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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 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, 2025. 

 

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
Nature’s Medicine Chest & Mental Health
Sat, Sep 13, 10:30am - 12:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Explore the therapeutic potential of forest bathing, nature connection, herbal medicine, and how to identify and work safely with plants for mental wellbeing
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Sep 14, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Sep 15, 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
Adults and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED -
Mon, Sep 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Adult and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Mon, Sep 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Horror Fans Unite! - A horror club!
Mon, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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!
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Sep 15, 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
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Sep 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Sep 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. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
PRESUPUESTOS (2NDA PARTE) y CONTROLR DE DEUDAS
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Sep 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
Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Sep 17, All day
Virtual - Virtual
World-renowned author and career advisor shows you how to get the job you want quickly and easily and in any economy. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, lessons are asynchronous over 6 weeks)Register
Resume Writing Workshop - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Sep 17, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Discover the secret to transforming your tired, boring resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Computer Skills for the Workplace - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, Sep 17, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Gain a working knowledge of the computer skills you will need to succeed in today's job market. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Sep 17, 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.
Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell - with Author Gabe Henry
Wed, Sep 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes…well…weird? Come on a surprisingly hilarious journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language.Register
International Peace Day Origami - Make a crane for peace
Wed, Sep 17, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Commemorate the International Day of Peace by creating an origami crane.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Sep 17, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
Burke Book Club - "The Madonnas of Leningrad" by Debra Dean
Wed, Sep 17, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of Debra Dean's 2007 historical novel set in Leningrad, Russia. Register
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Sep 17, 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.
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Sep 17, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Want to practice your English and learn more vocabulary? Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes!
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Sep 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Sep 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Line Dancing
Thu, Sep 18, 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.
Carefull Knit & Crochet - Crafting for Good
Thu, Sep 18, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel
Thu, Sep 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and crochet group
Thu, Sep 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Sep 18, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
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
Summer Film Series - "KPop Demon Hunters" (Sing-Along Edition)
Fri, Sep 19, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a sing-along edition of the 2025 animated film.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Sep 20, 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
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, Sep 20, 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
Fall Scarf Swap
Sat, Sep 20, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Get rid of a few unwanted scarfs. Then come, dig, and leave with a few new-to-you treasures!
Introduction to Tarot
Sat, Sep 20, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour learning more about tarot!
Rescheduled
Introduction to Tarot
Sat, Sep 20, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
New date Saturday, September 20, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Join us for a fun-filled hour learning more about tarot!
Book Journaling Meetup
Sat, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join us to work on your book journal and share with others what you've added and read!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
French Conversation Club
Sat, Sep 20, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Sep 21, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Branded
Sun, Sep 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!
Senior Bingo
Mon, Sep 22, 10:15am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Sep 22, 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
Adults and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED -
Mon, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Avenue Ambition Artist Showcase
Mon, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join teen Avenue Ambition participants for this arts and crafts vendor fair showcasing their growth and hard work.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Sep 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.
Adult and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Mon, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Sep 22, 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
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Sep 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Sep 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. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Sep 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
INFORMES DECRÉDITO Y PUNTAJES DE CRÉDITO
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Sep 23, 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.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Sep 24, 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.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Sep 24, 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.
DIY Velvet Pumpkins - (Adults Only)
Wed, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for this month's DIY craft where we will be making a stuffed pumpkin to take home and decorate your space for the upcoming spoooooooooooooky season 🎃
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Sep 24, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Want to practice your English and learn more vocabulary? Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes!
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Sep 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Sep 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Line Dancing
Thu, Sep 25, 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.
"The Color Of Law" and "Just Action" - A Virtual Book Talk With Richard Rothstein
Thu, Sep 25, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Richard Rothstein will discuss his books “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” & “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law.”Register
Traveling on a Budget
Thu, Sep 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Financial Education Volunteers will provide some tips and tricks for traveling on a budget within the US and internationally.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Sep 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. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Sep 25, 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 25, 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 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, Sep 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Electrifying Our Homes for a Better Future
Thu, Sep 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Meet Go Electric DMV, a regional nonprofit of electrification coaches. Trained volunteers share options and the process for transitioning to sustainable energy in your home and life. Register
DIY: Make Your Own Accordion Book
Fri, Sep 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come create accordion books that fold out into various configurations.
This event is full
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Sep 27, 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
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop
Sat, Sep 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
Cancelled
Oddball cinema - Jabberwocky
Sat, Sep 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Join Oddball cinema for a showing of Jabberwocky!
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025