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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 Tuesday, February 28, 2023. 

 

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
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Sat, Apr 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Canceled
Trash Trekkers - All Alexandria Reads
Sat, Apr 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Barrett Branch walking and litter pickup club. For this special All Alexandria Reads Trash Trekkers, we'll be spreading joy too!
Trash Trekkers - All Alexandria Reads (BURKE BRANCH)
Sat, Apr 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club. 
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Sat, Apr 01, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Handcraft Tuesday Weekend Edition
Sat, Apr 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!
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Sun, Apr 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Sun, Apr 02, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 02, 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!
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Mon, Apr 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Computer Basics: Computer, Keyboard & Mouse - Get familiar with how to interact with a desktop computer
Mon, Apr 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Computer Area
If you know little or nothing about computers and want to learn more, this is the place to start!
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Mon, Apr 03, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Mon, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for English language learners
Canceled
ESL Beginner Conversation - In Person
Mon, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
ESL is returning to the Burke Library as an in-person event. Come join us. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 03, 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.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Tue, Apr 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 04, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for English language learners
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Tue, Apr 04, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Line Dancing
Tue, Apr 04, 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.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Apr 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.
Thermal Camera Demonstration
Tue, Apr 04, 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Is your home energy efficient? Thermal cameras have the answer! Come to this free demo to learn how to use a camera and then check one out from the library!
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Wed, Apr 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Internet Basics - Learn to navigate the web with a hands-on tour of the basics
Wed, Apr 05, 10:00am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Computer area
If you know little or nothing about how to use the web and want to learn more, this is the place to start!
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Wed, Apr 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 05, 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.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Thu, Apr 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for English language learners
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Thu, Apr 06, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Pick-Up Pickleball
Thu, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Looking for a friendly place to play or learn pickleball?
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "Path Lit By Lightning" by David Maraniss
Thu, Apr 06, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
The Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM. All are welcome! Register
Carefull Knitting - Knit and Crochet for Good
Thu, Apr 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group! Together we'll be making items to donate to those in need.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Apr 06, 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, Apr 06, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form.
The Inklings - Library Writing Group
Thu, Apr 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A dedicated hour to share and critique each other's creative work
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Fri, Apr 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Fri, Apr 07, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Sat, Apr 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Spring Garden Planting Party
Sat, Apr 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Help us weed, feed and beautify the public art garden bed and plant stunning Spring/Summer annuals.
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Sat, Apr 08, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
ODDBALL CINEMA - Midnight Special
Sat, Apr 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Oddball Cinema is back and rising from the ashes, join us and view the less commercially targeted fare
Death Cafe
Sat, Apr 08, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual
Death Cafes are an opportunity to demystify the death experience. We offer an open, safe environment for discussing thoughts and feelings about all topics related to death and dying.Register
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Sun, Apr 09, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Canceled
Board Game Bliss-All Alexandria Reads
Sun, Apr 09, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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. Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Mon, Apr 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Rescheduled
Computer Basics: Computer, Keyboard & Mouse - Get familiar with how to interact with a desktop computer
Mon, Apr 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
New date Monday, April 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Computer Area
If you know little or nothing about computers and want to learn more, this is the place to start!
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Mon, Apr 10, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 10, 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.
Freegal How-To - Listen to music for free with your library card!
Mon, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Learn how to download and stream music -- all for free -- using your library card. In a nod to our AAR YA book, "Love Radio," you'll also put on your DJ hat and learn how to create your own playlists.
Friends of Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
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
Let's Talk Books - All Alexandria Reads - "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
Mon, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join Let's Talk Books club to read and discuss the nonfiction All Alexandria Reads pick "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. Register
Diversity Book Club - "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
Mon, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a virtual discussion of Alka Joshi's 2020 historical fiction.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Tue, Apr 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for English language learners
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Tue, Apr 11, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Line Dancing
Tue, Apr 11, 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.
Book Design - All Alexandria Reads
Tue, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
A well-crafted book cover or design can delight the senses, streamline the reading experience, and sell more copies.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Apr 11, 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.
Dance Fitness Cardio class
Tue, Apr 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Pump up your heart beat while dancing and having fun!
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Apr 11, 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
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Wed, Apr 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Rescheduled
Internet Basics - Learn to navigate the web with a hands-on tour of the basics
Wed, Apr 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
New date Wednesday, April 19, 10:00am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Computer area
If you know little or nothing about how to use the web and want to learn more, this is the place to start!
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Wed, Apr 12, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Mystery Book Club - "The Man Who Died Twice" by Richard Osman
Wed, Apr 12, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us virtually for a discussion of Richard Osman's 2nd book in his "Thursday Murder Club" series.Register
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 12, 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.
Painting for the Fun of It
Wed, Apr 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for an art class where we focus on the joy of the painting process rather than the final product.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Thu, Apr 13, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Beginning English Practice for English language learners
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Thu, Apr 13, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Friends of the Burke Branch Library - Quarterly Board Meeting
Thu, Apr 13, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
The Friends of The Burke Branch Library Board meets quarterly to discuss fundraising activities that support the branch and the Alexandria Library community.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Fri, Apr 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Fri, Apr 14, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Sat, Apr 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Majestic Mornings Paint-Along - All Alexandria Reads
Sat, Apr 15, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of painting along with the episode "Morning Mist". All materials provided. Space is limited and registration is required.
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Sat, Apr 15, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
123 Andres
Sat, Apr 15, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Grammy-winning children's musician Andrés for an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish. All ages.
Friends of Duncan Film Club - Mary Poppins
Sat, Apr 15, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Mary Poppins is a 1964 American musical fantasy film directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney, with songs written and composed by the Sherman Brothers.
Tiny Art Show Take & Make
Sun, Apr 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.
Blackout Poetry Display - National Poetry Month
Sun, Apr 16, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating it with a display of blackout poetry created by you. These poems will be displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy. 
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 16, 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!
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group
Sun, Apr 16, 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 2023