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Image for event: Textile Arts with American Girl

Textile Arts with American Girl

Celebrating International Women’s Day
2026-03-10 16:00:00 2026-03-10 17:30:00 America/New_York Textile Arts with American Girl 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) Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Tuesday, March 10
4:00pm - 5:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-03-10 16:00:00 2026-03-10 17:30:00 America/New_York Textile Arts with American Girl 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) 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)

Please pick up your free tickets from the Children's desk starting at 3:30 to be directed to the event room.

Through American Girl's historical dolls and their stories, we’ll explore how girls and women throughout history have woven, sewed, and quilted for survival, self-expression, and standing up for what they believe in!

American Girl dolls and books give us an inside look into many decades of American history. Through these characters, we see how girls and women engaged in fabric arts: 

1760s: In Kaya’s Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) community, weaving is one of the most important roles for girls and women. 
1770s: In the Virginia colony, Felicity begrudgingly mends clothing and does embroidery. 
1850s: After Kirsten immigrates to the US from Sweden, her teachers and peers make a friendship quilt. 
1860s: When Addy and her mom escape slavery, her mom uses her sewing skills to support their family as a seamstress. 
1910s: Rebecca’s immigrant cousins find work – and unjust working conditions – in New York’s garment factories.  
1940s: Molly organizes her classmates to knit blankets for soldiers wounded in WW2. 

By studying these stories, we also see the ways that girls and women of American history have found independence and stood up for their rights:

Women like Addy’s mom could find independence and provide for their families by sewing clothes. 
Women and girls like those in Rebecca’s family survived as immigrants in NYC by working in factories that made clothes, where women were on the frontlines of unionization efforts to bring about safe and fair working conditions. 

AGE GROUP: | Children |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Maker | Children | Art & Music |

TAGS: | American Girl | america250 | All Alexandria Reads | Alex250 |

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, Jan 05 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jan 06 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jan 07 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jan 08 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jan 09 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jan 10 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jan 11 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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English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Thu, Jan 08, 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 08, 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, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Low Vision Resource Group - Navigation Apps on your Smart Phone
Fri, Jan 09, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Jan 10, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Teen Advisory Group - Monthly Meeting
Sat, Jan 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Colonial Crafternoon - Potpourri & Pomanders
Sun, Jan 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Learn the art of making potpourri and pomanders, crafts that were popular during Colonial America.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jan 12, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Mon, Jan 12, 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 13, 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 13, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jan 13, 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 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Periodicals 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 14, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Author Talk: Melba Moore
Wed, Jan 14, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Meet the Tony Award-winning singer as she talks about her new memoir, “This Is It – Marvelous…And Getting Better.”
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Wed, Jan 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Story 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 14, 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 15, 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 15, 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 15, 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 15, 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 - Bottoms
Thu, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 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 17, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jan 18, 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 - Wrong
Sun, Jan 18, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Tue, Jan 20, 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 20, 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.
Sound, Stress & Well Being - An Evidence-Based Guided Relaxation and Sound Journey
Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
This program integrates brief, research-informed education with guided relaxation and a 45-minute sound journey using therapeutic-grade instruments.
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Jan 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Small Conference Room
The book club will promote freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jan 21, 10:30am - 11:00am
Periodicals 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 21, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Paws to Read
Wed, Jan 21, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 - Conversation Workshop
Wed, Jan 21, 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 21, 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 22, 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 22, 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, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Downsizing: Moving to a Smaller Home - Is it the right move for you?
Fri, Jan 23, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Thinking about downsizing your living space but don't know where to begin. Join us for an in depth conversation about how to start the process of relocating to a new home.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Jan 24, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Jan 24, 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!
French Conversation Club - Pratiquez votre conversation en français
Sat, Jan 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Board Room
Develop and exercise your French conversation skills.
Art Break with Alexandria's Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso - A Creative Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
Sun, Jan 25, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Story Room
Parents and caregivers, enjoy an afternoon of making art as a way to rest, recharge, and share the complexities of caregiving with others.
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.
See all events