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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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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.
Film Series - "The Woman in Cabin 10"
Wed, Oct 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of a psychological thriller based on the bestselling 2016 novel of the same name by author Ruth Ware.
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!
Registration is now closed
Burke Book Club - "Good Night, Irene" by Luis Alberto Urrea
Wed, Oct 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a discussion of the 2023 historical novel. Register
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.
Film Screening - "Annie Hall"
Thu, Oct 16, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to celebrate Diane Keaton with her iconic 1977 film, "Annie Hall."
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
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Oct 18, 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
Oddball Cinema - The Phantom of the Paradise
Sat, Oct 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join oddball cinema for a showing of The Phantom of the Paradise 1974 film
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 19, 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!
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Oct 19, 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.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Oct 20, 10:30am - 12:15pm
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 20, 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
Alexandria Library Board meeting
Mon, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
Alexandria Library Board meeting
Adult and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Mon, Oct 20, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 20, 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, Oct 20, 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
Diversity Book Club - "Grass" by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim or "Tastes like War" by Cho
Mon, Oct 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion online on the following books: "Grass" by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim or "Tastes like War" by Grace Cho.
Let's Talk Books - "Dead Wake" by Erik Larson
Mon, Oct 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson. Register
Empanadas, Pupusas and Greens on the Side - Author Amelia Tseng in Conversation with Canek Aguirre
Tue, Oct 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join Alexandria Library and Tenants and Workers United to hear from author Amelia Tseng on her recent book "Empanadas, Pupusas and Greens on the Side: Language and Latinidad in the Nation's Capital."
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Oct 21, 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, Oct 22, 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.
Managing Debt
Wed, Oct 22, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Financial Education volunteers to learn about types of debt, how to pay off debt, and tips for working with creditors.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 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.
A Hands-On Approach to the History of Photography - Archives Month Webinar
Wed, Oct 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for an engaging webinar on the history of photography as we celebrate this year’s Virginia Archives Month theme, “Oh Snap: Photography in the Archives.” Register
Rescheduled
Hangul for Beginners
Wed, Oct 22, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
New date Thursday, October 30, 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.
Finding My Way - with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai
Wed, Oct 22, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us online and be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Register
Book a Librarian - Application Assistance
Thu, Oct 23, 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.
Cancelled
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Film Series - "A Haunting in Venice"
Thu, Oct 23, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Read the book, then watch this supernatural thriller film based on Agatha Christie's 1969 novel "Hallowe'en Party."
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Oct 23, 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, Oct 23, 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, Oct 23, 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, Oct 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Hangul for Beginners
Thu, Oct 23, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join this 3-part series with certified educator Byul Yim to learn Korean in a fun, small-group setting.
Registration is now closed
Advance Your Skills - Crochet a Granny Square
Sat, Oct 25, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Come and learn how to crochet a granny square, which is an incredibly versatile motif and can be used to create a wide range of projects.
Fixit Clinic - Community Repair Event
Sat, Oct 25, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Bring items from home that are broken, torn or not quite working correctly. Our Fixit Coaches and Volunteers will try to get them up and running. Check-in at the Welcome Table to begin your visit.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Oct 27, 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
Adult and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Mon, Oct 27, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
We roll at dusk!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 27, 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A year-round horror club!
Mon, Oct 27, 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, Oct 27, 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
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, Oct 28, 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, Oct 29, 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.
Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons - with Historical Fiction Queen Philippa Gregory
Wed, Oct 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory sits down with us for an intriguing conversation about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor.Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 29, 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 Macrame Ghosts - (For Adults)
Wed, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a beginner-friendly macrame craft where folks will learn weaving techniques to make their very own ghost! 👻
This event is full
Romance Book Club
Wed, Oct 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance enthusiasts? Join us on the last Wednesday of the month! Click on the event title for more details. Register
Book a Librarian - Application Assistance
Thu, Oct 30, 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.
Line dancing 101
Thu, Oct 30, 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 30, 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.
Film Screening - "Something's Gotta Give"
Thu, Oct 30, 2:00pm - 4:15pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We are celebrating Diane Keaton with a screening of her 2003 Golden Globe Best Actress Award-winning film.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and crochet group
Thu, Oct 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Burke's Coldest Case - The Murder of Eva Roy
Thu, Oct 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Virtual Room,Meeting Room
Hear a Burke Historical Society speaker recount the 1918 murder of 14-year-old Eva Roy in Burke, VA, its flawed investigation, and its fruitless trials.Register
Hangul for Beginners
Thu, Oct 30, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join this 3-part series with certified educator Byul Yim to learn Korean in a fun, small-group setting.
Registration is now closed
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025