Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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
Beatley Friends' Book Sale - Half-Price Day
Sun, Mar 30, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Shop thousands of books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, and more at half-price!
Beatley Friends' Book Sale - $10 Bag Day
Mon, Mar 31, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Get a whole bag of books, DVDs, CDs, and more for just $10!
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Mar 31, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 31, 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.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Mar 31, 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
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Tue, Apr 01, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Apr 01, 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.
Money Talk for Women
Tue, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Money Talk for Women is a series aimed at enhancing financial literacy and empowering women to make informed financial decisions.
All Alexandria Reads Book Discussion - "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca Solnit
Tue, Apr 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
As a part of All Alexandria Reads, please join us to read and discuss our nonfiction selection "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca Solnit.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Apr 01, 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
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Wed, Apr 02, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 02, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 02, 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.
Ready, Set, Grow!
Wed, Apr 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Plan your outdoor adventures with the Master Gardeners! Discover how to enjoy the outdoors sustainably, stay bug-free, and become an eco-savvy gardener
Alexandria Artists Meet and Greet - Ages 18+
Wed, Apr 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Engage with other amateur and professional Alexandria artists to talk about personal and community needs for successful art careers.
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Apr 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
This event is full
Wordsmith and Wonder: An Author Talk with Jodi Picoult
Wed, Apr 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Step into Spring with us as we chat with the highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about her newest novel, By Any Other Name. Register
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Thu, Apr 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 03, 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
Thu, Apr 03, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "James" by Percival Everett
Thu, Apr 03, 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 - "Anora"
Thu, Apr 03, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2025 film that won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress of the Year.
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, Apr 03, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Fri, Apr 04, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sat, Apr 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stretch, breathe and cultivate your connections with body-heart-mind-spirit.
This event is full
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Apr 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
New venue Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board 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!
Tiny Art Show Opening
Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 06, 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!
All Alexandria Reads Screenings - "Colors of Change" and "A Thousand Pines"
Sun, Apr 06, 3:00pm - 5:15pm
Patagonia Old Town - 815 1/2 King St.
Stop into Patagonia Old Town to watch two documentaries that explore remote spaces and their relationships to humans.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 07, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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.
Friends of the Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting
Mon, Apr 07, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 08, 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.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Tue, Apr 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
The Stories, Science, and History of Trees - with Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming
Tue, Apr 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a tour through the secret world of trees as revealed in the beautiful and absorbing guide to the giants of the plant world—The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees.Register
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Apr 08, 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.
Money Talk for Women
Tue, Apr 08, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Money Talk for Women is a series aimed at enhancing financial literacy and empowering women to make informed financial decisions.
Silent Book Club
Tue, Apr 08, 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Bring a book or chose from one of ours and join in a quiet, low-tech reading time. This month's theme: Arab and Arab American authors.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Wed, Apr 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 09, 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.
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Apr 09, 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, Apr 09, 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 - An American Story by Kwame Alexander
Wed, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—this month it's 2024 Children's Virginia Literary Award winner Kwame Alexander's picture book An American Story. Meets virtually.Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 10, 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.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Thu, Apr 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Line Dancing
Thu, Apr 10, 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.
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Apr 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
The Barrett Branch Mahjong group meets the second and fourth Thursdays. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Apr 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
NEW EXTENDED TIME! 3-5 PM! 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 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals 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, Apr 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, Apr 10, 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!
Author Talk: "Morningside" by Aran Shetterly - NEW DATE!
Thu, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for an author talk, book signing, and reception with Aran Shetterly as he discusses his new book, "Morningside," about the 1979 Greensboro Massacre.
Advancing Stormwater Management - What to Do to Protect Water Quality and Mitigate Flooding 
Thu, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join staff from Alexandria City's Stormwater Management Division to learn what you can do to protect and improve water quality and mitigate flooding. Registration Required. Register
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Fri, Apr 11, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Low Vision Resource Group - Resources for people experiencing low vision
Fri, Apr 11, 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 focus on reading books and newspapers with our ears. Our session will explore options for nonvisual reading.
Rescheduled
Ca$h in on Decluttering
Fri, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
New date Friday, April 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Do you have treasures to appraise or clothes and toys to sell? Clean out your closets, attic, and garage to find things to sell easily.
Ca$h in on Decluttering
Fri, Apr 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual
Do you have treasures to appraise or clothes and toys to sell? Clean out your closets, attic, and garage to find things to sell easily. Register
Underground Railroad Walking Tour - All Alexandria Reads
Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Manumission Tour Company will lead a 90-minute walking tour along the King Street corridor incorporating stories from abolitionist William Still's 1872 book.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stretch, breathe and cultivate your connections with body-heart-mind-spirit.
Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan
Sat, Apr 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
When your family is affected by a disaster, do you have a communication plan? Come create a Family Emergency Communication plan and learn valuable skills for preparing for disaster.
An Afternoon of Poetry with Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam - A Fond Farewell
Sat, Apr 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Outgoing Poet Laureate of Alexandria, Zeina Azzam, will give a reading of several poems related to her service to the city of Alexandria and its citizens.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sun, Apr 13, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Apr 13, 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 friends.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Nines
Sun, Apr 13, 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!
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Mon, Apr 14, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 14, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English practice for English language learners. No registration is needed. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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.
Eco-City Trivia + Home Scavenger Hunt!
Mon, Apr 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom
Join us for some trivia, a home scavenger hunt, and to learn about free resources from your libraries and the City that can help you save energy and enjoy nature!
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Apr 14, 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
Diversity Book Club - "Dreamers of the Day" by Mary Doria Russell
Mon, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for an online discussion of Maria Doria Russell's 2008 novel.
Let's Talk Books - "James" by Percival Everett
Mon, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Please join us to read and discuss this year's fiction choice for All Alexandria Reads, "James" by Percival Everett. Register
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025