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, 2026.
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.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Browse genres, search for a title or author, review booklists and more.
NOVELIST
Find book recommendations based on appeal factors, curated lists, and read-alikes for titles you enjoy.
Upcoming Events
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Sat, May 16, 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
Sat, May 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All levels are welcome, to stretch, breathe and cultivate connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
Registration is now closed
Sun, May 17, 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!
Sun, May 17, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Let's celebrate the joy of playing games! Play a wide variety of games, both classics and new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
Sun, May 17, 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!
Sun, May 17, 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.
Cancelled
Mon, May 18, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
Mon, May 18, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class is held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Mon, May 18, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
Mon, May 18, 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.
Mon, May 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Do you like scary movies, books, tv shows, or video games? Do you enjoy making horror themed DIY projects? This is the event for you!
Mon, May 18, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a guided self-inquiry & group discussion on finding your personality type and exploring what that means in your day-to-day habits
Tue, May 19, 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.
Tue, May 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible…was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his new work, Beyond Belief. Register
Tue, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
Tue, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Take part in a group-led discussion about death and dying without any set agenda, objectives, or themes. Tea and sweets will be provided.
This event is full
Cancelled
Tue, May 19, 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!
Wed, May 20, 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.
Wed, May 20, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for an introductory Hula dance class where you will become familiar with basic Hula steps & hand movements.
Wed, May 20, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the Library! Enjoy a tutorial with instructions on how to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
This event is full
Wed, May 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us online for a discussion of Lynda Rutledge's 2021 historical novel that is part adventure, history, and love story. Register
Wed, May 20, 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.
Thu, May 21, 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.
Thu, May 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn the basic line dance steps to great Oldies and Motown music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes!
Thu, May 21, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Viva Line Dancing: Join our intermediate level of line dancing to improve flexibility and enhance memory. We work the dance floors! This class is not intended for beginners.
Thu, May 21, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Read the book, then join us to watch this 2025 award-winning film adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic tale.
Thu, May 21, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Contribute to Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making scarves to donate. Visit our display in honor of America250 and our work to build a community of care. Add your scarf to the collection.
Thu, May 21, 3:00pm - 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!
Thu, May 21, 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!
Thu, May 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full
Thu, May 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Aspiring comics -- join local comedian Kerby Valladares to learn the ins and outs of stand-up comedy.
Thu, May 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info.Register
Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Butterfly Garden
Identify local birds and their habitats with experienced birders who will lead a walking tour around Del Ray - be sure to wear comfy shoes!
Sat, May 23, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
AWLA's Behavior and Training Manager will provide tips for living harmoniously with your dog or cat at home, answer specific questions about your pet, and chat about AWLA's Alexandria Animal Academy.
Sun, May 24, 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.
Sun, May 24, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This program integrates brief, research-informed education with guided relaxation and a 45-minute sound journey using therapeutic-grade instruments.
Tue, May 26, 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.
Tue, May 26, 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.
Tue, May 26, 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
Wed, May 27, 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.
Wed, May 27, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of the 2023 musical drama film based upon the 1982 novel by Alice Walker.
Wed, May 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.
Wed, May 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by talking about Science Fiction and Fantasy books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors.
Wed, May 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join local florist, Hunter, who will teach us how to weave flowers together to form a beautiful crown in the spirit of May Day! (Adults Only)
This event is full
Wed, May 27, 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
Thu, May 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.
Thu, May 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn the basic line dance steps to great Oldies and Motown music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable shoes!
Thu, May 28, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Viva Line Dancing: Join our intermediate level of line dancing to improve flexibility and enhance memory. We work the dance floors! This class is not intended for beginners.
Thu, May 28, 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.
Thu, May 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free 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.
Thu, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full
Thu, May 28, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Aspiring comics -- join local comedian Kerby Valladares to learn the ins and outs of stand-up comedy.
Fri, May 29, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Read the book, then join us to watch this 2026 film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's 2022 novel.
Sat, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults
ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Sat, May 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All levels are welcome, to stretch, breathe and cultivate connections with body-heart-mind-spirit
This event is full
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
This program is intended for people who are new to knitting or returning to knitting and in need of a refresher.
This event is full
Sat, May 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Experienced knitters from Project Knitwell will offer their advice on your knottiest knitting problem.
Sat, May 30, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Lawn
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!
Sat, May 30, 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!
Sun, May 31, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Parents and caregivers, enjoy an afternoon of making art as a way to rest, recharge, and share the complexities of caregiving with others.