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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, Apr 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 01, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate the joy of moving our bodies in this active dance-style class taught by a certified Zumba® Kids Jr. instructor. Ages 5-8.

Sat, Apr 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Enjoy this interactive performance with ballet steps, mime, introduction to Prokofiev's score, photo op, and take-home craft.

Sun, Apr 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sun, Apr 02, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Beginning today and running through Earth Month, Barrett Branch will feature art created by the Dunbar Boys & Girls Club accompanied by facts on plastic pollution and its impact on our planet.

Mon, Apr 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Apr 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join an officer from the Alexandria Police Department for a special story time featuring picture books about joy. Ages 0-5; must be accompanied by an adult.

Mon, Apr 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Scoot and wiggle at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Tue, Apr 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Tue, Apr 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Storytime with songs, parachute and bubbles. Ages 1 & 2 with an adult.

Tue, Apr 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All Alexandria Reads theme this year is Joy! Join us for an especially joyful Stories and Songs! Ages 0-5

Tue, Apr 04, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Songs, games, movement and more for our littlest friends. Ages 0-23 months

Tue, Apr 04, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Tue, Apr 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
All Alexandria Reads theme this year is Joy! Join us for an especially joyful Stories and Songs! Ages 0-5

Tue, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Tue, Apr 04, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Miss Katie for a selection of Pre-K stories and themed craft each week. Ages 3+ with a caregiver. Siblings welcome! Recommended Ages 3-5

Tue, Apr 04, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Grades 3-7 Please note we are meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday this month!

Tue, Apr 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Make joy scattering stones – handcrafted, colorful rock treasures to place around your neighborhood. We provide the paint and rocks; you design colorful pieces of art to share. Ages 8-12.

Wed, Apr 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Wed, Apr 05, 10:15am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Looking for a baby storytime and/or a chance to talk to other grown-ups with young children? Then join us at the Beatley Central Library for Tummy Time! This program is for ages 0-12 months.

Wed, Apr 05, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories and songs fit for active, growing little ones! This program is for ages 1-2.

Wed, Apr 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a play hour to build, explore, and be creative. Grades: K-6. Únase a nosotros para una hora de juegos para construir, explorar y ser creativo. Grados: K-6.

Wed, Apr 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
A hoppy, happy return of a Barrett Branch tradition! Activities for ages 3+

Wed, Apr 05, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - 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.

Wed, Apr 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.

Thu, Apr 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Thu, Apr 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Dance, jump and rock out in Toddler Rock N' Read! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Thu, Apr 06, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Dance, jump and rock out in Toddler Rock N' Read! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Thu, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Fri, Apr 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Sat, Apr 08, 10:15am - 11:00am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Joyful yoga play for babies ages 6 weeks to 11 months and their grownups.

Sat, Apr 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room,Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Learn about African American history and icons with stories and activities to inspire young, curious minds. Ages 5-8.

Sat, Apr 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Story Room
Drop in for dramatic play with American Girl dolls, clothing, and accessories! Ages 6-12.

Mon, Apr 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Mon, Apr 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
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, Apr 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Scoot and wiggle at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Learn how to download and stream music -- all for free -- using your library card. In a nod to our AAR YA book, "Love Radio," you'll also put on your DJ hat and learn how to create your own playlists.

Tue, Apr 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Tue, Apr 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Storytime with songs, parachute and bubbles. Ages 1 & 2 with an adult.

Tue, Apr 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Dance, clap and sing for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, Apr 11, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Tue, Apr 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Dance, clap and sing for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, Apr 11, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Tue, Apr 11, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Miss Katie for an especially joyful Pre-K Story time! Recommended Ages 3-5 with a caregiver siblings welcome.

Wed, Apr 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Wed, Apr 12, 10:15am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Looking for a baby storytime and/or a chance to talk to other grown-ups with young children? Then join us at the Beatley Central Library for Tummy Time! This program is for ages 0-12 months.

Wed, Apr 12, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories and songs fit for active, growing little ones! This program is for ages 1-2.

Wed, Apr 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a play hour to build, explore, and be creative. Grades: K-6. Únase a nosotros para una hora de juegos para construir, explorar y ser creativo. Grados: K-6.

Wed, Apr 12, 4:00pm - 4:40pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
We "yogify" our 2023 AAR picture book, "This Joy," No yoga experience required. Ages 3+

Wed, Apr 12, 4:00pm - 4:50pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Children's Area
Spitfire club Spring Session. Changing the world, one book at a time! Grades 1st - 3rd

Wed, Apr 12, 5:00pm - 5:50pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Children's Area
Spitfire club Spring Session. Changing the world, one book at a time! Grades 4th - 6th

Wed, Apr 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.

Thu, Apr 13, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Thu, Apr 13, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Joy at the Library is found when Toddler Rock N' Read is around. Ages 0-5

Thu, Apr 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Joy at the Library is found when Toddler Rock N' Read is around. Ages 0-5

Thu, Apr 13, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Thu, Apr 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Care about the library? Join us for snacks and let your voice be heard! Attending this meeting will count as one service hour. Grades 6-12.

Fri, Apr 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Fri, Apr 14, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Lego builders will be put on a team and given a prompt with one hour to complete their build! Our esteemed judges will evaluate and choose a winning team. Ages 6- 12.

Sat, Apr 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Canceled
Sat, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
All ages are invited to a storytime where we will read, sing, and play. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sat, Apr 15, 11:00am - 11:45am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Grammy-winning children's musician Andrés for an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish. All ages.

Sat, Apr 15, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come play Dungeons & Dragons. No experience necessary. Open to ages 8-13.
This event is full

Sun, Apr 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Pick up your choice of kit to make some tiny art. Kits are available one per person while supplies last. All ages.

Last updated: December 2020