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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 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

Staff Picks for eBooks & Audiobooks

 

They Will Drown in Their Mothers' Tears The Alienist The Goldfinch A Mind Unraveled Manhattan Beach Dark Places

Upcoming Events
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Wed, Oct 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Oct 23, 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 - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Ghostly Paintings
Wed, Oct 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a viral trend where attendees can pick from a variety of pastoral scenes and embellish them with painted ghosts! 👻
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Thu, Oct 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Cancelled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Line Dancing
Thu, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Oct 24, 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 24, 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, Oct 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Fri, Oct 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Sat, Oct 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Fixit Clinic - Community Repair Event
Sat, Oct 26, 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 - · Crabs! · by Pierce Berolzheimer
Sat, Oct 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Oddball cinema for a showing of Crabs!
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Sun, Oct 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Rescheduled
Oddball Cinema - · Crabs! · by Pierce Berolzheimer
Sun, Oct 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
New date Saturday, October 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Join Oddball cinema for a showing of Crabs!
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Mon, Oct 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Oct 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Oct 28, 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.
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Tue, Oct 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Cancelled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Oct 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Oct 29, 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
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Wed, Oct 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Oct 30, 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.
Film Series - "Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop"
Wed, Oct 30, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Celebrate the spooky season by joining us for a screening of the 2021 film featuring a haunted bookshop.
Adults and Dragons
Wed, Oct 30, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
We roll at dusk!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 30, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Spectacular Spectres and Cool Ghouls - Take and Make Craft
Thu, Oct 31, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up a craft kit at the Information Desk.
Cancelled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 31, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Beginning English Practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English.
Line Dancing
Thu, Oct 31, 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.
Nailed It! - ¡Pintemos esas uñas!
Thu, Oct 31, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18.
The Write Stuff - for aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike
Sat, Nov 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Join us for a creative writing workshop where you will learn how to prep your environment for your best writing experience; novel structures, dialogue, worldbuilding, the editing process, and more!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Nov 03, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
*Meeting every Sunday in November for NaNoWriMo!* 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, Nov 03, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Nov 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Nov 04, 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.
Cancelled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Nov 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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, Nov 05, 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, Nov 06, 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.
Self-Care for Caregivers
Wed, Nov 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join the RAFT program for an interactive virtual workshop on self-care and caregiver resilience. Learn ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday life. Register
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Nov 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
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
NaNoWriMo Write-In - A 50,000 word novel writing challenge
Wed, Nov 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
National Novel Writing Month is a frantic writing challenge in a community of encouraging aspiring novelists. Bring your computer or a journal and work on your novel!
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Nov 06, 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, Nov 07, 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, Nov 07, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "Small things like these" by Claire Keegan
Thu, Nov 07, 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! 📚 ☕
Silver Artisans - Arts & Crafts Program for Seniors
Thu, Nov 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a welcoming environment where seniors can connect, share stories, and rediscover the joy of artistry. We will be working on crafts celebrating the holiday season.
Carefull Knitting - Knit and Crochet for Good
Thu, Nov 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Nov 07, 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!
The Inklings - Adult Library Writing & Critique Group
Thu, Nov 07, 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 ⭐
A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained - In Conversation with Stanley Milford, Jr.
Thu, Nov 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join us as Navajo Ranger, Stanley Milford, Jr. chats about the chilling and clear-eyed memoir of his investigations into bizarre cases of the paranormal and the unexplained in Navajoland.Register
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Nov 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by joining us for a discussion of these two stories: "The Night Cyclist" by Stephen Graham Jones and "The Team" by Tommy Orange.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2024