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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 Tuesday, February 28, 2023. 

 

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
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta - Ven y celebra con nosostros
Sat, Sep 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, crafts, and food! The fiesta will take place outside in Beatley Central Library's beautiful Reading Garden. All ages.
Alexandria Poet Laureate, Zeina Azzam - Author Talk: "Some Things Never Leave You"
Sat, Sep 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Burke Branch Meeting Room
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Sun, Oct 01, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 01, 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!
Rescheduled
Puzzle Swap - Bring a puzzle, Take a Puzzle
Sun, Oct 01, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
New date Wednesday, November 08, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Hey puzzle fans. Looking for a new challenge? Come to our puzzle swap and trade in your old puzzles for new ones.
Dear Banned Author Letter-Writing Campaign - Send a postcard of support to authors of challenged books
Sun, Oct 01, 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Write a letter or email to an author whose books have been banned or challenged. Postcards and pens will be provided.
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Mon, Oct 02, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
The Muted Midway - Interactive Games for Banned Books Week
Mon, Oct 02, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Step right up folks! Come to The Muted Midway. Work your way through the thrill-less games of censorship and suppression. Then enjoy a sweet book treat at the Freedom to Read concession stand.
English Language Learning (ELL) - Beginner Conversation
Mon, Oct 02, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration. Class held in the Burke Branch Meeting Room.
Judy Blume Forever
Mon, Oct 02, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the documentary Judy Blume Forever in celebration of Banned Books Week.
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 02, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Tue, Oct 03, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
The Muted Midway - Interactive Games for Banned Books Week
Tue, Oct 03, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Step right up folks! Come to The Muted Midway. Work your way through the thrill-less games of censorship and suppression. Then enjoy a sweet book treat at the Freedom to Read concession stand.
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Oct 03, 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.
Line Dancing
Tue, Oct 03, 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.
A History of Book Banning in Virginia - a Case Study of Race and Sexuality as Recurring Factors
Tue, Oct 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
Zoom
Join us for this virtual presentation with Keith Weimer, Librarian for History & Religious Studies at the University of Virginia and chair of the VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee.Register
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Oct 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - 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
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Wed, Oct 04, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
The Muted Midway - Interactive Games for Banned Books Week
Wed, Oct 04, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Step right up folks! Come to The Muted Midway. Work your way through the thrill-less games of censorship and suppression. Then enjoy a sweet book treat at the Freedom to Read concession stand.
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
Chamizal National Memorial - A Virtual History & Tour by the National Park Service
Wed, Oct 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Take a guided virtual tour of Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas, part of the U.S. National Park Service in El Paso, Texas with NPS Ranger J.R. Lujan.Register
Monthly Meditation
Wed, Oct 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Join us for a free one-hour meditation class lead by our Friends at Yoga in Daily Life! Open to everyone and all levels
Banned Books Week Read Out - at Elaine's Restaurant in Old Town
Wed, Oct 04, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Elaine's Restaurant - 208 Queen Street
Celebrate your right to read during Banned Books Week. The Barrett Branch is partnering with Elaine's Restaurant at 208 Queen Street in Old Town to host. Admission is free.
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Thu, Oct 05, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
The Muted Midway - Interactive Games for Banned Books Week
Thu, Oct 05, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Step right up folks! Come to The Muted Midway. Work your way through the thrill-less games of censorship and suppression. Then enjoy a sweet book treat at the Freedom to Read concession stand.
Canceled
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 05, 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.
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion - "Trust" by Hernan Diaz
Thu, Oct 05, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us the first Thursday of the month to discuss titles chosen by the club members!
Read the Book, Watch the Movie: Kite Runner - Banned Books Week
Thu, Oct 05, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the film "Kite Runner" at the library on October 5 and join our online Zoom discussion of the novel by Khalid Hosseini on October 18 in celebration of Banned Books Week. Register
Carefull Knitting - Knit and Crochet for Good
Thu, Oct 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate to those in need.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Oct 05, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Lake Michigan Monster
Thu, Oct 05, 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!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 05, 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 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.
The Inklings - Library Writing Group
Thu, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A dedicated hour to share and critique each other's creative work
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Oct 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Fri, Oct 06, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
The Muted Midway - Interactive Games for Banned Books Week
Fri, Oct 06, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Step right up folks! Come to The Muted Midway. Work your way through the thrill-less games of censorship and suppression. Then enjoy a sweet book treat at the Freedom to Read concession stand.
Low Vision Resource Group - Low Vision Technology Demo
Fri, Oct 06, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us to learn about low vision resources.
Join Us in Celebrating Banned Books Week - What's Your Favorite Banned Book?
Sat, Oct 07, All day
Your book shelf, favorite reading nook, or the Banned Books display at your local branch!
Share your favorite banned books!
The Muted Midway - Interactive Games for Banned Books Week
Sat, Oct 07, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Step right up folks! Come to The Muted Midway. Work your way through the thrill-less games of censorship and suppression. Then enjoy a sweet book treat at the Freedom to Read concession stand.
Oddball Cinema - Repulsion
Sat, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A sex-repulsed woman who disapproves of her sister's boyfriend sinks into depression and has horrific visions of rape and violence.
Latin Dance Class - National Hispanic Heritage Month
Sat, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Feel the rhythm in the beat and learn new Latin style dances
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Oct 07, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Captive State
Sun, Oct 08, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Oct 10, 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.
Line Dancing
Tue, Oct 10, 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.
True Tales of Old Alexandria
Tue, Oct 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Come hear local author Ted Pulliam discuss his new book.
Mystery Book Club - "The Maid" by Nita Prose
Wed, Oct 11, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for an online discussion of Nita Prose' suspenseful mystery novel. Register
English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.
English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 12, 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.
Canceled
Burke Branch Friends Fall Book Sale
Thu, Oct 12, 11:00am - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Learn and Play Mahjong (American Rules)
Thu, Oct 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Barrett is starting a Mahjong group using the American rules developed from the ancient Chinese game. Meetings will be from 2-4 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Registration required.
Burke Branch Friends Fall Book Sale
Thu, Oct 12, 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group
Thu, Oct 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+
World Short Story Discussion Group
Thu, Oct 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us to discuss the following two stories: "Paradise" by Yxta Maya Murray, "Tarot Witch" by Ray Bradbury. Register
Duncan Literary Society - We meet at Cheesetique in Del Ray
Thu, Oct 12, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Cheesetique - 2411 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Join us for a book club where we discuss what we're currently reading while enjoying wine and cheese! 🍷 🧀 📚
Burke Branch Friends Fall Book Sale
Fri, Oct 13, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Trash Trekkers - Burke Branch Walking and Litter Pickup Club
Sat, Oct 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Outdoors
Start your Saturday doing good. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.
Burke Branch Friends Fall Book Sale
Sat, Oct 14, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Books, CDs, and DVDs for both children and adults all for sale at low prices. Join the Friends and/or shop the sale and help support the library!
Fixit Clinic - Community Repair Event
Sat, Oct 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Bring items from home that are broken, torn and not quite working correctly to be assessed and repaired by a Fixit Coach. Check-in at the Welcome Table before heading to a Fixit station.
Oddall Cinema - Raw
Sat, Oct 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A young woman, studying to be a vet, develops a craving for human flesh.
See all events
Last updated:  January 2023