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Image for event: WHATEVER YOU SAY YOU ARE, YOU'RE RIGHT!

Register 50 Seats Remaining

WHATEVER YOU SAY YOU ARE, YOU'RE RIGHT!

with KaNikki Jakarta
2026-04-04 13:00:00 2026-04-04 15:00:00 America/New_York WHATEVER YOU SAY YOU ARE, YOU'RE RIGHT! Ages 12-18. Explore the power of positive manifestation and celebrating YOUR personal history in this poetry and open mic workshop for teens. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Saturday, April 04
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-04 13:00:00 2026-04-04 15:00:00 America/New_York WHATEVER YOU SAY YOU ARE, YOU'RE RIGHT! Ages 12-18. Explore the power of positive manifestation and celebrating YOUR personal history in this poetry and open mic workshop for teens. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Ages 12-18. Explore the power of positive manifestation and celebrating YOUR personal history in this poetry and open mic workshop for teens.

In celebration of All Alexandria Reads: America250 and National Poetry Month, join KaNikki Jakarta, Poet in Residence for Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association/The First African American Poet Laureate of Alexandria, for an open mic and mini poetry workshop!

Teens will explore a positive presentation focused on manifestation based on their lives. Delve deep into purposeful writing that evokes change of self and empowerment of others. No experience with writing poetry or performing required, just an open mind and heart!

For more All Alexandria Reads programming, visit the AAR: America250 page.

AGE GROUP: | Teens |

EVENT TYPE: | Teens | Performer | Local History | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion | Author Talks | Art & Music |

TAGS: | VA250 | Poetry Month | America250 | All Alexandria Reads | Alex250 | AAR |

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 12 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jan 13 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jan 14 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jan 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jan 16 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jan 17 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jan 18 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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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.
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.
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.
This event is full
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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!
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
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.
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. 
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.
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!
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!
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.
See all events