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Banned Book Club

Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
2025-11-18 18:00:00 2025-11-18 19:00:00 America/New_York Banned Book Club The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Tuesday, November 18
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-11-18 18:00:00 2025-11-18 19:00:00 America/New_York Banned Book Club The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.

The book club will be led by an experienced moderator and PEN America member who has a passion for creating community and protecting freedom of expression.

Participants will vote on books to read. The discussion will span plot, characters and themes in the book as well as why the book has been banned. Book club attendees will gain a better understanding of the powers behind banning books and discover opportunities to counter attacks on freedom of expression in literature. Multiple perspectives are encouraged and different viewpoints are welcome. Adults and ages 14+ are welcome.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Legal | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion | Book Discussion Groups |

TAGS: | book discussion | book club | Banned Book Club |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
dprice@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Branch manager
Diana Price
Hours
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Mon, Apr 27 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 28 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 29 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 30 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 01 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 02 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 03 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

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Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Tue, Apr 28, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs - writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Tue, Apr 28, All day
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)
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 28, 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.
Cancelled
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Apr 28, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Passport to American History with Felicity Merriman - American Girls Celebrate America 250
Tue, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Tue, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
At this workshop you will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and build one to take home. Registration is required, with a fee of $55 for the cost of the barrel.Register
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Wed, Apr 29, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs - writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Wed, Apr 29, All day
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)
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 29, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 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.
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Thu, Apr 30, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs - writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Thu, Apr 30, All day
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)
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 30, 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, Apr 30, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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
Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Mending by Hand - Learn basic skills so you can do your own mending at home! 
Thu, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Guidance on patching, hemming, sewing on buttons, and Japanese Sashiko mending. All supplies included. Ages 14 and up.
The CHAT - Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
Thu, Apr 30, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, May 01, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, May 02, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 03, 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!
Colonial Crafternoon - Covered Buttons
Sun, May 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Make a covered button, a popular colonial era craft, and create a keychain.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, May 04, 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 Takeover
Mon, May 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, May 05, 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.
American Girl Birthday Party and Meet-and-Greet - Plus prize drawing! Passport to American History
Tue, May 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Celebrate the American Girl Company’s 40th birthday and meet Alexandria Library’s BRAND NEW American Girl dolls! (Ages 6-12)
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, May 05, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
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
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 06, 11:30am - 12:00pm
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
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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, May 07, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, May 07, 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, May 07, 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, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
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Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Take A Seat Teen Docent Art Tour - Register for just one session
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 10:50am
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
Learn about the artwork in the Take A Seat exhibit by taking a guided tour with a volunteer teen docent.
Take A Seat Panel Discussion and Art Exhibit
Sat, May 09, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Large Meeting Room
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Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Large Meeting 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!
Teens Teach! - Electricity 2!
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Story Room
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Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, May 11, 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 Takeover
Mon, May 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, May 12, 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.
What to Expect at Work - A Parents Guide to Employment Protections
Tue, May 12, 6:15pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room
This presentation provides an overview of workplace rights for employees who are pregnant, postpartum or lactating in the DMV area.
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 13, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, May 14, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
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 14, 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, May 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free 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, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, May 16, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
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Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 17, 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!
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group
Sun, May 17, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Board Room
Alexandria Library partners with the Alzheimer's Association's National Area Chapter to bring you a quarterly support group at Beatley Central Library.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Frame
Sun, May 17, 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 CHAT - Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
Mon, May 18, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Board Room
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
See all events