Adult Winter Reading

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

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NOVELIST

Find book recommendations based on appeal factors, curated lists, and read-alikes for titles you enjoy.

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Upcoming Events

Cancelled

English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, Jan 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

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.

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

Tue, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 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, Jan 22, 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.

Adults and Dragons - - REGISTRATION CLOSED -

Wed, Jan 22, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

We roll at dusk!

English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, Jan 22, 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.

Eco-City Homes: A Money and Energy Saving Hands-On Workshop

Wed, Jan 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy hands-on demos (plus some materials to take home) to help make your home energy-efficient and warm this winter – and apply for recognition as an Eco-City Home while you’re at it!

Teacup Candles - a whimsical way to illuminate your reading nook

Wed, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Adults Only

This event is full

Line dancing

Thu, Jan 23, 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.

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

Thu, Jan 23, 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.

Notes on Modern Irrationality - with NYT Bestselling Author Amanda Montell

Thu, Jan 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Virtual - Virtual

Join us as we chat with the New York Times bestselling author, Amanda Montell about her newest book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality. Register

Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body

Thu, Jan 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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.

Nerdy Knotters - Fiber craft group

Thu, Jan 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

VETOGA Yoga Series - hosted by Adam Shaw, of Spiro Spero Yoga

Sat, Jan 25, 10:30am - 11:30am

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

Are you new to yoga or want to continue your practice? Join us every Saturday morning for a free hour session with certified instructor, Adam Shaw. All levels welcome!

This event is full

Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)

Sat, Jan 25, 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

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Jan 27, 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, Jan 27, 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.

Eco-City Homes - A Money and Energy Saving Hands-On Workshop

Mon, Jan 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Enjoy hands-on demos (plus some materials to take home) to help make your home energy-efficient and warm this winter – and apply for recognition as an Eco-City Home while you’re at it!

Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective

Mon, Jan 27, 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 - Beginner Conversation Workshop

Tue, Jan 28, 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.

An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent - A Conversation with Seth Fishman

Tue, Jan 28, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Virtual - Virtual

You’re writing a book (or thinking about it), but what happens next? Join us for an inside look into working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process.Register

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

Tue, Jan 28, 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.

Know Your Rights

Tue, Jan 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Virtual

Join us to learn what pregnant women, parents and caregivers can expect/demand from their employers regarding and experiencing workplace injustices due to their familial commitments/needs.Register

Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition

Tue, Jan 28, 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, Jan 29, 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, Jan 29, 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.

Eco-City Homes: A Money and Energy Saving Hands-On Workshop

Wed, Jan 29, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Enjoy hands-on demos (plus some materials to take home) to help make your home energy-efficient and warm this winter – and apply for recognition as an Eco-City Home while you’re at it!

Romance Book Club

Wed, Jan 29, 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

English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation Workshop

Thu, Jan 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.

Line dancing

Thu, Jan 30, 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.

Handcraft Crafternoon

Thu, Jan 30, 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!

Nerdy Knotters - Fiber craft group

Thu, Jan 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

NASA’s Next Decade in Planetary and Exoplanetary Science

Thu, Jan 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing NASA’s planetary and exoplanetary science goals over the next decade.

Boomerang Bags

Sat, Feb 01, 10:00am - 11:30am

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

A community sewing project.

VETOGA Yoga Series - hosted by Adam Shaw, of Spiro Spero Yoga

Sat, Feb 01, 10:30am - 11:30am

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

Are you new to yoga or want to continue your practice? Join us every Saturday morning for a free hour session with certified instructor, Adam Shaw. All levels welcome!

This event is full

Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition

Sat, Feb 01, 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 - Lost in America

Sat, Feb 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

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

A husband and wife in their 30s decide to quit their jobs, live as free spirits and cruise America in a Winnebago.

The National African American Read-In

Sat, Feb 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Join us in honoring the legacy of African American writers. Participants can sign up to read an excerpt from a work by a favorite author, poet or essayist. Reading times are limited to 3-5 minutes.

Writers Group at Beatley

Sun, Feb 02, 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!

Mindful Living: Exploring the Mind - An 8 week series on mindfulness for anyone and everyone

Sun, Feb 02, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

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

An eight week series on mindfully exploring how the mind works, mindful meditation, and setting intentions for a growth mindset to start your week off right!

This event is full

Community Puzzle - Black History Month

Mon, Feb 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Adult Services Area

Help us celebrate Black History Month by working on our Black History puzzle located in the Adult Services Area. This puzzle will remain in this area until it is completed.

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Feb 03, 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.

How We Create Pandemics, From Our Bodies to Our Beliefs - with Smithsonian Curator Sabrina Sholts

Tue, Feb 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Virtual - Virtual

Join us for an enlightening presentation with Smithsonian curator Sabrina Sholts, discussing how the very fact of being human increases our pandemic risks—and gives us the power to save ourselves.Register

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

Tue, Feb 04, 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.

First-Time Home Buying

Tue, Feb 04, 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.

See all events

All Alexandria Library branches will be closed on Sunday, January 19, due to inclement weather.

The Museum Pass reservation system is currently unavailable and we are working to resolve the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.

LIBBY and KANOPY update: a new security update requires both user ID and PIN to login to Libby and Kanopy. The PIN number is usually the last 4 digits of the user's phone number.

Printing at Duncan Branch Library is currently unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.