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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, 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.

 

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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Tiny BIT of Art
Mon, Mar 30, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 30, 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, Mar 30, 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.
Bad Art Night! - Create something truly terrible!
Mon, Mar 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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!
Tiny BIT of Art
Tue, Mar 31, All day
Virtual
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Mar 31, 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, Mar 31, 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.
Mini Quilt
Tue, Mar 31, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us to make a mini quilt in the Log Cabin style. A basic knowledge of hand sewing is required to participate in this activity.
This event is full
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 01, 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.
Film Screening - "Hamnet"
Wed, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us at the Library for a screening of the 2025 drama film based on the novel by Maggie O'Farrell, featuring the winner of the 2026 Oscar for Best Actress.
Digital Skills For Life (En español)
Wed, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Resume and finance classes are offered to strengthen your career and personal opportunities / Se ofrecen clases de currículum y finanzas para fortalecer sus oportunidades laborales y personales
English Language Learning
Wed, Apr 01, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Duncan Library
Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes! / ¡Únase a nosotros todos los miércoles por la noche para recibir clases GRATIS para principiantes e intermedios!
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Apr 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
ZOOM
Join us the first Wednesday of the month for a relaxing session led by David Kosar with Yoga in Daily Life! We will learn methods, practices, and techniques to help guide you through yogic philosophy
Application Assistance - One-on-One Help
Thu, Apr 02, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "Midnight on the Potomac" by Scott Ellsworth
Thu, Apr 02, 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! 📚 ☕
On a Mission: The History of U.S. Women Astronauts - with Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal
Thu, Apr 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight.Register
Carefull Knit & Crochet - America250
Thu, Apr 02, 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.
Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group: Group B - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Dharma Level II lessons hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 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
GED & Adult Literacy Tutoring
Sat, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 1:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to strengthen reading skills and prepare for the high school equivalency GED test? Come for supportive tutoring to practice reading and/or review questions, studying tips and taking the test.
English Conversation Club - Develop & Practice Your English Conversation Skills
Sat, Apr 04, 2:00pm - 2:55pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Welcome! Are you looking to improve your English language skills? Join us for English conversation practice, with new topics each session! Ages 14+
Spanish Conversation Club
Sat, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+
Oddball Cinema - Touching the Void
Sun, Apr 05, 2:00pm - 4:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Oddball Adventure series
Senior Bingo
Mon, Apr 06, 10:30am - 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, Apr 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.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Tue, Apr 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, Apr 07, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air and enjoy some sunshine as we discuss the latest books we've been reading!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Wed, Apr 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 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.
Digital Skills For Life (En español)
Wed, Apr 08, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Resume and finance classes are offered to strengthen your career and personal opportunities / Se ofrecen clases de currículum y finanzas para fortalecer sus oportunidades laborales y personales
Literary Virginia Book Group - Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen
Wed, Apr 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
English Language Learning
Wed, Apr 08, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Duncan Library
Join us every Wednesday evening for FREE beginner to intermediate classes! / ¡Únase a nosotros todos los miércoles por la noche para recibir clases GRATIS para principiantes e intermedios!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Thu, Apr 09, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Line Dancing 101
Thu, Apr 09, 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!
Line Dancing 201
Thu, Apr 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.
American Style Mahjong - Let's play Mahjong!
Thu, Apr 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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Apr 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Apr 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 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.
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, Apr 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+
Sit & Stitch
Thu, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for an hour of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!
Dungeons and Dragons Adult Group: Group A - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Winter Teen Creativity Contest Art Show - Opening Reception
Thu, Apr 09, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Dope Focus Gallery at Building Momentum - 5380 Eisenhower Ave Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22304
Celebrate the 2026 contest participants and award winners!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, Apr 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Low Vision Resource Group - Accessing News and Podcasts
Fri, Apr 10, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision. This session will cover ways to access news and podcasts.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, Apr 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Free Verse Poetry Workshop (VIRTUAL) - for National Poetry Month
Sat, Apr 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
ZOOM
Dispel the myth that poems need to rhyme in this dynamic workshop where participants will learn more about this form and practice a couple prompts for National Poetry Month! (TEENS & ADULTS)
Building Better Bonds! - Positive reinforcement training and bonding with your pet!
Sat, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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.
Oddball Cinema - A Taste of Honey
Sat, Apr 11, 2:30pm - 4:35pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Oddball Cinema for a showing of "A Taste of Honey," the 1961 film.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sun, Apr 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Apr 12, 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.
Come Meet Alexandria's Poet Laureate - Reception for Cristi Donoso
Sun, Apr 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Meet Alexandria's new Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso and learn about her plans for the City’s Poet Laureate Program during her tenure.. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Mon, Apr 13, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 13, 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.
Unregulated AI Use - Understanding Threats and Regulations
Mon, Apr 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Dr. Finley-Brook will walk us through the harm of unregulated AI use and explain policies experts are working on to reign it in.Register
Diversity Book Club - "Heaven and Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride
Mon, Apr 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us online for a discussion of James McBride's acclaimed novel.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Tue, Apr 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Foreign Policy
Tue, Apr 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Ambassador (ret.) Richard D. Kauzlarich will review the current Administration's foreign policy as it affects relations with the states of the former Soviet Union and energy.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Apr 14, 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
On Writing Action-Packed and Suspenseful Spycraft - with New York Times Bestselling Author Brad Taylor
Tue, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us in conversation with acclaimed author Brad Taylor on his latest work, Shadow Strike, book 20 (yes, you read that right!) of the bestselling Pike Logan series. Register
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025