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WINTER READING PROGRAM 2021

The Washington Wizards, in partnership with the Alexandria Library, are hosting a Winter Reading Challenge dedicated to early readers, kids, and teens. The challenge is designed to build positive reading culture and improve literacy for the youth. Readers can earn prizes by completing activity challenges based on four main badges: Reading, Fitness Fun, Virtual Programs, and Connect & Share.

The reading challenge will run virtually on Beanstack, a reading application that makes it easy for participates to register, track their reading and earn virtual badges for completion. Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win a variety of prizes such as a Wizards jersey, a Jr. Wizards Camp voucher, a Wizards bobblehead and so much more!

The Wizards Winter Reading Challenge will run from January 1 – March 31, 2021 and registration opens Monday, December 21, 2020. The challenge is free and open to all youth in the DMV area.  Prizes will be distributed in April.

Sign up online staring December 21, 2020 through Beanstack .

 

Virtual Events
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Sep 17, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 17, 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
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Sep 17, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months.. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Sep 17, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 17, 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
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Sep 17, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
September Sewing - Zenkis!
Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Zenkis are hand sewn plushies packed with personality. Get creative! All supplies will be provided.  For ages 8-18.
1000 Books Story Time - Story Times for ages 2-5
Thu, Sep 18, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Sep 18, 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Sep 18, 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.
TCG Library League
Thu, Sep 18, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come learn and play Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon TCG!
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Sep 18, 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.
Summer Film Series - "KPop Demon Hunters" (Sing-Along Edition)
Fri, Sep 19, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a sing-along edition of the 2025 animated film.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Sep 20, 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!
Dungeons & Dragons at the Library
Sat, Sep 20, 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
Preschool STEAM Sundays
Sun, Sep 21, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your preschooler to the Duncan Library on Sunday afternoons to explore STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)! This is a drop-in event. Recommended ages 3-6
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Mon, Sep 22, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Baby Time
Mon, Sep 22, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Sep 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Baby Time
Mon, Sep 22, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Avenue Ambition - Crafting Your Creative Career
Mon, Sep 22, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Develop tools and skills to create, market, and sell your original artwork in this 10-week series.
Avenue Ambition Artist Showcase
Mon, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join teen Avenue Ambition participants for this arts and crafts vendor fair showcasing their growth and hard work.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Tue, Sep 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Sep 23, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
This Hispanic Heritage Month, start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Sep 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
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.
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, Sep 23, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor,Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Sep 23, 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.
Duncan and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Tue, Sep 23, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Wed, Sep 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 24, 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
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Sep 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months.. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 24, 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
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Sep 24, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
September Sewing - Zenkis!
Wed, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Zenkis are hand sewn plushies packed with personality. Get creative! All supplies will be provided.  For ages 8-18.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Thu, Sep 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
1000 Books Story Time - Story Times for ages 2-5
Thu, Sep 25, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Sep 25, 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Sep 25, 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.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Sep 25, 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Fri, Sep 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Sat, Sep 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop
Sat, Sep 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
Board Game Cafe - 2nd and 4th Saturdays - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Sep 27, 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
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Sun, Sep 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Cancelled
Sunday Baby Time
Sun, Sep 28, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-24 Months.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Mon, Sep 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Baby Time
Mon, Sep 29, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Sep 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Baby Time
Mon, Sep 29, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
DIY Teens - Pressed Flower Jar Lanterns - Come on in for teen only craft projects!
Mon, Sep 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's make pressed flower jar lanterns! All supplies will be provided for this DIY project.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Tue, Sep 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Sep 30, 10:30am - 11:15am
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.
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Sep 30, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
This Hispanic Heritage Month, start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish!
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, Sep 30, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor,Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Sep 30, 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.
Duncan and Dragons - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Tue, Sep 30, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Wed, Oct 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Oct 01, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 01, 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
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Oct 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses.
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Oct 01, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 01, 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
Paws to Read
Wed, Oct 01, 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.
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Oct 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Oct 01, 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Thu, Oct 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
1000 Books Story Time - A Story Time for ages 2-5
Thu, Oct 02, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Oct 02, 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.
TCG Library League
Thu, Oct 02, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come learn and play Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon TCG!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Oct 02, 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.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Oct 02, 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.
Dungeons and Dragons: Teen Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
See all events
Last updated: December 2020