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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
Tiny Art Show
Thu, Apr 24, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 24, 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.
Silver Artisans - Travel Journals
Thu, Apr 24, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Make journals to take on your travels!
Trans-Atlantic Book Club: Alexandria & Dundee - reading Rebecca Solnit
Thu, Apr 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join participants from Alexandria and our Sister Library in Dundee, Scotland to discuss "One-Story House" from Rebecca Solnit's essay collection A Field Guide to Getting Lost. Registration required.Register
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, Apr 24, 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, Apr 24, 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 24, 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, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Narrative Poetry Workshop by Serena Wills
Thu, Apr 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Love is a universal language and poetry blends in perfectly with teaching people about it. These workshops are open to the public for ages 15 and up
The Thrill of Writing Action, Adventure, and Suspense - A Conversation with Bestselling Author Gregg Hurwitz
Thu, Apr 24, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Do you love action-packed adventure? Are you ready for the thrill? You’re invited to a riveting conversation with NYT bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz as he chats with us about his Orphan X series.Register
Tiny Art Show
Fri, Apr 25, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
Film - "Greyhound"
Fri, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of a 2020 film based on the novel "The Good Shepherd" by C.S. Forester.
Winter Teen Creativity Contest Art Show - Opening Reception
Fri, Apr 25, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Kyo Gallery - 111 S Patrick St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Celebrate the 2025 contest participants and award winners!
Tiny Art Show
Sat, Apr 26, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) - Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw
Sat, Apr 26, 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.
Incorporating Native Plants for Biodiversity - Part I: Understanding Native and Non-Native Plants
Sat, Apr 26, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Janet Entwistle will give a seminar on practical ways to enhance our local ecosystem through planting native plants and following supportive maintenance routines.
Discover WWII Heroism with author Carole Avriett - author of Midnight in Ironbottom Sound
Sat, Apr 26, 1:15pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Author Carole Avriett will discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, the incredible story of the Black Mess Attendant who saved 15 men during the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Apr 26, 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!
Oddball Cinema
Sat, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
French Conversation Club
Sat, Apr 26, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Tiny Art Show
Sun, Apr 27, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - "Violet & Daisy"
Sun, Apr 27, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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.
Four Mile Run Kayak Cleanup - All Alexandria Reads
Sun, Apr 27, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Four Mile Run - Water Access
Help keep our waterway beautiful by participating in a land and water-based cleanup hosted by the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. (Ages 12+)
Tiny Art Show
Mon, Apr 28, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Mon, Apr 28, 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 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room,Story 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.
Vision Boards - All Alexandria Reads
Mon, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Visualize the next adventure of your life by making a vision board. All supplies will be provided along with instructions and ideas for how to begin. 
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, Apr 28, 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
Tiny Art Show
Tue, Apr 29, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 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.
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, Apr 29, 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.
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Tue, Apr 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
At this workshop you will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and build one to take home. Registration is required, with a fee of $55 for the cost of the barrel.Register
Tiny Art Show
Wed, Apr 30, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, Apr 30, 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.
Food Waste/Composting Workshop
Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Learn about the causes and impacts of food waste, from economic costs to environmental consequences.
Recycling in Alexandria
Wed, Apr 30, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn about the City of Alexandria's recycling program.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 30, 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.
English Language Learning - ELL Classes
Wed, Apr 30, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Drop in Conversational English language learning!
Romance Book Club
Wed, Apr 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Do you love to read romance novels? Want to talk about them with other romance book lovers? Join us on the last Weds. of the month! Click on the event title for more details.Register
Line Dancing
Thu, May 01, 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 - "The Last of the Sea Women"
Thu, May 01, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island Month by joining us for a documentary about a fierce group of South Korean divers fighting to save their vanishing culture on the shores of Jeju Island.
Carefull Knitting - Knitting and Crochet for Good
Thu, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.
Book Sale - Friends of the Duncan Library
Thu, May 01, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Members only night May 1st 4pm- 8pm!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Incorporating Native Plants for Biodiversity - Part II: Designing Your Native Plant Garden
Thu, May 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Janet Entwistle will give a talk with ideas on which native plants might thrive in your garden and where you can buy them.
Book Sale - Friends of the Duncan Library
Fri, May 02, 10:00am - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Book sale starts Thursday May 1st @4pm - Sunday May 4th @5pm
Book Sale - Friends of the Duncan library
Sat, May 03, 10:00am - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Book sale starts Thursday May 1st @4pm - Sunday May 4th @5pm
Parenting Professional Development Series - Personal Finance 101 for Parents
Sat, May 03, 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.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 04, 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!
Book Sale - Friends of the Duncan library
Sun, May 04, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Book sale starts Thursday May 1st @4pm - Sunday May 4th @5pm
Be MediaWise - A Misinformation Resilience Lunch and Learn
Mon, May 05, 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, May 05, 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.
Family Game Night! - Let's have a gaming adventure!
Mon, May 05, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!
Yoga At The Library - with Human Kind Yoga Collective
Mon, May 05, 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
Sunshine Readers - An outside book club!
Tue, May 06, 10:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air, explore Old Town, and talk about the books we've been reading!
One-On-One Computer Help - at the Barrett Branch
Tue, May 06, 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.
Silent Book Club
Tue, May 06, 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: Asian American and Jewish American authors.
Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!
Wed, May 07, 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.
How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wed, May 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient.Register
Making History with Library of Virginia
Wed, May 07, 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 Classes
Wed, May 07, 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, May 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️
Silver Artisans - Zen Calligraphy
Thu, May 08, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn and practice brush painting techniques to create a beautiful Zen painting. 
Aging at Home
Thu, May 08, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us to find out how to build a plan to age in place successfully at home. This program is co-sponsored by Goodwin Living At Home.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "The Bandit Queens” by Parini Shroff
Thu, May 08, 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! 📚 ☕
American Style Mahjong - Learn and Play
Thu, May 08, 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, May 08, 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, May 08, 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, May 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+
Duncan Literary Society - Not Your Average Book Club
Thu, May 08, 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!
See all events
Last updated:  January 2025