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
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Tue, Jun 24, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jun 24, 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
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Wed, Jun 25, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jun 25, 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.
Reclaim Your Power: Finding Resilience in Challenging Times - A virtual workshop for unemployment or stressful jobs
Wed, Jun 25, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Zoom
If you were recently laid off, forced to resign, or recently retired; join us for an empowering safe space to share difficult feelings, process them, and explore career passions to move forward
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jun 25, 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.
DASH 101: Your Ride, Your Way
Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) invites you to stop by, connect with the DASH team, and learn how to get the most out of Alexandria’s fare-free public transit.
DIY Shrinky Dinks - Celebrate Pride Month with a make and take craft
Wed, Jun 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Join us for a DIY craft that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, make a Shrinky Dink for yourself or a loved one to show your support! (Adults Only) 🏳️‍🌈
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Jun 25, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Romance Book Club - Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Wed, Jun 25, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us on Zoom on the last Wednesday of the month! Click on the event title for more details.Register
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Thu, Jun 26, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Jun 26, 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, Jun 26, 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, Jun 26, 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.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Jun 26, 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.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Jerry and Marge Go Large
Thu, Jun 26, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Jun 26, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
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
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Fri, Jun 27, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Sat, Jun 28, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Jun 28, 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
Parenting Professional Development Series - How to Give Feedback to Your In-Laws (and others)
Sat, Jun 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Parenting can be hard enough! Learn to work a bit smarter, not harder, in our monthly Parenting Professional Development Sessions hosted by Carin Andrews, founder of Engaged Training & Consulting.
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jun 28, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Jun 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting 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!
Oddball Cinema - The Five Obstructions
Sat, Jun 28, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
2003 film, directed by Lars Von Trier
Alexandria Pride 2025 - Drag Story Hours w/ ASL Interpretation
Sat, Jun 28, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Alexandria City Hall - 301 King Street
Enjoy art and poetry workshops, music, refreshments and more. (All ages)
French Conversation Club
Sat, Jun 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Sun, Jun 29, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Magical Music - Fantastical Worlds for String Orchestra
Sun, Jun 29, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join the Symphony of Northern Virginia for a magical listening experience with a selection of music from fantastical worlds for string orchestra.
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Mon, Jun 30, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Senior Bingo
Mon, Jun 30, 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.
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, Jun 30, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Brush up on your digital and media literacy skills to protect yourself with the Be MediaWise Misinformation Resilience Toolkit. Register
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jun 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, Jun 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.
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Jun 30, 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
PINGO - Plastic Free BINGO
Tue, Jul 01, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Beginning July 1, pick up a PINGO card to play throughout Plastic Free July. How plastic-free can you be?
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Tue, Jul 01, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, Jul 01, 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!
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Wed, Jul 02, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jul 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 Classes
Wed, Jul 02, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Monthly Meditation - A free ONLINE meditation class open to all levels
Wed, Jul 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Thu, Jul 03, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Line Dancing
Thu, Jul 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 - "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee
Thu, Jul 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! 📚 ☕
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, Jul 03, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Jul 03, 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Jul 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Jul 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
If you love reading short stories, join us for a discussion of the following stories: "How to roll" by Courtney Jones Mitchell and "Kelemo's Woman" by Molara Wood.Register
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Fri, Jul 04, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Sat, Jul 05, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 05, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Sun, Jul 06, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jul 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!
Alexandria Library Cat Contest 2025
Mon, Jul 07, All day
Virtual
Here, kitty kitty! Is your cat the next library cat?
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, Jul 07, 12:00pm - 12:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Brush up on your digital and media literacy skills to protect yourself with the Be MediaWise Misinformation Resilience Toolkit. Register
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Jul 07, 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
Family Game Night! - Let's have a gaming adventure!
Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!
Diversity Book Club - "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Alexie
Mon, Jul 07, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for a discussion of Sherman Alexie's 2007 young adult novel.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jul 08, 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
Helping You Navigate Medicare - VA Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP)
Wed, Jul 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Jul 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.
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Jul 09, 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!
Mystery Book Club - "Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies" by Catherine Mack
Wed, Jul 09, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of Catherine Mack's first book in The Vacation Mysteries series. Register
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, Jul 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
Literary Virginia Book Group - Simply Lies by David Baldacci
Wed, Jul 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Jul 09, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025