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Image for event: Read 250

Read 250
2026-04-03 12:00:00 2026-04-03 16:15:00 America/New_York Read 250 Celebrate spring break, All Alexandria Reads and America’s 250th birthday at this 250-minute readathon! (Ages 8-18) Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Friday, April 03
12:00pm - 4:15pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-03 12:00:00 2026-04-03 16:15:00 America/New_York Read 250 Celebrate spring break, All Alexandria Reads and America’s 250th birthday at this 250-minute readathon! (Ages 8-18) Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Celebrate spring break, All Alexandria Reads and America’s 250th birthday at this 250-minute readathon! (Ages 8-18)

Drop in for a short while or stay the whole time. You can even bring a favorite pillow or blanket to make your space cozy.

Add to the fun by:

  • Reading one of this year’s All Alexandria Reads titles or other books with a connection to U.S. history
  • Challenging yourself to read a certain number of pages during the readathon
  • Making a patriotic bookmark to take with you

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Children |

EVENT TYPE: | Teens | Children | All Alexandria Reads |

TAGS: | 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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We're closed Monday February 16 due to Closed for George Washington Day
Mon, Feb 16 Closed
(Closed for George Washington Day)
Tue, Feb 17 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Feb 18 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Feb 19 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Feb 20 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Feb 21 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Feb 22 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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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 Kit Pick Up - 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!
Tiny Art Show Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Mon, Mar 02, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Tiny BIT of Art
Mon, Mar 02, 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. 
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Mar 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, Mar 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 Takover
Mon, Mar 02, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Tiny Art Show Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Tue, Mar 03, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Tiny BIT of Art
Tue, Mar 03, 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. 
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Mar 03, 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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Mar 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, Mar 03, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Story Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
Tiny Art Show Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Wed, Mar 04, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Tiny BIT of Art
Wed, Mar 04, 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. 
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Mar 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, Mar 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, Mar 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.
Sew a Softie AND Knit Nite! - A sewing and knitting club for kids.
Wed, Mar 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Participants can either sew or knit for the month of March under the guidance of experienced crafters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Tiny Art Show Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Thu, Mar 05, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Tiny BIT of Art
Thu, Mar 05, 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. 
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Mar 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, Mar 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, Mar 05, 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 Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Fri, Mar 06, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Tiny BIT of Art
Fri, Mar 06, 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. 
Tiny BIT of Art
Sat, Mar 07, 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. 
Tiny Art Show Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Sat, Mar 07, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Mar 07, 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, Mar 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Mar 07, 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!
Tiny BIT of Art
Sun, Mar 08, 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. 
Tiny Art Show Kit Pick Up - Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art
Sun, Mar 08, All day
Create some tiny art, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250.
Colonial Crafternoon - Quilling
Sun, Mar 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Story Room
Learn how to quill, a popular colonial craft, and make a beautiful card to take home.
This event is full
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Drones
Sun, Mar 08, 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