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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
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English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 02, 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.
Line dancing 101
Thu, Oct 02, 11:00am - 11:45am
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
Line dancing 201
Thu, Oct 02, 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.
Rescheduled
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Village Healer's Book Of Cures" by Jennifer S. Roberts
Thu, Oct 02, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
New date Thursday, October 09, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
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! 👻 🎃 🦇
Thursday Film Series - "The Old Man and the Gun"
Thu, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Robert Redford by joining us for a screening of his final film, a fitting farewell to a legend.
Nuestra América - Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who've Shaped the US
Thu, Oct 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key highlight inspiring stories of Latinos and their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.Register
Cancelled
Carefull Knit & Crochet - Crafting for Good
Thu, Oct 02, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Thu, Oct 02, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!
Rescheduled
Sit & Stitch
Thu, Oct 02, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New date Thursday, October 09, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for a couple hours of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and crochet group
Thu, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Oct 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate October by reading these two scary stories perfect for a cold October night: "My Sad Dead" by Mariana Enriquez and "The Murderer" by Ray Bradbury. Register
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Fri, Oct 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Fri, Oct 03, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!
Rescheduled
Low Vision Resource Group - Resources for people experiencing low vision
Fri, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
New date Friday, October 10, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Sat, Oct 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Avenue Ambition at Art on the Avenue
Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Del Ray - Along Mt. Vernon Ave, between Hume Ave & Bellefonte Ave
Join our Avenue Ambition graduates as they take their art businesses on the road, to Art on the Avenue in Del Ray!
Tour d'Alexandria Library 2025 - Branching Out: The Natural Beauty of Alexandria
Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Beatley Central Library parking lot
Join us for a fun, leisurely ride through Alexandia as we visit all the Library branches!
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Oct 04, 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
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Sat, Oct 04, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Oct 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your spanish conversation skills.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Sun, Oct 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 05, 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!
Burke Branch Friends Book Sale
Sun, Oct 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Shop used books and more while supporting the Burke Branch Friends!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Troll Hunter
Sun, Oct 05, 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!
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Mon, Oct 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Senior Bingo
Mon, Oct 06, 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, Oct 06, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 06, 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, Oct 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
Banned Books Book Tasting - Get book recommendations and enjoy pastries!
Mon, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Kick off Banned Books Week by celebrating the freedom to read with a Banned Books Book Tasting! Recommend your favorites and discover new books to try while eating pastries!
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Oct 06, 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.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Tue, Oct 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Oct 07, 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.
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, Oct 07, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air, explore Old Town, and talk about the latest books we've been reading!
Cancelled
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
ESTRATEGIAS PARA AHORRAR
Freedom to Read Bottle Cap Pins
Tue, Oct 07, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Show off your Freedom to Read by making a bottle cap pin honoring frequently challenged books and words.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Oct 07, 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
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Wed, Oct 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Oct 08, 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.
Nationalism & Cosmopolitanism - in the Creation of Richmond’s Confederate Monuments
Wed, Oct 08, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a virtual presentation from Donovan Schaefer, a Virginia Humanities Fellow, on his research project “Nationalism & Cosmopolitanism in the Creation of Richmond’s Confederate Monuments.” Register
Mystery Book Club - "Hallowe'en Party" by Agatha Christie
Wed, Oct 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join our annual Halloween-themed in-person discussion of Agatha Christie's "Hallowe'en Party."
Kusama Pumpkin Decorating - Celebrate Fall!
Wed, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Welcome the fall season by decorating pumpkins inspired by the art of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Pumpkins and pens will be provided.
This event is full
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Oct 08, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 08, 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.
Literary Virginia Book Group - The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship With Our Wild Neighbors
Wed, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Library of Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register
Rescheduled
Hangul for Beginners
Wed, Oct 08, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
New date Thursday, October 23, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join this 3-part series with certified educator Byul Yim to learn Korean in a fun, small-group setting.
Alexandria CrimeFest - Why does Alexandria inspire crime fiction?
Wed, Oct 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Mystery lovers of Alexandria rejoice and join us for an evening with local crime writers who will discuss their books.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Thu, Oct 09, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 09, 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.
Line dancing 101
Thu, Oct 09, 11:00am - 11:45am
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
Line dancing 201
Thu, Oct 09, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Village Healer's Book Of Cures" by Jennifer S. Roberts
Thu, Oct 09, 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! 👻 🎃 🦇
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Oct 09, 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.
Art with Julie: Halloween Table Runner
Thu, Oct 09, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn to weave a fun and easy Halloween-themed table runner. Registration is required.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Oct 09, 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!
Rescheduled
Sit & Stitch
Thu, Oct 09, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New date Thursday, October 16, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for a couple hours of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 09, 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.
Conserving, Preserving and More: How to Care for Photographs - Archives Month Webinar
Thu, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an engaging webinar focusing on the care of photographs as we celebrate this year’s Virginia Archives Month theme, “Oh Snap: Photography in the Archives.” Register
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, Oct 09, 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!
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Oct 09, 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
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and crochet group
Thu, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Oddball Cinema - Byzantium · by Neil Jordan
Thu, Oct 09, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
join oddball cinema for a showing of Byzantium
10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy - with Leigh Bardugo
Thu, Oct 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm. Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself. Register
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Fri, Oct 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Low Vision Resource Group - Resources for people experiencing low vision
Fri, Oct 10, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Sat, Oct 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Fall Learn to Knit Class - A partnership with Project Knitwell
Sat, Oct 11, 11:00am - 12:30pm
New venue Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story 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
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Oct 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
New venue Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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, Oct 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Oct 15, 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.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Oct 15, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 15, 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.
The America 250 Book Club
Wed, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
Local History/Special Collections is quarterly book club in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us to explore U.S. history through books that highlight freedom, democracy, and identity.
Registration is now closed
Book a Librarian - Application Assistance
Thu, Oct 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Get help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Stretch for Mobility
Thu, Oct 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy the benefits of a head-to-toe stretch session to help increase mobility, flexibility, and improve muscle function.
Line dancing 201
Thu, Oct 16, 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.
Carefull Knit & Crochet - Crafting for Good
Thu, Oct 16, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.
Sit & Stitch
Thu, Oct 16, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Coming Together Through Archives - Archiving Underrepresented Virginia History
Thu, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
In celebration of Virginia Archives Month, join us for a virtual panel discussion about archiving underrepresented Virginia history. Register
Bad Art Night - Create something truly terrible!
Thu, Oct 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Adults and teens are encouraged to create the worst pieces of art they have ever seen to win a prize for worst artwork!
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Oct 16, 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
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025