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graphic for the American Revolution documentary series

American Revolution - Episode 1 watch party

Episode 1: In Order to Be Free

2026-02-04 17:00:00 2026-02-04 19:00:00 America/New_York American Revolution - Episode 1 watch party Join us at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library for Episode 1 of Ken Burns' newest documentary, The American Revolution.  Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Wednesday, February 04
5:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-02-04 17:00:00 2026-02-04 19:00:00 America/New_York American Revolution - Episode 1 watch party Join us at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library for Episode 1 of Ken Burns' newest documentary, The American Revolution.  Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Join us at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library for Episode 1 of Ken Burns' newest documentary, The American Revolution. 

Episode 1 is part of The American Revolution documentary, a six-part, 12-hour series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Come watch with your neighbors and learn more about how and why the thirteen colonies went to war with the British Empire and created a new nation. Learn about individuals on all sides of the conflict (soldiers, leaders, civilians, Indigenous communities, and more) as the film examines both the ideals and complexities of America’s founding.   

Episode 1: In Order to Be Free (May 1754 - May 1775) explores how the influences of the Seven Years' War (aka the French and Indian War), the desire for westward expansion, and new taxes escalated from political protests to violence, giving the colonies a common cause. 

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Movies & Film |

TAGS: | Virginia250 | movie | history | film | america250 | Alex250 | #250films |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
dprice@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Branch manager
Diana Price
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Mon, Feb 09 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Feb 10 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Feb 11 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Feb 12 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Feb 13 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Feb 14 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Feb 15 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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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!
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!
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.
Cancelled
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Feb 09, 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.
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)
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation Practice
Mon, Feb 09, 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.
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!
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!
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!
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
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation Practice
Wed, Feb 11, 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, Feb 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
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!
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!
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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Thu, Feb 12, 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, 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!
Cancelled
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Mon, Feb 16, 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!
Cancelled
Restful Readaloud
Mon, Feb 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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)
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Tue, Feb 17, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Tue, Feb 17, 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, Feb 17, 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.
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Feb 17, 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. For February we are discussing American Street by Ibi Zoiboi.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Wed, Feb 18, 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 18, 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, Feb 18, 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, Feb 18, 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 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation Practice
Wed, Feb 18, 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, Feb 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Library 5-Year Plan Community Focus Group
Wed, Feb 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Help shape the future of the Alexandria Library!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Thu, Feb 19, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Thu, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 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 19, 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 - With Love and a Major Organ
Thu, Feb 19, 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, Feb 19, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Fri, Feb 20, 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 21, 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 21, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Kids' Winter Crafternoon
Sat, Feb 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Story Room
Stop by in the afternoon to make some seasonal crafts!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Sun, Feb 22, 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!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Frequencies
Sun, Feb 22, 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!
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Mon, Feb 23, 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!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Feb 23, 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.
Helping You Navigate Medicare - VA Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP)
Mon, Feb 23, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).
Restful Readaloud
Mon, Feb 23, 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 23, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation Practice
Mon, Feb 23, 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.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Tue, Feb 24, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Tue, Feb 24, 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, Feb 24, 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, Feb 24, 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
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Wed, Feb 25, 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 25, 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 25, 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 4 watch party - Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 - February 1778)
Wed, Feb 25, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library for Episode 4 of Ken Burn's newest documentary, The American Revolution. 
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation Practice
Wed, Feb 25, 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, Feb 25, 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 26, 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!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
Thu, Feb 26, 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, Feb 26, 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 26, 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 26, 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 26, 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 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
International Correspondence Writing Month - Letter Writing Station
Fri, Feb 27, 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 28, 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 28, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Tiny Art Show Make & Take - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Sun, Mar 01, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Tiny BIT of Art
Sun, Mar 01, All day
Beatley Virtual Room
NEW in 2026! The Tiny Art Show has sparked a digitial dimension! Apply to receive your choice of a 2D or 3D file of a chair to decorate, and make a BIT of digital art! Applications are limited to 50. 
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Mar 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!
See all events