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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
Wed, Dec 04, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Wed, Dec 04, 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.

Wed, Dec 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a dazzling presentation with the emeritus curator of the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection.Register

Cancelled
Wed, Dec 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required.

Wed, Dec 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Using fresh pine branches, berries, and bows, create a dazzling seasonal wreath to decorate your space! ❄️ ADULTS ONLY ❄️
This event is full

Wed, Dec 04, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
Need some zen to help you wind down after a long day? 🧘‍♀️

Thu, Dec 05, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Thu, Dec 05, 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.

Thu, Dec 05, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Cancelled
Thu, Dec 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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, Dec 05, 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, Dec 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Fri, Dec 06, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Sat, Dec 07, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Sat, Dec 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join KaNikki Jakarta, the first Black Poet Laureate of Alexandria, for a creative writing workshop and open mic. Teens-Adults.

Sun, Dec 08, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Mon, Dec 09, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Mon, Dec 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this presentation on avoiding scams and keeping your personal and financial information safe.

Mon, Dec 09, 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.

Mon, Dec 09, 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, Dec 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Please join us to read and discuss Kate Beaton's graphic memoir, "Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands."

Tue, Dec 10, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Tue, Dec 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Appointments are available at 5 PM and 6 PM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Tue, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing NASA’s planetary and exoplanetary science goals over the next decade.

Tue, Dec 10, 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, Dec 11, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Wed, Dec 11, 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.

Wed, Dec 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for a captivating conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave, as she chats with us online about her newest book The Night We Lost Him. Register

Wed, Dec 11, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Virtual Room,Meeting Room
Celebrate the holidays by joining us in-person or by zoom to share your love of mysteries and to discuss Sophie's Hannah's 2023 holiday mystery featuring Hercule Poirot. Register

Wed, Dec 11, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
We roll at dusk!
This event is full

Wed, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
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

Cancelled
Wed, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
There will be discussion and updates on Burke Branch activities, fundraising to support Burke Branch programs, collection needs, and Alexandria Library community goals.

Wed, Dec 11, 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.

Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Library of Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction. Register

Thu, Dec 12, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Thu, Dec 12, 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.

Thu, Dec 12, 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 from 2 - 4 PM on the second floor. Accommodation is for 12 players so first come first served if more than 12.

Thu, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a DIY holiday craft session where you can transform an old book into a beautiful folded paper Christmas tree! All supplies provided. Registration required. 
This event is full

Thu, Dec 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.

Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Company Of Books - 2200 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, Va 22301
Join us for an "anti-book club" where we discuss what we're currently reading

Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Cancelled
Thu, Dec 12, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Elaine's Restaurant - 208 Queen St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Please join us for an evening at Elaine's Restaurant to discuss "Ducks" written and illustrated by Kate Beaton. Appetizers will be provided with the opportunity to purchased food and drinks.

Thu, Dec 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate the holidays and the joy of reading by joining us to discuss the following two holiday-themed stories: "Back For Christmas" by John Collier, "The Burglar's Christmas" by Willa Cather. Register

Fri, Dec 13, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Fri, Dec 13, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of a 2023 film based on the true story of the Veuve Clicquot champagne family and business that began in the late 18th century. Rated R. 2023

Sat, Dec 14, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Sat, Dec 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take home kits available starting December 14 at the Circulation Desk. While supplies last. Limit one per family.

Sat, Dec 14, 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, Dec 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join us to set up your own 2025 book journal!

Sun, Dec 15, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Sun, Dec 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take home kits available starting December 14 at the Circulation Desk. While supplies last. Limit one per family.

Sun, Dec 15, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
*Meeting every Sunday in November for NaNoWriMo!* 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!

Sun, Dec 15, 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.

Sun, Dec 15, 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!

Sun, Dec 15, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An eight week series on mindfully exploring how the mind works, mindful meditation, and setting intentions for a growth mindset to start your week off right!

Mon, Dec 16, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Mon, Dec 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take home kits available starting December 14 at the Circulation Desk. While supplies last. Limit one per family.

Mon, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
English conversation practice for English language learners.

Mon, Dec 16, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Alexandria Library Board Meeting

Mon, Dec 16, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate Jane Austen's birthday by creating a bookplate and then take home a gently used copy of your favorite Jane Austen novel or a spinoff by other authors who have reimagined her classic stories.

Mon, Dec 16, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required.

Mon, Dec 16, 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

Tue, Dec 17, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Tue, Dec 17, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take home kits available starting December 14 at the Circulation Desk. While supplies last. Limit one per family.

Cancelled
Tue, Dec 17, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Appointments are available at 5 PM and 6 PM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Tue, Dec 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Read and discuss compelling nonfiction books handpicked by Library staff that explore Virginia history, society, and culture. Register

Tue, Dec 17, 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, Dec 18, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Wed, Dec 18, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take home kits available starting December 14 at the Circulation Desk. While supplies last. Limit one per family.

Cancelled
Wed, Dec 18, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
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.

Wed, Dec 18, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room,Burke Virtual Room
Celebrate the holidays by joining us in-person or by zoom to discuss John Grisham's "Skipping Christmas."Register

Wed, Dec 18, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
We roll at dusk!
This event is full

Wed, Dec 18, 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.

Wed, Dec 18, 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

Thu, Dec 19, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Don't spend money on more wrapping paper! Create beautifully wrapped gifts that will marvel your loved ones and spare the Earth. Pick up a kit at the Barrett Branch beginning December 2.

Thu, Dec 19, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take home kits available starting December 14 at the Circulation Desk. While supplies last. Limit one per family.

Thu, Dec 19, 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.

Thu, Dec 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a 2024 action rom-com film starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.

Thu, Dec 19, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Thu, Dec 19, 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, Dec 19, 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!

Thu, Dec 19, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.

Thu, Dec 19, 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, Dec 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Last updated:  January 2024