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WINTER READING PROGRAM 2021

The Washington Wizards, in partnership with the Alexandria Library, are hosting a Winter Reading Challenge dedicated to early readers, kids, and teens. The challenge is designed to build positive reading culture and improve literacy for the youth. Readers can earn prizes by completing activity challenges based on four main badges: Reading, Fitness Fun, Virtual Programs, and Connect & Share.

The reading challenge will run virtually on Beanstack, a reading application that makes it easy for participates to register, track their reading and earn virtual badges for completion. Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win a variety of prizes such as a Wizards jersey, a Jr. Wizards Camp voucher, a Wizards bobblehead and so much more!

The Wizards Winter Reading Challenge will run from January 1 – March 31, 2021 and registration opens Monday, December 21, 2020. The challenge is free and open to all youth in the DMV area.  Prizes will be distributed in April.

Sign up online staring December 21, 2020 through Beanstack .

 

Virtual Events
Field Guide to Your Life Kits
Tue, Jul 01, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Create a field guide to express the uniqueness of your life and experiences. Kits and guidelines can be picked up beginning July 1 throughout the month while supplies last.
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Jul 01, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.
Cancelled
STEM: Make A DNA Bracelet
Tue, Jul 01, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Drop in this afternoon & make your own unique DNA bracelet. Ages 6+
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Duncan and Dragons - NEW CAMPAIGN - REGISTRATION OPEN
Tue, Jul 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jul 02, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Animal Encounters: Nature Friends Show and Tell - Encuentros con animales: Exposición de la naturaleza
Wed, Jul 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Charles Barrett Recreation Center - 1115 Martha Custis Dr, Alexandria
An environmental educator will give a nature presentation with live animals. (Ages 6-12)
Just Babies - Lap-sit time for ages 0-12 months
Wed, Jul 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Songs, games, yoga and more,just for infants ages 0-12 months.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jul 02, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Science Heroes - Adventure of the Missing Color
Wed, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
"Adventure of the Missing Color" is a science-themed mystery show where a color has disappeared, and the audience must use scientific principles and experiments to find the missing color.
Sensory Story Time
Wed, Jul 02, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Ms. Naomi for an interactive story time that is full of adventure and fun!
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Jul 02, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come join Ms. Naomi for an interactive story time that is full of adventure and fun!
Where does the water go? With AlexRenew - AlexRenew: ¿A dónde va el agua?
Wed, Jul 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
When you wash your hands, take a bath, or use the toilet, the water you use disappears down the drain. But where does it go? And what happens to it when it gets there? Ages 6-12.
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 03, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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 0-8 with an adult.
The Great Zucchini - Laugh Out Loud Magic!
Thu, Jul 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Our favorite preschool magician returns. Ages 2+
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 03, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 03, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-12 months, accompanied by an adult. After your first birthday, please attend 1s and 2s.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Jul 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
Cancelled
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Jul 04, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Have fun on Fridays after school, building, making, playing word bingo, and winning prizes! Grades K-5.
Teen Advisory Group - Monthly Meeting
Sat, Jul 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Jul 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Picture Book Area
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18) Echa un vistazo a la selección de juegos de mesa de la Biblioteca. (De 5 a 18 años) Área infantil de Beatley Library
Sunday Baby Time
Sun, Jul 06, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Baby Time
Mon, Jul 07, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jul 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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 0-8 with an adult.
Baby Time
Mon, Jul 07, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Avenue Ambition - Crafting Your Creative Career
Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Develop tools and skills to create, market, and sell your original artwork in this 10-week series.
Family Game Night! - Let's have a gaming adventure!
Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Make new friends and play board games and tabletop games at the library!
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Jul 08, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 08, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.
Baby and Toddler TIme w/Kofi Dennis
Tue, Jul 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Kofi, a WolfTrap BabyArtsPlay artist, leads our program today. (Ages 0-5)
Animal Encounters: Amazing Adaptations with Bar C Ranch - Encuentros con animales: Adaptaciones asombrosas
Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreational Center - 25 W Reed Ave, Alexandria
This exciting program introduces 5 or more animals from around the world. Learn about their habitats, diets and some of the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. (Ages 6-12)
Dibuja tu mundo con Raúl the Third - Preescolar a 2.º grado
Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Acompaña al autor e ilustrador Raúl the Third mientras nos habla de su libro ¡Vamos! ¡A leer! Conoce a Lobito y sus amigos mientras exploran el Festival del Libro Love de su biblioteca. Register
The Magic of Drew Blue Shoes
Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
What will Drew have "up his sleeve" today? Ages 6+
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third - PK-2nd Grade
Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! Register
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Duncan and Dragons - NEW CAMPAIGN - REGISTRATION OPEN
Tue, Jul 08, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jul 09, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Just Babies - Lap-sit time for ages 0-12 months
Wed, Jul 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Songs, games, yoga and more,just for infants ages 0-12 months.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jul 09, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Foam Party!
Wed, Jul 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Get ready to dance, laugh, and let loose as you’re surrounded by cascades of fluffy foam!
Creatives' Club
Wed, Jul 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Draw, write, paint and create! Ages 6-12.
Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales - Encuentros con animales: Pelo, plumas y escamas
Wed, Jul 09, 5:00pm - 5:25pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)
Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales - Encuentros con animales: Pelo, plumas y escamas
Wed, Jul 09, 5:30pm - 5:55pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 10, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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 0-8 with an adult.
Kaydee Puppets
Thu, Jul 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Our favorite family of puppeteers is back for another show. Ages 2+
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 10, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Crafting for Teens
Thu, Jul 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come make some crafts in the Duncan teen area!
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 10, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-12 months, accompanied by an adult. After your first birthday, please attend 1s and 2s.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Jul 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
Baby Storytime
Fri, Jul 11, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
We sing, play, dance, and rhyme all while promoting your baby’s development and literacy skills. For ages 0-14 months.
Munit and Z Lovebugs
Fri, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Shine your gifts out loud with Munit and Z Lovebugs, a family music band that plays songs from all around the world for kids from 3 to 103! (All ages)
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Jul 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Have fun on Fridays after school, building, making, playing word bingo, and winning prizes! Grades K-5.
The Uncle Devin Show
Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Uncle Devin for an interactive musical experience that uses percussion instruments to cultivate children’s minds.(Ages 0-8)
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Jul 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Picture Book Area
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18) Echa un vistazo a la selección de juegos de mesa de la Biblioteca. (De 5 a 18 años) Área infantil de Beatley Library
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Jul 13, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Let's celebrate the joy of playing games! Play a wide variety of games, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
Preschool STEAM Sundays
Sun, Jul 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Bring your preschooler to the Duncan Library on Sunday afternoons to explore STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)! This is a drop-in event. Recommended ages 3-6
Baby Time
Mon, Jul 14, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jul 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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 0-8 with an adult.
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color
Mon, Jul 14, 11:00am - 11:45am
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Uh oh – a color has disappeared! Join Science Heroes in using scientific principles and hands-on experiments to find it, and celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! (Ages 6-12)
Baby Time
Mon, Jul 14, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Mon, Jul 14, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Jul 15, 10:15am - 11:15am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color
Tue, Jul 15, 11:00am - 11:45am
Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center
Uh oh – a color has disappeared! Join Science Heroes in using scientific principles and hands-on experiments to find it, and celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! (Ages 6-12)
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color - Science Heroes: Aventura del color faltante
Tue, Jul 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Mount Vernon Recreational Center - 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria
Uh oh – a color has disappeared! Join Science Heroes in using scientific principles and hands-on experiments to find it, and celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! (Ages 6-12)
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 15, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Duncan and Dragons - NEW CAMPAIGN - REGISTRATION OPEN
Tue, Jul 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jul 16, 10:30am - 11:05am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Just Babies - Lap-sit time for ages 0-12 months
Wed, Jul 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Songs, games, yoga and more,just for infants ages 0-12 months.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Jul 16, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Build-a-Friend Workshop!
Wed, Jul 16, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Build your new best fiend at the Burke Branch! Pick your animal, stuff them, and place your wish inside.
My Reptile Guy
Wed, Jul 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Meet and learn about reptiles. Ages 6+
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Jul 16, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come join Ms. Naomi for an interactive story time that is full of adventure and fun!
Sensory Story Time
Wed, Jul 16, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Ms. Naomi for an interactive story time that is full of adventure and fun!
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color - Science Heroes: Aventura del color faltante
Wed, Jul 16, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Uh oh – a color has disappeared! Join Science Heroes in using scientific principles and hands-on experiments to find it, and celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! (Ages 6-12)
See all events
Last updated: December 2020