registration is now closed
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 21, 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.
Fueling to Wellness - A Real-Life Approach to Eating More Plants
Wed, May 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join author Jessica Laughlin to learn how to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life - without the pressure of going "all in" or feeling overwhelmed. Delicious recipes included!Register
How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us - with Author Rachelle Bergstein
Wed, May 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. Register
Burke Book Club - "The Other Americans" by Laila Lalami
Wed, May 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of a timely and powerful novel about the suspicious death of a Moroccan immigrant by the acclaimer writer Laila Lalami. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, May 21, 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.
Author Talk: Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles
Wed, May 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a book signing and giveaway with Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles and her new book, "Smart Girl"
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, May 21, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 22, 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.
Cancelled
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, May 22, 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.
Line Dancing
Thu, May 22, 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.
Film - "A Complete Unknown"
Thu, May 22, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2024 Oscar-nominated docudrama about singer Bob Dylan.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, May 22, 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 22, 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, May 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
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 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Parenting Professional Development Series - 5 Love Languages, Social Styles, MBTI – Oh My!
Sat, May 24, 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.
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop - with 85 Artistry
Sat, May 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
French Conversation Club
Sat, May 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "Only Lovers Left Alive"
Sun, May 25, 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) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, May 27, 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.
Medicare 101 - Helping you navigate Medicare with VA Insurance Counseling
Tue, May 27, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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)
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, May 27, 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.
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, May 27, 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, May 27, 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, May 28, 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, May 28, 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.
DIY Bouquet Building Workshop - with Brass Bee Floral And Event Design
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join local florist, Hunter, who will teach you the skills to make the most of flowers at your grocery store and create stunning arrangements! (Adults Only)
This event is full
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, May 28, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Romance Book Club
Wed, May 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance enthusiasts? Join us on the last Wednesday of the month! Click on the event title for more details. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 29, 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.
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, May 29, 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.
Line Dancing
Thu, May 29, 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.
Film - "Wicked"
Thu, May 29, 2:00pm - 4:40pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for the 2024 Oscar-winning film adaptation of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West."
Bad Art Night! - Be adventurous and create something truly terrible!
Thu, May 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Adults and teens are encouraged to create the worst pieces of art they have ever seen to win a prize for worst artwork!
This event is full
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Great Train Robbery
Thu, May 29, 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, May 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Sorting Facts from Fiction Online
Fri, May 30, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Do you believe in everything you see online?
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, May 31, 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
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, May 31, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Grand Gaming Melee: The Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) invites you to play dice games, card games, tile games, and just about any other kind of tabletop game. Register
Fixit Clinic - Community Repair Event
Sat, May 31, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Bring items from home that are broken, torn or not quite working correctly. Our Fixit Coaches and Volunteers will try to get them up and running. Check-in at the Welcome Table to begin your visit.
Oddball Cinema - Aguirre, The Wrath of God
Sat, May 31, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
In the 16th century, the ruthless and insane Don Lope de Aguirre leads a Spanish expedition in search of El Dorado.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jun 01, 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!
Backroom Deals in Our Backyards - Author Talk with Miranda Spivack
Sun, Jun 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a discussion with author Miranda Spivack and activist Queenie Cox about the book Backroom Deals in our Backyards.
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, Jun 02, 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
Family Game Night! - Let's have a gaming adventure!
Mon, Jun 02, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, Jun 03, 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!
Extinctopedia with Smithsonian Scientists - What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About It
Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia.Register
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Jun 04, 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, Jun 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025