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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
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International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Fri, Feb 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Feb 27, 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.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sat, Feb 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library's writing station to make a card, fill out a postcard, or just jot a short note to a special someone!
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Feb 28, 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!
Crafty Kid Series
Sat, Feb 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us one Saturday a month to get crafty! Each month is a new fun craft, followed by open play time and bubbles!
Sunday Story Time
Sun, Mar 01, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl, and clap at Story Time! Fingerplay and songs for ages 0-24 months.
Baby Time
Mon, Mar 02, 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, Mar 02, 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, Mar 02, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!
Restful Readaloud
Mon, Mar 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
No one's too old to enjoy being read to! Relax and unwind while a librarian reads aloud from longer picture books and short chapter books. Ages 6-12 (and anyone who wants to sit quietly and listen)
Sensory Storytime
Mon, Mar 02, 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 Takover
Mon, Mar 02, 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, Mar 03, 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Mar 03, 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!
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, Mar 03, 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Mar 03, 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 Play Date
Tue, Mar 03, 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).
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Mar 03, 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.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, Mar 03, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Mar 04, 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, Mar 04, 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 - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Mar 04, 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, Mar 04, 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.
Period Products 101 - Exploring Reusable and Disposable Options for Young People
Wed, Mar 04, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop - 102 N. Fayette St.
Calling young minds 9 to 15 years old! Come to Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop to uncover the ins and outs of both disposable and reusable period products. Dads are encouraged to attend!
Sew a Softie AND Knit Nite! - A sewing and knitting club for kids.
Wed, Mar 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Participants can either sew or knit for the month of March under the guidance of experienced crafters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Stories and Songs
Thu, Mar 05, 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, Mar 05, 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, Mar 05, 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, Mar 05, 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, Mar 05, 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, Mar 05, 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, Mar 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Mar 06, 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.
Lego Competition
Fri, Mar 06, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your best building brains!
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Mar 07, 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!
Teen Advisory Group - Monthly Meeting
Sat, Mar 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Teen Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Mar 07, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning calligraphy? Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke! Teens and adults welcome!
Preschool STEAM Sundays
Sun, Mar 08, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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 for ages 3-6
Baby Time
Mon, Mar 09, 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, Mar 09, 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, Mar 09, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!
Restful Readaloud
Mon, Mar 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
No one's too old to enjoy being read to! Relax and unwind while a librarian reads aloud from longer picture books and short chapter books. Ages 6-12 (and anyone who wants to sit quietly and listen)
Teen Takover
Mon, Mar 09, 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, Mar 10, 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Mar 10, 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, Mar 10, 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, Mar 10, 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.
Baby and Toddler Play Date
Tue, Mar 10, 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).
Textile Arts with American Girl - Celebrating International Women’s Day
Tue, Mar 10, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join library staff and doll ambassadors to explore the historical eras the dolls represent, do textile crafts inspired by their stories, and get empowered to speak up for what's fair. (ages 6-12)
Cancelled
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Mar 10, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Author Talk: Sophia Glock
Tue, Mar 10, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a conversation with Sophia Glock about her YA graphic novels and her journey as a cartoonist.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Mar 11, 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
Just Babies - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Mar 11, 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 - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Mar 11, 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
Sew a Softie AND Knit Nite! - A sewing and knitting club for kids.
Wed, Mar 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Participants can either sew or knit for the month of March under the guidance of experienced crafters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Stories and Songs
Thu, Mar 12, 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, Mar 12, 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, Mar 12, 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, Mar 12, 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, Mar 12, 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, Mar 12, 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.
Baby Storytime
Fri, Mar 13, 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.
Musical Movement
Fri, Mar 13, 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).
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Mar 13, 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.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Mar 14, 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!
Cancelled
Teen Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Mar 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Are you curious about learning calligraphy? Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke! Teens and adults welcome!
King Street Bluegrass
Sat, Mar 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Celebrate America's 250th with the King Street Bluegrass as Charlie Bean and his band regale us with familiar bluegrass country, Americana and original tunes. Light refreshments will be served.
See all events
Last updated: December 2020