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.
Image for event: Banned Book Club

Register 10 Seats Remaining

Banned Book Club

Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
2026-02-17 18:00:00 2026-02-17 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. For February we are discussing American Street by Ibi Zoiboi. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

Tuesday, February 17
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-02-17 18:00:00 2026-02-17 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. For February we are discussing American Street by Ibi Zoiboi. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room

The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged. For February we are discussing American Street by Ibi Zoiboi.

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.

The current month's book and past selections can be found here.  For February we are discussing American Street by Ibi Zoiboi.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Adults |

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

TAGS: | Book discussion groups | book club | Black History Month | 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
Skip Opening Hours widget
Mon, Jan 26 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jan 27 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jan 28 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jan 29 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jan 30 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jan 31 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Feb 01 1:00PM to 5:00PM
previous
this week
next
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

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jan 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
No-School Crafternoon
Mon, Jan 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Story Room
Stop by in the afternoon to make some seasonal crafts on this no-school day!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Mon, Jan 26, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Tue, Jan 27, 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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jan 27, 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.
Cancelled
Eco-City Homes: A Money and Energy Saving Hands-On Workshop
Tue, Jan 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Enjoy hands-on demos (plus some materials to take home) to help make your home energy-efficient and warm this winter – and apply for recognition as an Eco-City Home while you’re at it!
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jan 27, 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
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jan 28, 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 - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jan 28, 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 - Conversation Workshop
Wed, Jan 28, 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, Jan 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Thu, Jan 29, 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, Jan 29, 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, Jan 29, 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, Jan 29, 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, Jan 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Jan 31, 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, Jan 31, 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
Teens Teach! - Crochet!
Sat, Jan 31, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Story Room
Ages 6-12. Learn the basics of crochet.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sun, Feb 01, All day
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!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Feb 01, 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!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Mon, Feb 02, All day
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!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Mon, Feb 02, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Feb 02, 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.
Restful Readaloud
Mon, Feb 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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 Takeover
Mon, Feb 02, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Tue, Feb 03, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Tue, Feb 03, All day
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!
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Feb 03, 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.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, Feb 03, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Feb 03, 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
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Wed, Feb 04, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Wed, Feb 04, All day
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!
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Feb 04, 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 - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Feb 04, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
American Revolution - Episode 2 watch party - An Asylum for Mankind
Wed, Feb 04, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library for Episode 2 of Ken Burn's newest documentary, The American Revolution. 
Paws to Read
Wed, Feb 04, 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, Feb 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Thu, Feb 05, All day
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!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Thu, Feb 05, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Feb 05, 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, Feb 05, 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, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Fri, Feb 06, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Fri, Feb 06, All day
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!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sat, Feb 07, All day
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!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Sat, Feb 07, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Feb 07, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Harvesting A Legacy - with KaNikki Jakarta
Sat, Feb 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Story Room
Ages 12 & up. Explore and celebrate 100 years of harvesting the legacy of people of color in this poetry and spoken word workshop.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sun, Feb 08, All day
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!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Sun, Feb 08, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
Valentine Card Extravaganza! - Make a Valentine for that special someone
Sun, Feb 08, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Need to remember someone special? Come join our Valentine extravaganza! We provide the cards, sparkles, stickers, hearts and flowers. You provide the creative touch.
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Mon, Feb 09, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Mon, Feb 09, All day
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!
Valentine Card Make and Take - Make a Valentine for that special someone
Mon, Feb 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Pick up your Valentine Card kit from the Information Desk. Kit contains material for two cards. One kit per person while supplies last.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Feb 09, 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.
Restful Readaloud
Mon, Feb 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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 Takeover
Mon, Feb 09, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Tue, Feb 10, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Tue, Feb 10, All day
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!
Valentine Card Make and Take - Make a Valentine for that special someone
Tue, Feb 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Pick up your Valentine Card kit from the Information Desk. Kit contains material for two cards. One kit per person while supplies last.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Feb 10, 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.
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Wed, Feb 11, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Wed, Feb 11, All day
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!
Valentine Card Make and Take - Make a Valentine for that special someone
Wed, Feb 11, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Pick up your Valentine Card kit from the Information Desk. Kit contains material for two cards. One kit per person while supplies last.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Feb 11, 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 - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Feb 11, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Feb 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Thu, Feb 12, All day
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!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Thu, Feb 12, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
Valentine Card Make and Take - Make a Valentine for that special someone
Thu, Feb 12, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Pick up your Valentine Card kit from the Information Desk. Kit contains material for two cards. One kit per person while supplies last.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Feb 12, 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, Feb 12, 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, Feb 12, 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, Feb 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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, Feb 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Fri, Feb 13, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Fri, Feb 13, All day
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!
Valentine Card Make and Take - Make a Valentine for that special someone
Fri, Feb 13, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Pick up your Valentine Card kit from the Information Desk. Kit contains material for two cards. One kit per person while supplies last.
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Sat, Feb 14, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sat, Feb 14, All day
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 14, 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, Feb 14, 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
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Feb 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Board 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!
American Girl Doll & Accessory Drive
Sun, Feb 15, All day
Donate 18-inch dolls (American Girl, Our Generation, etc.) and compatible accessories to support upcoming library programs!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sun, Feb 15, All day
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!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Feb 15, 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, Feb 15, 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 - Mood Indigo
Sun, Feb 15, 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!
See all events