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Staff Picks for December
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Linked cover for The love of my afterlife
Linked cover for Portrait of a murderer
Linked cover for Love you a latke
Linked cover for The Christmas swap
Linked cover for I'll be gone for Christmas
Linked cover for The Christmas appeal
Linked cover for Hercule Poirot's Christmas
Linked cover for Stag dance
Linked cover for Heaven and hell
EVENTS
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Sat, 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 1.

Sat, Dec 06, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Join the Friends of the Barrett Library for their Winter Book Sale

Sat, Dec 06, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!

Sat, Dec 06, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop off your new and used toys, find some to take home!

Sat, Dec 06, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us in the month of December to watch some chilly and winter themed movies!

Sat, Dec 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Make good on your New Year resolution to read more, learn, explore, create, and connect with your community using your library card!

Sat, Dec 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your spanish conversation skills.

Sun, 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 1.

Sun, Dec 07, 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!

Mon, 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 1.

Mon, Dec 08, 11:00am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Mon, Dec 08, 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

Mon, Dec 08, 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.

Mon, Dec 08, 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 08, 7:00pm - 7:50pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join the Let's Talk Books discussion group to recommend and learn about books and writings enjoyed throughout the year. There will be after dinner sweets and drinks.

Tue, 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 1.

Cancelled
Tue, Dec 09, 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.

Tue, Dec 09, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!

Tue, Dec 09, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!

Tue, Dec 09, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Tue, Dec 09, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months! Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a special uninterrupted playtime with your child and meet other caregivers. Discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand; toys and resources will be divided up by age (ages 0-3).

Rescheduled
Tue, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
New date Tuesday, August 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen.

Tue, Dec 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library Teen Section to get book suggestions, resource help, or just chat!

Tue, Dec 09, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Rescheduled
Tue, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
New date Tuesday, January 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing Exoplanet Detection!

Tue, Dec 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing NASA’s flagship observatory: The Roman Space Telescope.

Tue, Dec 09, 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 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 1.

Wed, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Dec 10, 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 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lapsit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months.and their grownups.

Wed, Dec 10, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Dec 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
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!

Wed, Dec 10, 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.

Wed, Dec 10, 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

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
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

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Local History/Special Collections - Sprouse Rare Book Room
A quarterly book club honoring the nation's 250th anniversary. Join us to explore U.S. history through books that highlight freedom, democracy, and identity.

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's compete to make the best gnomes! The winner will receive bragging rights and a prize.

Wed, Dec 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
¡Únase a nosotros para una introducción básica gratuita a las computadoras y cómo hacer un currículum! (Join us for a free basic introduction to computers and how to make a resume!)

Thu, 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 1.

Thu, Dec 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Get help with applications. Appointments are available at 10 and 11 AM. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Cancelled
Thu, Dec 11, 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. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.

Thu, Dec 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Enjoy the benefits of a head-to-toe stretch session to help increase mobility, flexibility, and improve muscle function.
This event is full

Thu, Dec 11, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5

Thu, Dec 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Viva Line Dancing: Join our intermediate level of line dancing to improve flexibility and enhance memory. We work the dance floors! This class is not intended for beginners.

Thu, Dec 11, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.

Thu, Dec 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Financial Education Volunteers will provide an overview of retirement planning basics.

Thu, Dec 11, 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.

Thu, Dec 11, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Thu, Dec 11, 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 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Stitchers of all kinds and skill levels, join us for an hour of stitching and community at Burke Branch Library!

Thu, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Thu, Dec 11, 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!

Thu, Dec 11, 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

Thu, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.

Fri, 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 1.

Fri, Dec 12, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We sing, play, dance, and rhyme all while promoting your baby’s development and literacy skills. For ages 0-14 months.

Fri, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come and play with music in this fun parent-child learn & play class! Program focuses on activities that enhance brain development and build social skills, language/motor skills, and more (ages 0-5).

Fri, Dec 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Have fun on Fridays after school building, making, playing word bingo, and winning prizes! Grades K-5.

Sat, 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 1.

Sat, Dec 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Burke Lawn
Start your Saturday doing good for your community. Join the Burke Branch walking and litter pickup club.

Sat, Dec 13, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us in the month of December to watch some chilly and winter themed movies!

Cancelled
Sat, Dec 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
It's almost 2026 which means new intentions, energy, and focus. In this collaborative workshop we’ll explore and discover intuitive archetypes and how they show up in daily life

Sat, Dec 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Play with the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18) Echa un vistazo a la selección de juegos de mesa de la Biblioteca. (De 5 a 18 años) Área infantil de Beatley Library

Sat, Dec 13, 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!

Sat, Dec 13, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
AWLA's Behavior and Training Manager will provide tips for living harmoniously with your dog or cat at home, answer specific questions about your pet, and chat about AWLA's Alexandria Animal Academy.

Sat, Dec 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 6-12. Explore electricity and create a simple battery!

Cancelled
Sat, Dec 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.


 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

 

Tax Assistance - Federal tax forms will be available for customers to pick up at most Library branches beginning in late January.  The Library does not offer tax preparation assistance. However, the City's Department of Community & Human Services offers free tax return preparation to eligible residents beginning in February.

Alexandria's Workforce Development Center provide services and resources for job seekers, including access to the Career Center, career readiness workshops, career assessments and customized hiring events.

Those feeling depressed or anxious can call SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services) Disaster Distress 1-800-985-5990 or Text Talk with Us 66746

For those who feel unsafe at home call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Text Loveis at 22522

Alexandria Health Department
Visit the Alexandria Health Department's page about the Coronavirus to find information and resources related to COVID-19. For updates text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777

Virginia Department of Health
You can also visit the Virginia Department of Health's page about the Coronavirus to find resources related to COVID-19. The information line is 877-ASK-VDH3

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are our nation’s premier authorities on public health information.