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The CHAT

Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
2026-04-30 17:30:00 2026-04-30 19:00:00 America/New_York The CHAT Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room

Thursday, April 30
5:30pm - 7:00pm

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Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.

  • Are you between the ages of 14-19?
  • Do you live in Alexandria?
  • Do you have opinions about what it means to be a teen living here, how you spend your time, what you wish you could change?
  • Do you like freebies, food, and creative expression?

Join us for The CHAT, one of eight recorded small group (4-6 people) conversations taking place at Alexandria Libraries in April, May, and June!

Each conversation will be moderated by our teen Youth Fellow, recorded and uploaded into Cortico, a community conversations platform, and used to create an audio archive and roadmap for improving lives of Alexandria teens. During the conversation, you'll be able to eat provided snacks and participate in open-ended creation (think clay, painting, beading, and more!).

As a thank you for participating, each teen will take home their creative project and a goody bag including a $25 gift card!

Please note: All teens 14-17 must have their guardian complete a release/ permission form allowing collection of their recorded participation and future use by Alexandria Library, Cortico, MIT, and PBS Frontline. Permission slips will be emailed upon registration. Teens are only identified by their first names and may use pseudonyms. For more information, please contact El Simmons at esimmons@alexlibraryva.org.

The CHAT: Change Happens with Alexandria Teens is part of the Teen Dialogue Accelerator Grant Program and made possible by Cortico, in partnership with MIT Center for Constructive Communication and PBS Frontline. The Teen Dialogue Accelerator program is made up of 10 public libraries from across the country that are working to amplify teen voices by exploring emerging technologies and identifying crucial connections in their community conversations.

For more information on The CHAT and other conversation dates, visit https://alexlibraryva.org/chat.

AGE GROUP: | Teens |

EVENT TYPE: | Teens | Technology | Special Event | Local History | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion |

TAGS: | Teen Dialogue Accelerator | Teen | CHAT |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Hours
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We're closed Monday October 12 due to Indigenous People's Day
Mon, Oct 12 Closed
(Indigenous People's Day)
Tue, Oct 13 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Oct 14 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Oct 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Oct 16 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Oct 17 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Oct 18 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

Parking:

There's a library parking lot available.

Public Transit:

Bus stops on Duke Street and N Pickett St.

Upcoming Events

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Fall Learn to Knit Class - A partnership with Project Knitwell
Sat, Oct 17, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Story Room
This program is intended for people who are new to knitting or returning to knitting and in need of a refresher.
This event is full
Grand Gaming Melee - Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, Oct 17, 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
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Oct 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 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!
Cancelled
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Rubber
Sun, Oct 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Oct 19, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 19, 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.
Cancelled
Art Escape - Teen Creative Space
Mon, Oct 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages 14-18. Drop in for an evening of art, your way.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Oct 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Oct 20, 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.
Bead Buddies
Tue, Oct 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Drop in to make bracelets, necklaces, and new friends! (Ages 6-12)
Banned Book Club - Explore and Unpack Challenged and Banned Books
Tue, Oct 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Small Conference Room
The book club promotes freedom of expression and support authors whose books have been banned or challenged.
This event is full
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 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 (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 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, Oct 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 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Oct 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, Oct 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 - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Board 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, Oct 22, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Periodicals 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, Oct 22, 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, Oct 22, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Teens Teach! - Technology
Thu, Oct 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Alexandria library teens have a lot to share! Join us to make your own electric projects. (Ages 6-12)
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Oct 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Oct 26, 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.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Oct 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.
Art Escape - Teen Creative Space
Mon, Oct 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Story Room
Ages 14-18. Drop in for an evening of art, your way.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Oct 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Board 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Oct 27, 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.
Bead Buddies
Tue, Oct 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Drop in to make bracelets, necklaces, and new friends! (Ages 6-12)
Storytelling Spooktacular
Tue, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Picture Book Area
Celebrate the spooky season with slightly scary stories for the whole family! (All ages)
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Oct 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 (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 28, 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 (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 28, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Periodicals 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
Wed, Oct 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, Oct 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 - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Oct 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Board 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, Oct 29, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Periodicals 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, Oct 29, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Teens Teach! - Technology
Thu, Oct 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Alexandria library teens have a lot to share! Join us to make your own electric projects. (Ages 6-12)
Le Tour d'Alexandria Library - Haunted History!
Sat, Oct 31, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Are you ready for a "spirited" ride? This year's theme will explore the spooky history of Alexandria and the Library.
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Oct 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Oct 31, 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!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Nov 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!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - even when it's cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Nov 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Nov 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Bead Buddies
Tue, Nov 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Drop in to make bracelets, necklaces, and new friends! (Ages 6-12)
Cancelled
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, Nov 03, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
1s and 2s Time (first session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Nov 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 (second session) - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Nov 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, Nov 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, Nov 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Nov 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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Nov 05, 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, Nov 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.
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Next Exit
Thu, Nov 05, 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!
Teens Teach! - Technology
Thu, Nov 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Alexandria library teens have a lot to share! Join us to make your own electric projects. (Ages 6-12)
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Fri, Nov 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
*CLASS SCHEDULE HAS CHANGED!* Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Free and open to the public.
See all events