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Staff Picks for January
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Linked cover for The starving saints
Linked cover for Woe
Linked cover for Homie
Linked cover for The last dragon on Mars
Linked cover for Night theater
Linked cover for Little women
Linked cover for The Count of Monte Cristo
Linked cover for Last chance live!
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EVENTS
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Thu, Jan 15, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Thu, Jan 15, 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.

Thu, Jan 15, 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.

Thu, Jan 15, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Thu, Jan 15, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.

Thu, Jan 15, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Thu, Jan 15, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
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, Jan 15, 3:00pm - 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, Jan 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making items to donate.

Thu, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+

Thu, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Registration is now closed

Thu, Jan 15, 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! Ages 6-12.

Thu, Jan 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Registration is now closed

Fri, Jan 16, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.

Fri, Jan 16, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Fri, Jan 16, 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, Jan 16, 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, Jan 16, 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, Jan 17, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.

Sat, Jan 17, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Sat, Jan 17, 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, Jan 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All levels are welcome, to stretch, breathe and cultivate connections with body-heart-mind-spirit

Sat, Jan 17, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Start the New Year off right with the Happiness Lab! Bi-weekly, 4 classes total, where attendees will discover the science of joy and how to naturally boost your body's happy hormones!
This event is full

Sat, Jan 17, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come play Dungeons & Dragons. No experience necessary. Open to ages 8-13.
This event is full

Sun, Jan 18, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Sun, Jan 18, 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!

Sun, Jan 18, 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!

Mon, Jan 19, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.

Mon, Jan 19, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Tue, Jan 20, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Tue, Jan 20, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.

Tue, Jan 20, 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.

Tue, Jan 20, 10:15am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!

Tue, Jan 20, 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, Jan 20, 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, Jan 20, 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. (ages 0-3).

Tue, Jan 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Jump start your new year with us as we chat with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Register

Tue, Jan 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Get cozy with fiber arts and friends, beginners welcome!

Tue, Jan 20, 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.

Tue, Jan 20, 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.

Tue, Jan 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Express yourself with our fun crafts! Each week in January is a new art project! Ages 11-17.

Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Take part in a group-led discussion about death and dying without any set agenda, objectives, or themes. Tea and sweets will be provided.
This event is full

Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
This program integrates brief, research-informed education with guided relaxation and a 45-minute sound journey using therapeutic-grade instruments.
This event is full

Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.

Wed, Jan 21, All day
Local History/Special Collections
Learn about the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, and how it documents culture in the state, through the portrait photography of Pat Jarrett.

Wed, Jan 21, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Wed, Jan 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 11:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Wed, Jan 21, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Jan 21, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
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!
This event is full

Wed, Jan 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Celebrate America's 250th birthday by joining us for a discussion of A.J. Jacob's 2024 book about his attempts to follow the original meaning of the Constitution. Register

Wed, Jan 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Get cozy with fiber arts and friends, beginners welcome!

Wed, Jan 21, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Do you want to practice reading aloud? Do you like dogs? Sign up for a 15-minute reading slot to read to a dog by calling (703) 746-1753 or by stopping by Beatley's Children's Desk. Ages 6-12.

Wed, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 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.

Thu, Jan 22, All day
Virtual
Love looking at the Lego version of the Beatley Library or the spotlighted Lego at the Beatley Youth Services Desk, then check out this fun Lego Building opportunity. Ages 6-16.

Thu, Jan 22, 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.

Thu, Jan 22, 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.

Thu, Jan 22, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Thu, Jan 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to learn the basic line dance steps to great Oldies and Motown music. This is a great class for beginners. Bring a friend or come alone. Please wear comfortable

Thu, Jan 22, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.

Thu, Jan 22, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Thu, Jan 22, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us for a virtual talk by prize-winning journalist Mary Carter Bishop and historian Jordan Bell exploring the history of urban renewal in Roanoke and its impact on the city’s Black community.Register

Thu, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
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, Jan 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Start the New Year right by joining Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Financial Education volunteers to learn about types of debt, how to pay off debt, and tips for working with creditors.

Thu, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free 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, Jan 22, 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! Ages 6-12.

Thu, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's make air-dry clay snails! All supplies will be provided for this teens-only activity!

Thu, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 13+


 

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.