Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

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
Skip Virtual Events widget
The Great American PoeTREEs - writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Tue, Apr 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
America 250 Community Mini Art Show Canvas Pick-Up
Tue, Apr 28, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Apr 28, 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Apr 28, 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!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Apr 28, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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, Apr 28, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Baby and Toddler Play Date
Tue, Apr 28, 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 0-4).
Passport to American History with Felicity Merriman - American Girls Celebrate America 250
Tue, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn to embroider, play colonial-era ninepins, and learn about 1770s America through the eyes of American Girl Doll Felicity Merriman! (Ages 6-12)
Financial Literacy for Teens
Tue, Apr 28, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn about money and finances.
Crafting for Teens: Bookmark Weaving
Tue, Apr 28, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Join our teen team for a hands-on historical craft where teens will learn basic weaving techniques on a miniature loom!
Duncan and Dragons - Arkipeligo
Tue, Apr 28, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join DM Mike in a high seas DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.
The Great American PoeTREEs - writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Wed, Apr 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
America 250 Community Mini Art Show Canvas Pick-Up
Wed, Apr 29, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Apr 29, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.
1s and 2s Time (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 29, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Spitfire Club - Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Wed, Apr 29, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Apr 29, 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 Great American PoeTREEs - writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Thu, Apr 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
America 250 Community Mini Art Show Canvas Pick-Up
Thu, Apr 30, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.
Bilingual Storytime - Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Thu, Apr 30, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
A storytime in English and Spanish. un cuentacuentos en inglés y español.
PreSchool Story Time: American Folk Songs
Thu, Apr 30, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
PreSchool Story Time celebrates our country with traditional songs and stories.
Bilingual Storytime - Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Thu, Apr 30, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
A storytime in English and Spanish. un cuentacuentos en inglés y español.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Apr 30, 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
The CHAT - Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
Thu, Apr 30, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Apr 30, 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.
Lego Competition
Fri, May 01, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your best building brains! Ages 6-12
The CHAT - Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
Sat, May 02, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
Baby Time
Mon, May 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, May 04, 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.
Baby Time
Mon, May 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!
Sensory Storytime
Mon, May 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Ms. Naomi for an interactive story time that is full of adventure and fun! Ages 2-8 Venga y unirse con Ms. Naomi por un cuentacuentos interactivo lleno de aventura y diversión. Edades 2-8
Teen Takeover
Mon, May 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, May 05, 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, May 05, 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!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, May 05, 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.
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, May 05, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Baby and Toddler Play Date
Tue, May 05, 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 0-4).
American Girl Birthday Party and Meet-and-Greet - Plus prize drawing! Passport to American History
Tue, May 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate the American Girl Company’s 40th birthday and meet Alexandria Library’s BRAND NEW American Girl dolls! (Ages 6-12)
Duncan and Dragons - Arkipeligo
Tue, May 05, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join DM Mike in a high seas DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, May 05, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, May 06, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.
1s and 2s Time (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 06, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Paws to Read
Wed, May 06, 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.
Spitfire Club - Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Wed, May 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!
Stories and Songs
Thu, May 07, 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.
Preschool Story Time - Story Time for ages 2-5
Thu, May 07, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.
Stories and Songs
Thu, May 07, 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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, May 07, 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, May 07, 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, May 07, 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.
Dungeons and Dragons: Teen Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Baby Storytime
Fri, May 08, 10:10am - 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.
Teen Advisory Group - Monthly Meeting
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Take A Seat Teen Docent Art Tour - Register for just one session
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 10:50am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn about the artwork in the Take A Seat exhibit by taking a guided tour with a volunteer teen docent.
Take A Seat Teen Docent Art Tour - Register for just one session
Sat, May 09, 11:30am - 11:50am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn about the artwork in the Take A Seat exhibit by taking a guided tour with a volunteer teen docent.
Teens Teach! - Electricity 2!
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 6-12. Explore open and closed circuits while making a simple robot!
Sunday Story Time
Sun, May 10, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-24 months.
Baby Time
Mon, May 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, May 11, 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.
Baby Time
Mon, May 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!
Teen Takeover
Mon, May 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, May 12, 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, May 12, 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!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, May 12, 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.
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, May 12, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Baby and Toddler Play Date
Tue, May 12, 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 0-4).
Duncan and Dragons - Arkipeligo
Tue, May 12, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join DM Mike in a high seas DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, May 13, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.
1s and 2s Time (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 13, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Spitfire Club - Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Wed, May 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!
See all events
Last updated: December 2020