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EVENT REGISTRATIONS

Alexandria Library presents and hosts a wide variety of events to the local community.  Our events include author talks, book clubs, STEAM/STEM activities, computer and technology classes, English conversation groups, storytimes and more.

Most of the programs at Alexandria Library do not require advanced registration. You can choose to attend a program at your convenience. Please be mindful of age and time restrictions when attending a library program.

Ticketed Programs

There are certain youth services programs that require parents or caregivers to pick up a ticket prior to the start of the program. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. These programs will include information about tickets in the event description on the calendar.

Registration Programs

Programs that require advanced registration may contain a purple registration box on the event calendar that allows for online registration.  Other programs may require you to register by email, phone or by filling out a form at the library.  Online registration start dates may vary by age and program but are usually available a month in advance.

 

 

REGISTER

In order to register for an event you may need:

  • First & Last Name
  • Library Card Number & Pin
  • Email Address

 

 

 MANAGE EVENTS

 

 

 

WAIT LIST

If there is a wait list for an event, an email address is required. This allows the registration system to notify you when a spot has opened up.

Failure to include an email address may result in being skipped for the next person on the list.

 

 

MANAGE YOUR EVENTS

If you choose to use your library card number on your registration form you can login and manage your event registrations from the library website.

You do not have to have a library card in order to attend events.

 

 

CANCELLATIONS

If you can no longer attend an event, please call or email the contact person for the event to cancel your registration.

If you included your library card number, you can also cancel your registration online.

 

Upcoming Events
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 03, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Sep 03, 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.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 03, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Sep 03, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
Paws to Read
Wed, Sep 03, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Do you want to practice reading aloud? Do you like dogs? Sign up for a 15-minute reading slot to read to a dog by calling (703) 746-1753 or by stopping by Beatley's Children's Desk. Ages 6-12.
September Sewing - Zenkis!
Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Zenkis are hand sewn plushies packed with personality. Get creative! All supplies will be provided.  For ages 8-18.
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Sep 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
Registration is now closed
On Writing Darkly Charming Villainous Love - with Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Wed, Sep 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Embrace your dark side (and your best evil laugh) and join us in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer, creator of the New York Times bestselling Assistant to the Villain series. Register
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Sep 04, 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.
Cancelled
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Sep 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Cancelled
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Sep 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Line Dancing
Thu, Sep 04, 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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Sep 04, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The House of Broken Angels" by Luis Alberto Urrea
Thu, Sep 04, 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 titles chosen by fellow book club members! 📚 ☕
Film Series - "Thelma"
Thu, Sep 04, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a film inspired by the film director's own grandmother, Thelma Post, who is portrayed as an unlikely action hero.
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, Sep 04, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
TCG Library League
Thu, Sep 04, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come learn and play Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon TCG!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Sep 04, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Intro to Robotics for Kids
Thu, Sep 04, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come learn robotics with the Duncan staff. 
Registration is now closed
Sit & Stitch
Thu, Sep 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for a couple hours of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Registration is now closed
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and crochet group
Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
Dungeons and Dragons: Teen Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Sep 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Sep 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the following two stories by Argentinian poet, essayist, and short story writer Jorge Luis Borges: "The Form of the Sword" and "The Story of the Two Dreamers."
HomeFit Workshop
Fri, Sep 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn about how you can modify your home for safety and comfort with this AARP-sponsored program.
Lego Competition
Fri, Sep 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your best building brains!
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Sep 06, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Teen Advisory Group  - Monthly Meeting  
Sat, Sep 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Public Safety Reads Storytime
Sat, Sep 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Once upon a time, a fire fighter, a police officer, and a 911 call taker read kids a story...
Alexandria Black Family Reunion
Sat, Sep 06, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
The third annual Black Family Reunion!
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Sep 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your spanish conversation skills.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Sep 07, 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!
Preschool STEAM Sundays
Sun, Sep 07, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your preschooler to the Duncan Library on Sunday afternoons to explore STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)! This is a drop-in event. Recommended ages 3-6
Baby Time
Mon, Sep 08, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Sep 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Baby Time
Mon, Sep 08, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Cancelled
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Sep 08, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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 08, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Adult and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Mon, Sep 08, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Avenue Ambition - Crafting Your Creative Career
Mon, Sep 08, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Develop tools and skills to create, market, and sell your original artwork in this 10-week series.
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Sep 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
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.
Diversity Book Club - "Anita de Monte Laughs Last" by Xochitl Gonzalez
Mon, Sep 08, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a discussion of Xochitl Gonzalez's 2024 historical novel. Please join us.
Let's Talk Books - "This Other Eden" by Paul Harding
Mon, Sep 08, 7:00pm - 7:50pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "This Other Eden" by Paul Harding.
Fables and Fun
Tue, Sep 09, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An engaging story time that will have you laughing, moving, and wanting to know what's on the next page! (Ages 0-5)
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Sep 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, Sep 09, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor,Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Sensory Storytime
Tue, Sep 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Ms. Naomi for an interactive story time that is full of adventure and fun! Ages 2-8 Venga y unirse con Ms. Naomi por un cuentacuentos interactivo lleno de aventura y diversión. Edades 2-8
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Sep 09, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Sep 09, 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.
Duncan and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Tue, Sep 09, 5:10pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Sep 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
PRESUPUESTOS Y METAS FINANCIERAS
Mending Sampler Pincushion
Tue, Sep 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Learn how to make a pincushion using various hand mending techniques that can be applied to your own repairs. With time at the end, volunteers will offer suggestions for personal mending projects.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Sep 09, 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, Sep 10, 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.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 10, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Sep 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months.. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 10, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Trans-Atlantic Book Club: Alexandria & Helsingborg - Reading "The Gift" by Edwidge Danticat
Wed, Sep 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join participants from Alexandria & our Sister City Helsingborg, Sweden for a discussion of the short story "The Gift" by Edwidge Danticat from her collection Everything Inside. Registration Required.Register
Argue Less and Talk More - with Communication Expert Jefferson Fisher
Wed, Sep 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us (and be ready to take notes) for an afternoon virtual conversation with communication expert Jefferson Fisher, as we chat about his book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More. Register
Mystery Book Club - "The Turquoise Shop" by Frances Crane
Wed, Sep 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us virtually for a discussion of a delightful Golden Age mystery, the first novel in the Pat and Jean Abbott series. Register
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Sep 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Sep 10, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
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
September Sewing - Zenkis!
Wed, Sep 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Zenkis are hand sewn plushies packed with personality. Get creative! All supplies will be provided.  For ages 8-18.
Cancelled
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, Sep 11, 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.
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Sep 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
1000 Books Story Time - Story Times for ages 2-5
Thu, Sep 11, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Sep 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Line Dancing
Thu, Sep 11, 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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Sep 11, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.
Summer Film Series - "Thursday Murder Club"
Thu, Sep 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a screening of the 2025 film based on the novel of the same name by Richard Osman.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Sep 11, 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 11, 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!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Sep 11, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 11, 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 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Sep 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Emily Rath In Conversation with Chip Pons & Ruby Ranna - A Pucking Strong Release Event!
Thu, Sep 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center - Auditorium
Join us at the Nannie J. Lee Rec Center as as bestselling author Emily Rath discusses the latest title in her Jacksonville Rays series with fellow authors Chip Pons & Ruby Rana! CODE: ALXLIBRARY29802 Register
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, Sep 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Company Of Books 2200 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, Va 22301
Join us at "The Company of Books", where we discuss what we're currently reading. Bring something to write with, you are always going to leave with a list of things to add to your TBR pile!
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Sep 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
Trash Trekkers - Burke Branch Walking and Litter Pickup Club
Sat, Sep 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Lawn
Start your Saturday doing good for your community. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.
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 Cafe - 2nd and 4th Saturdays - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Play with the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18) Echa un vistazo a la selección de juegos de mesa de la Biblioteca. (De 5 a 18 años) Área infantil de Beatley Library
Good Pet, Great Life! - Behavior 101 for Cats, Dogs, and Their Humans!
Sat, Sep 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
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.
See all events

 

THIRD PARTY

Library programs may be presented by non-library organizations. These organizations may require you to register in advance.

With these events, there will be a link to the organization's website where you need to follow their rules for registering.

 

Last updated: May 2021