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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
Sat, Jul 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Experience classic fairy tales in a new way. (Ages 0-5)

Sat, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Rainbow Puppet Productions creates shows that enlighten, entertain, and educate through original music, puppets and dance. Ages 0-8. 

Sat, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us in Beatley's youth services area and test out our tabletop games! Ages 5-18.

Mon, Jul 29, 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.

Mon, Jul 29, 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 0-5 with an adult.

Mon, Jul 29, 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.

Mon, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Audience volunteers will help two unlikely heroes conduct exciting science experiments that bring the story to life. (Ages 6-12)

Mon, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Carlyle House
Stories and other activities at historic Carlyle House in Old Town. (121 N Fairfax Street). Ages 4-8

Mon, Jul 29, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Where teens can socialize, strategize and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18

Mon, Jul 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Read about kids meeting their college goals while receiving practical advice from the Alexandria Scholarship Fund to help you reach your own. Grades 6-12.

Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 10:45am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and movement for kids ages 0-5 !

Tue, Jul 30, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, Jul 30, 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.

Tue, Jul 30, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Using props, music, sounds, and movement, we will explore the amazing plants, flowers, insects, and animals found in the rain forest. Recommended for ages 0-3.

Tue, Jul 30, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, Jul 30, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Each African Story Time program will take participants to one African country through dance, storytelling, and language/culture. Ages 6-12

Tue, Jul 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
an after-school maker program for ages 6-12

Tue, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Introducing the community to D&D through introductory sessions, one-shots, and campaigns. Email Dungeon Master Josstin at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org if you're interested in joining. Ages 12-18

Wed, Jul 31, 10:15am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-12 months, accompanied by an adult.

Wed, Jul 31, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2.

Wed, Jul 31, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Lego fun with tons of bricks and a different special theme each week.

Wed, Jul 31, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet different live reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. (All ages)

Wed, Jul 31, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob!

Thu, Aug 01, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bask in summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Aug 01, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Would it be summer without Zucchini? Comic magic for ages 2+

Thu, Aug 01, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bask in summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Aug 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18

Thu, Aug 01, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn and play Riichi Mahjong, a popular tile-based game from Japan.

Thu, Aug 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Learn programming basics with books and games, plus computers. We'll take on this adventure with the support of a professional computer programmer. No prior coding knowledge necessary. Ages 8-12.

Fri, Aug 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Ms. Khaleshia on an interactive adventure to the African Savanna. (Ages 0-8)

Fri, Aug 02, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop - 102 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Calling young minds 9 to 15 years old! Come to Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop to uncover the ins and outs of both disposable and reusable period products. Free First Period Kits for attendees!

Fri, Aug 02, 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. *Includes slime-making every last Friday of the month!*

Sat, Aug 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Spend your Saturday morning laughing with us! As we enjoy stories full of humor and juggling.

Sat, Aug 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us in Beatley's youth services area and test out our tabletop games! Ages 5-18.

Sun, Aug 04, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
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

Mon, Aug 05, 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.

Mon, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Mon, Aug 05, 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.

Tue, Aug 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and movement for kids ages 0-5 !

Tue, Aug 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Rock out this summer with Rocknoceros! Ages 0-5

Tue, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.

Tue, Aug 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Join Miss Lisa for songs, games, movement activities and more fun that's just right for ages 0-23 months

Tue, Aug 06, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Rock out this summer with Rocknoceros! Ages 0-5

Tue, Aug 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
SUPER SMASH your opponents in Super Smash Bros at Burke Branch Library. Ages: 12 – 18.

Tue, Aug 06, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for a play hour to build, create, and explore! Ages 6-12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tue, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Introducing the community to D&D through introductory sessions, one-shots, and campaigns. Email Dungeon Master Josstin at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org if you're interested in joining. Ages 12-18

Wed, Aug 07, 10:15am - 11:00am
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.

Wed, Aug 07, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2.

Wed, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Lego fun with tons of bricks and a different special theme each week.

Wed, Aug 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Read the powerful stories of black icons you didn't hear about in school with the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Ages 13-18.

Thu, Aug 08, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bask in summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Aug 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Thu, Aug 08, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bask in summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Aug 08, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Learn programming basics with books and games, plus computers. We'll take on this adventure with the support of a professional computer programmer. No prior coding knowledge necessary. Ages 8-12.

Fri, Aug 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Explore one country in Africa; learn fun facts about that country; learn vocabulary in one of the languages spoken in the country; hear a story with a moral lesson; and dance! (Ages 0-8)

Fri, Aug 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Can your team beat the heat? Attendees will be put on a team and given a prompt with 1 hour to complete their build! Our esteemed judges will evaluate and choose a winning team. Ages 6- 12

Fri, Aug 09, 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. *Includes slime-making every last Friday of the month!*

Sat, Aug 10, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Emily and her collection of unique musical instruments to hear your favorite books in a new way! All ages.

Sat, Aug 10, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Emily and her collection of unique musical instruments to hear your favorite books in a new way! All ages.

Sat, Aug 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us with TACA, as we step into a world of rhythm and tradition at at this performance showcasing African Cultural Education and Dance. Ages: 6-12 and Teens.

Sat, Aug 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join us in Beatley's youth services area and test out our tabletop games! Ages 5-18.

Last updated: December 2020