BeO:Li and BeO:Na single crystals have been investigated by thermoluminescence (TL) techniques in the interval 10–300 K. X‐irradiated BeO:Na exhibits an intense glow peak at 85 K and a weak one near 46 K. BeO:Li displays intense glow at 72 K. Analyses of the two strong peaks (the weak one was not amenable to analysis) yield the following TL parameters:Tm=72 K,E=0.143 eV,s=1.08×108sec−1, andl=1.3;Tm=85 K,E=0.197 eV,s=1.05×1010sec−1, andl=1.2, whereEis the thermal activation energy,sis the frequency factor, andlis the order of kinetics. Spectral emission from the two intense glow peaks were similar, characterized by band emission with maxima near 320 and 525 nm. A model consistent with previous TL and magnetic resonance results which adequately describes our data is presented. It is suggested that the main glow peaks are due to holes released atVcenters whereby they recombine withFandF+centers. Recombination at theFcenter yields 525‐nm radiation whereas recombination at theF+defect produces 320‐nm emission. Optical excitation, photobleaching, and phototransfer experiments support this model.