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Image for event: Banned Book Badness

Banned Book Badness

A Freedom to Read Tourney
2025-10-05 00:00:00 2025-10-05 23:59:00 America/New_York Banned Book Badness Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four? Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Sunday, October 05
All day

Add to Calendar 2025-10-05 00:00:00 2025-10-05 23:59:00 America/New_York Banned Book Badness Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four? Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?

Celebrate your Freedom to Read during Banned Books week by selecting frequently challenged books to advance in a tournament style competition. Visit the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Reference Desk to support your favorite titles. 
Voting will take place October 3-11! 

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event |

TAGS: | |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
dprice@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Branch manager
Diana Price
Hours
Mon, Sep 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 16 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 17 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 18 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Sep 19 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Sep 20 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 21 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

Parking: The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: King Street Station (Yellow & Blue Lines 3.2 miles); Van Dorn Station (Blue Line 2.1 miles)
  • Metrobus: F23, F24, A28
  • DASH Bus: 30, 32

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.

Upcoming Events

1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 17, 10:30am - 11:05am
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 17, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
International Peace Day Origami - Make a crane for peace
Wed, Sep 17, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Small Conference Room
Commemorate the International Day of Peace by creating an origami crane.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Sep 17, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.
September Sewing - Zenkis!
Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Zenkis are hand sewn plushies packed with personality. Get creative! All supplies will be provided.  For ages 8-18.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Sep 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Sep 18, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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
Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel
Thu, Sep 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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!
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Sep 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Sep 20, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, Sep 20, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Grand Gaming Melee: The Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) invites you to play dice games, card games, tile games, and just about any other kind of tabletop game. Register
Fall Scarf Swap
Sat, Sep 20, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Story Room
Get rid of a few unwanted scarfs. Then come, dig, and leave with a few new-to-you treasures!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
French Conversation Club
Sat, Sep 20, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Board Room
Ages 14+. Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Sep 21, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Branded
Sun, Sep 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Mon, Sep 22, All day
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.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Sep 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Avenue Ambition - Crafting Your Creative Career
Mon, Sep 22, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Develop tools and skills to create, market, and sell your original artwork in this 10-week series.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.
Avenue Ambition Artist Showcase
Mon, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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
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.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Sep 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Sep 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Sep 23, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Sep 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
INFORMES DECRÉDITO Y PUNTAJES DE CRÉDITO
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #1 - The Zine of Introductions
Wed, Sep 24, All day
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
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Sep 24, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Sep 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.
September Sewing - Zenkis!
Wed, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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
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.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Sep 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Sep 25, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Sep 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
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!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Sep 25, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives 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.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Sep 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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
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
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
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
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
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 #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Mon, Sep 29, All day
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.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Sep 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
SEPTEMBER English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Sep 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Tue, Sep 30, All day
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
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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Sep 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
PREVENCIÓN DEL ROBODE IDENTIDAD Y LAS ESTAFAS FINANCIERAS
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Wed, Oct 01, All day
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, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:05am
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 01, 11:30am - 12:05pm
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
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.
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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
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 Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Oct 02, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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, Oct 02, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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
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.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Fri, Oct 03, All day
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Fri, Oct 03, All day
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.
Rescheduled
Low Vision Resource Group - Resources for people experiencing low vision
Fri, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
New date Friday, October 10, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Sat, Oct 04, All day
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Sat, Oct 04, All day
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.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Tour d'Alexandria Library 2025 - A fun, leisurely ride to visit all the Library branches!
Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Join us for a fun, leisurely ride through Alexandia as we visit all the Library branches!
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Sat, Oct 04, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, crafts, face painting and food! The fiesta will take place outside in Beatley Central Library's beautiful Reading Garden. All ages.
Author Event: Abby Hanlon & Liz Garton Scanlon
Sat, Oct 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Meet the authors that brought you your favorite rascals, Dory Fantasmagory and Bibsy Cross, in conversation at the Nannie J. Lee Rec Center. CODE: LIBRARYRegister
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Sun, Oct 05, All day
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.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Sun, Oct 05, All day
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 05, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Troll Hunter
Sun, Oct 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Mon, Oct 06, All day
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.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Mon, Oct 06, All day
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Oct 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Mon, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Tue, Oct 07, All day
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.
Banned Book Badness - A Freedom to Read Tourney
Tue, Oct 07, All day
Will Your Book Make It To The Final Four?
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Oct 07, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Oct 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Convierte tus Monedas a Dolares - Talleres de educación financiera
Tue, Oct 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
ESTRATEGIAS PARA AHORRAR
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Oct 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!Register
See all events