Adult Winter Reading

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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

Upcoming Events

Burke Branch Friends Book Sale

Fri, May 03, 11:00am - 4:00pm

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!

Burke Branch Friends Book Sale

Sat, May 04, 11:00am - 4:00pm

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!

Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition

Sat, May 04, 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!

Writers Group at Beatley

Sun, May 05, 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!

Burke Branch Friends Book Sale

Sun, May 05, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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!

A Living Legacy of Courage - 1939 Library Sit-In Descendants Panel

Sun, May 05, 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Hear from Stephen and Jackie Martin, descendants of Morris Murray, one of the participants in the 1939 Library Sit-In, to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of this historic civil rights protest.

English Language Learning (ELL) - Beginner Conversation

Mon, May 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners. No registration required.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, May 06, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Canceled

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, May 07, 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.

Rain Barrel Paint By Number - Rain Barrel Painting Drop In

Tue, May 07, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

New venue Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Stop by Barrett to add some whimsy to our rain barrel.

Stitcher's Space - Sew, quilt, knit, crochet, embroider! Every Wednesday!

Wed, May 08, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Mystery Book Club - "21 Immortals" by Rozlan Mohd Noor

Wed, May 08, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Virtual - Zoom

Celebrate AAPI (Asian American & Pacific islander) Month by joining us for a discussion of the first book in Rozlan Mohd Noor's Inspector Mislan Latif series. Register

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, May 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

The History of Sugar Production - An ONLINE lecture by Dr. Brittany Merritt Nash

Wed, May 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Zoom

Travel back in time and discover the rich history of sugar production with Dr. Brittany Merritt Nash, Assistant Professor of History at the College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University

Canceled

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Thu, May 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.

Line dancing

Thu, May 09, 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.

Learn and Play Mahjong (American Rules)

Thu, May 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Our Mahjong group uses the American rules variation developed from the ancient Chinese game. Meetings are from 2-4 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Registration is limited and required.

This event is full

Film Series - "Past Lives"

Thu, May 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by joining us for a screening of the 2024 Academy Award Nominated Film for Best Picture.

Handcraft Crafternoon

Thu, May 09, 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!

Mahjong Club - with DC Riichi Mahjong

Thu, May 09, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library

Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body

Thu, May 09, 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 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Duncan Literary Society - We meet at Del Ray Boccato

Thu, May 09, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Del Ray Boccato: 2400 Mount Vernon Ave

Join us for an "anti-book club" where we discuss what we're currently reading while enjoying refreshments provided by Boccato 📚

All We Can Save Circle - Discussion Group

Sat, May 11, 10:00am - 11:00am

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

The Barrett Branch is hosting an All We Can Save Circle open to all interested in sincere discussion centered on the climate crisis and for those seeking community rooted in wise and just solutions.

Trash Trekkers -Burke Branch Walking and Litter Pickup Club

Sat, May 11, 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.

Human Trafficking Forum

Sat, May 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library

This event is sponsored by AAUW (American Association of University Women) and the Alexandria Burke Branch Library.

John Lewis: Good Trouble - Film

Sat, May 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

A 2020 American documentary film directed by Dawn Porter about the life of civil rights activist and United States congressman John Lewis

Film Series - "Wonka"

Sat, May 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Join us for a screening of the 2023 film, which is based on Roald Dahl's classic children's book.

English Language Learning (ELL) - Beginner Conversation

Mon, May 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

English conversation practice for English language learners. No registration required.

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Mon, May 13, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Friends of Duncan Library - Monthly Board Meeting

Mon, May 13, 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.

Let's Talk Books - "The Music Shop" by Rachel Joyce

Mon, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Virtual - Virtual

Please join Let's Talk Books to read and virtually discuss "The Music Shop" by Rachel Joyce.Register

Diversity Book Club - "Your House Will Pay" by Steph Cha

Mon, May 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Virtual - Zoom

Celebrate AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Month by joining us for a discussion of Steph Cha's gripping novel.

Canceled

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Tue, May 14, 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.

Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition

Tue, May 14, 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 15, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Enjoy weekly sessions with other fiber artists. Share your projects and see others. Quilting tutorials will be provided on the first Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Burke Book Club - "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Wed, May 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Virtual - Zoom

Celebrate AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Month by joining us for a discussion of of Kawaguchi's beautiful and moving story exploring the age-old question. Register

English Language Learning (ELL) II - Intermediate Conversation

Wed, May 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

This is a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence.

Duncan Book Group - (ONLINE) "Loot" by Tania James

Wed, May 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Zoom

Join our ONLINE book club that meets in the evening, every third Wednesday of the month, to discuss a book chosen by one of the members!

Canceled

English Language Learning (ELL) I - Beginner Conversation

Thu, May 16, 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.

Line dancing

Thu, May 16, 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.

African American Film Series - "12 Years a Slave"

Thu, May 16, 2:00pm - 4:15pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room

Please join us for a screening of this 2013 award-winning film.

Introduction to Finding Grants - Presented by Candid

Thu, May 16, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Virtual - Virtual via Zoom

You can access Candid's databases for free at all Alexandria Library locations. This virtual class will teach you how to look for funders with Candid's Foundation Directory database.Register

Carefull Knitting - Knit and Crochet for Good

Thu, May 16, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Mahjong Club - with DC Riichi Mahjong

Thu, May 16, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library

Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

The Inklings - Library Writing Group

Thu, May 16, 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 ⭐

Nerdy Knotters - Knitting and Crochet group

Thu, May 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area

Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Great Books Discussion Group - The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler, a Great Books Anthology

Thu, May 16, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Virtual - Zoom

Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are discussing selections from The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler, a Great Books Foundation Anthology. Click on the event title for more info!Register

See all events

THE LAW LIBRARY IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THIS INCONVENIENCE.

THE COMPUTER ROOM AT BURKE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT ON SATURDAY, MAY 4 AFTER 2:30 PM, AND ALL DAY ON SUNDAY, MAY 5.

THE ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY MOBILE APP IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL ISSUES LIMITING ITS FUNCTIONALITY. OUR APP PROVIDER IS WORKING TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. OUR CATALOG AND WEBSITE ARE UNAFFECTED AND CAN BE ACCESSED BY ANY MOBILE DEVICE WITH A WEB BROWSER.