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

Upcoming Events

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Jul 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, Jul 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

What is the Bottle Deposit System?

Mon, Jul 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Rick Galliher, president of the Virginia Bottle Bill Organization, will give a presentation on how a bottle deposit system works and the benefits to both communities and wildlife.

Registration is now closed

Diversity Book Club - "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver

Mon, Jul 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Virtual - Zoom

Join us for a discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's 2022 novel "Demon Copperhead."

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, Jul 16, 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.

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

Tue, Jul 16, 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.

Common Ground Virginia History Book Group - Indigenous DC

Tue, Jul 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Virtual - Zoom

Read and discuss compelling nonfiction books handpicked by Library of Virginia staff that explore Virginia history, society, and culture.Register

Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition

Tue, Jul 16, 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, Jul 17, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales - Encuentros con animales: Pelo, plumas y escamas

Wed, Jul 17, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center

Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)

Burke Book Club - "Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies" by Zimmerman

Wed, Jul 17, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Virtual - Zoom

Celebrate National Culinary Month by joining us for a discussion of Vicky Zimmerman's foodie rom-com. Register

Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales - Encuentros con animales: Pelo, plumas y escamas

Wed, Jul 17, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden

Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, Jul 17, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Duncan Book Group - (ONLINE) "Table for Two" by Amor Towles

Wed, Jul 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Zoom

Join our ONLINE book club that meets in the evening, every third Wednesday of the month, to discuss a book chosen by one of the members!

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Thu, Jul 18, 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, Jul 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm

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.

Summer Film Series - "Dune: Part Two"

Thu, Jul 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us for the 2024 Sci-Fi Adventure "Dune: Part Two."

Handcraft Crafternoon

Thu, Jul 18, 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!

Mahjong Club - with DC Riichi Mahjong

Thu, Jul 18, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Silent Running

Thu, Jul 18, 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!

The Inklings - Adult Library Writing Group

Thu, Jul 18, 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 ⭐

Nerdy Knotters - Knitters and crochet group

Thu, Jul 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Great Books Discussion Group - "The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler, a Great Books Anthology"

Thu, Jul 18, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Virtual - Zoom

Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are discussing selections from "The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler, a Great Books Foundation Anthology." Click on the event title for more info!Register

Zora Neale Hurston - Claiming a Space

Fri, Jul 19, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

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

Please join us for a free screening of this documentary. Click on the event title for more details.

Writers Group at Beatley

Sun, Jul 21, 1:00pm - 4:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to network, share moral support, and offer constructive criticism. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!

Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Sun, Jul 21, 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!

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Jul 22, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, Jul 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, Jul 23, 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.

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

Tue, Jul 23, 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, Jul 23, 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, Jul 24, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. 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) II - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, Jul 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

DIY Taylor Swift Bracelets - For Swifties and Friendship bracelet-makers alike

Wed, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Love a good bead craft? Join us for a fun beginner DIY craft where attendees can create their own iconic Taylor Swift bracelet. For ✨TEENS & ADULTS only ✨

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Thu, Jul 25, 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, Jul 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm

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 League card)

Thu, Jul 25, 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.

Summer Film Series - "Beautiful Game"

Thu, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us for a screening of an inspirational true story of the Homeless World Cup - an international football tournament for homeless people founded in 2001,

Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body

Thu, Jul 25, 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 - Knitters and crochet group

Thu, Jul 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

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

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Incorporating Native Plants for Biodiversity - Part I - Understanding Native and Non-native Plants

Sat, Jul 27, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Janet Entwistle will give a seminar on practical ways to enhance our local ecosystem through planting native plants and following supportive maintenance routines.

Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition

Sat, Jul 27, 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 - After Hours

Sun, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

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

An ordinary word processor has the worst night of his life after he agrees to visit a girl in Soho he met that evening at a coffee shop.

English Language Learning (ELL)

Mon, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

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

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, Jul 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.

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

Tue, Jul 30, 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, Jul 30, 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

See all events

INTERNET SERVICE IS CURRENTLY OUT AT ALL LIBRARY BRANCHES. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

We are currently unable to accept MasterCard payments at all Library branches. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Due to construction work the public computers, printing, copying and scanning services are currently unavailable at Beatley Central Library.

BEAT THE HEAT WITH FREE WATER AT ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY BRANCHES.