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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
Computer Skills for the Workplace - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, May 14, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Gain a working knowledge of the computer skills you will need to succeed in today's job market. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, May 14, All day
Virtual - Virtual
World-renowned author and career advisor shows you how to get the job you want quickly and easily and in any economy. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, lessons are asynchronous over 6 weeks)Register
Resume Writing Workshop - A Free, Six-Week Asynchronous Course Taken on Your Schedule
Wed, May 14, All day
Virtual - Virtual
Discover the secret to transforming your tired, boring resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. (Enrollment is for a start on this date, but lessons are asynchronous over six weeks)Register
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 14, 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, May 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
This event is full
Mystery Book Club - "The Murder of Mr. Ma" by John Shen Yen Nee and SJ Rozan
Wed, May 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by joining us for a discussion of this groundbreaking collaboration. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, May 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.
Literary Virginia Book Group - The Plinko Bounce by Martin Clark
Wed, May 14, 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, May 14, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Sustainable Action & Spheres of Influence - a Neighbors Teaching Neighbors Panel
Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Ready to take sustainability beyond your household? Hear how people in your community are having a positive influence in the places they work and live. Register
On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller - with Author Liann Zhang
Wed, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for an propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 15, 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, May 15, 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.
Land Justice: A Green Future for All - Rooted in Black & Indigenous Land Ownership
Thu, May 15, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join author Brea Baker for a discussion on land justice and her book, Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership. Registration required.Register
Creating with Collage
Thu, May 15, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stop by for a collage workshop where the participants will use various papers to layer on a flat surface using the principles of design to make a collage. Registration required.
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, May 15, 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, May 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, May 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by joining us to discuss the following two stories: "Treasure Island Alley" by Da-Lin and "The Volunteer" by Lucinda Nelson Dhavan.Register
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, May 15, 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, May 17, 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
Psychic Development Workshop + Channeling Session - with Del Ray’s Resident Intuitive, Amy
Sat, May 17, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a workshop on reading and understanding energy. This interactive session offers a safe and supportive space to explore energy awareness, practice intuitive techniques, and ask questions
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, May 17, 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!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 18, 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, May 18, 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 - Spontaneous
Sun, May 18, 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!
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group
Sun, May 18, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Alexandria Library partners with the Alzheimer's Association's National Area Chapter to bring you a quarterly support group at Beatley Central Library.
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, May 19, 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) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, May 19, 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, May 19, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, May 20, 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, May 20, 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.
Introduction to Korean Language & Culture 
Tue, May 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Byul, a certified educator, for a fun Korean language and culture intro! Perfect for beginners—space is limited, sign up today!
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 21, 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.
Fueling to Wellness - A Real-Life Approach to Eating More Plants
Wed, May 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Join author Jessica Laughlin to learn how to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life - without the pressure of going "all in" or feeling overwhelmed. Delicious recipes included!Register
How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us - with Author Rachelle Bergstein
Wed, May 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. Register
Burke Book Club - "The Other Americans" by Laila Lalami
Wed, May 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a discussion of a timely and powerful novel about the suspicious death of a Moroccan immigrant by the acclaimer writer Laila Lalami. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, May 21, 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.
Author Talk: Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles
Wed, May 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a book signing and giveaway with Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles and her new book, "Smart Girl"
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, May 21, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 22, 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, May 22, 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, May 22, 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.
Film - "A Complete Unknown"
Thu, May 22, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2024 Oscar-nominated docudrama about singer Bob Dylan.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, May 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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, May 22, 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.
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Parenting Professional Development Series - 5 Love Languages, Social Styles, MBTI – Oh My!
Sat, May 24, 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.
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop - with 85 Artistry
Sat, May 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
French Conversation Club
Sat, May 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "Only Lovers Left Alive"
Sun, May 25, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, May 27, 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.
Medicare 101 - Helping you navigate Medicare with VA Insurance Counseling
Tue, May 27, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge 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)
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, May 27, 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.
Eco:mmunion - Conversations to Sustain People and Planet
Tue, May 27, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, May 27, 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, May 28, 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, May 28, 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.
DIY Bouquet Building Workshop - with Brass Bee Floral And Event Design
Wed, May 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join local florist, Hunter, who will teach you the skills to make the most of flowers at your grocery store and create stunning arrangements! (Adults Only)
This event is full
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, May 28, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Romance Book Club
Wed, May 28, 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
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, May 29, 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.
Book a Librarian - Applications Assistance
Thu, May 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Schedule time with a librarian on Thursday mornings to receive help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 AM and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.
Line Dancing
Thu, May 29, 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.
Film - "Wicked"
Thu, May 29, 2:00pm - 4:40pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for the 2024 Oscar-winning film adaptation of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West."
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Great Train Robbery
Thu, May 29, 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!
Bad Art Night! - Be adventurous and create something truly terrible!
Thu, May 29, 5:30pm - 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!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, May 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025