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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 1st, customers 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 Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

 

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

Staff Picks for eBooks & Audiobooks

 

They Will Drown in Their Mothers' Tears The Alienist The Goldfinch A Mind Unraveled Manhattan Beach Dark Places

Upcoming Events
Fri, Mar 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
After you enjoy reading Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, this year’s All Alexandria Reads adult fiction selection, please consider sharing one of your favorite cake recipes.

Sat, Mar 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
After you enjoy reading Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, this year’s All Alexandria Reads adult fiction selection, please consider sharing one of your favorite cake recipes.

Canceled
Sat, Mar 30, 1:30pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
A live-action, pink, dreamhouse icon!

Sun, Mar 31, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
After you enjoy reading Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, this year’s All Alexandria Reads adult fiction selection, please consider sharing one of your favorite cake recipes.

Mon, Apr 01, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners. No registration required.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Mon, Apr 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Curious about black cake and other Caribbean food? Try samples from Ruby's Jamaican Kitchen and learn about Jamaican cuisine.

Canceled
Tue, Apr 02, 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.

Tue, Apr 02, 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

Wed, Apr 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects or learn new skills. Quilting tutorials will be provided on 1st Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Wed, Apr 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us to learn more about native perennials, woody plants, and grasses that bloom during summer.Register

Wed, Apr 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️

Canceled
Thu, Apr 04, 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.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.

Thu, Apr 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join Sara Lavan, founder of Local Motion Project, for an engaging, accessible movement class.

Thu, Apr 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 newest titles on our shelves!

Thu, Apr 04, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2023 film, which won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Thu, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Thu, Apr 04, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

Thu, Apr 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
⭐ Please email Ally Zomchek at azomchek@alexlibraryva.org if interested in joining ⭐

Thu, Apr 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Fri, Apr 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join Sara Lavan, founder of Local Motion Project, online for an engaging, accessible movement class.Register

Sat, Apr 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A workshop for those with green thumbs or want to learn! 🌱

Sun, Apr 07, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to network, share moral support, and offer constructive criticism. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!

Sun, Apr 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A young punk recruited by a car repossession agency finds himself in pursuit of a Chevrolet Malibu that is wanted for a $20,000 bounty - and has something otherworldly stashed in its trunk.

Mon, Apr 08, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ben Brenman Park
Enjoy space themed activities and watch the eclipse with us. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided (one per group) while supplies last. Maximum coverage occurs at 3:20 PM. (All Ages)

Mon, Apr 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Mon, Apr 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join the Local History Special Collection team for a virtual genealogy workshop and learn how to begin your family history research. For Ages 18 and Older. Register

Mon, Apr 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.

Mon, Apr 08, 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Virtual via Zoom - Virtual via Zoom
Join us via Zoom to discuss the fiction pick for this year's All Alexandria Reads theme of courage! Register

Mon, Apr 08, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a virtual discussion of Maaza Mengiste's 2019 novel.

Canceled
Tue, Apr 09, 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.

Tue, Apr 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

Wed, Apr 10, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects or learn new skills. Quilting tutorials will be provided on 1st Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Wed, Apr 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us to discuss the 2021 novel by the award-winning author and former diplomat, Jean-Christophe Rufin. Register

Wed, Apr 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Wed, Apr 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Celebrate National Gardening Month and our All Alexandria Reads "Brave the Wild River" book choice by swapping and learning about plants with your neighbors!

Wed, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Join with readers in the community to talk about Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden by Camille T. Dungy that highlights AAR's 2024 theme of COURAGE.

Wed, Apr 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for an author talk with local author TJ Butler. Register

Canceled
Thu, Apr 11, 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.

Thu, Apr 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
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.

Thu, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Our Mahjong group uses the American rules variation developed from the ancient Chinese game. Meetings are from 2-4 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Registration is limited and required.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 11, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a screening of this 2017 American historical drama film based on the 2008 novel by Hillary Jordan.

Thu, Apr 11, 4:00pm - 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!

Thu, Apr 11, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

Thu, Apr 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
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.

Thu, Apr 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Ready to declutter and downsize? Join us at our Downsizing Event for expert tips from professionals!

Thu, Apr 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Thu, Apr 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
City of Alexandria Resource Recovery’s Howard Lee shares tips on how families can reduce food waste by properly storing food and repurposing leftovers. Register

Fri, Apr 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Alexandria Celebrates Women Vice President Gayle Converse made a once-in-a-lifetime journey celebrating women's equality and history by walking from Alexandria to Richmond.Register

Sat, Apr 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
The Barrett Branch is hosting an All We Can Save Circle open to all interested in sincere discussion centered on the climate crisis and for those seeking community rooted in wise and just solutions.

Sat, Apr 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good for your community. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.

Sat, Apr 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
"A serial killer is on the loose in Jazz Age Philadelphia in Jenny Adams’ debut historical mystery, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Rhys Bowen."

Sat, Apr 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!

Sat, Apr 13, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Join us for a guided tour of trees in our Old Town neighborhood by the Virginia Master Naturalists. Registration required as space is limited. (Rain date: Sunday April 14, same time)

Last updated:  January 2024