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 .
Kids can either log books read or read to them or complete an early literacy activity sheet for a surprise.
Fees up to $10 will be forgiven if you are a middle or high school student who registers, reads, and adds at least two book to your reading log.
Virtual Events
Skip Virtual Events widget
Sat, Jul 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Sat, Jul 25, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Sun, Jul 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Sun, Jul 26, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities for ages 3-6
actividades de ciencia, arte, ingeniería, tecnología, y matemáticas para niños 3-6
Mon, Jul 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Mon, Jul 27, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! (0-14 months) Tickets Required.
0-14 meses, se requieren boletos.
Mon, Jul 27, 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 27, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! (0-14 months) Tickets Required.
0-14 meses, se requieren boletos.
Rescheduled
Mon, Jul 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New date Thursday, July 23, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Build your own robot! Ages 8-12.
Mon, Jul 27, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
For rising 6-12 graders interested in learning about the Youth as Solutions volunteer project.
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Want to read more nonfiction but not sure where to begin? This is the program for you!
Tue, Jul 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Tue, Jul 28, 10:15am - 10:50am
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Dino stomp, shake, and roar to the tunes of DJ Regy Reg! Mt Vernon Rec Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
Baile como un dinosaurio con la música de DJ Regy Reg! Mt Vernon Rec Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave
Tue, Jul 28, 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!
Tue, Jul 28, 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 28, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months.
Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.
Tue, Jul 28, 11:15am - 11:50am
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Dino stomp, shake, and roar to the tunes of DJ Regy Reg! Mt Vernon Rec Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
Baile como un dinosaurio con la música de DJ Regy Reg! Mt Vernon Rec Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave
Tue, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a special uninterrupted playtime with your child and meet other caregivers. Discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand. (ages 0-3).
Tue, Jul 28, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Yoga, literacy, and family fun! Registration required. (Ages 3-8)
¡Yoga, alfabetización, y diversión familiar! Hay que registrarse. (Edades 3-8)
This event is full
Tue, Jul 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Get the dirt on vermicomposting with hands-on scientific exploration! Using our very own worm composting bin, we’ll dig into the natural processes that re-cycle our Earth’s resources. (ages 6-10)
Tue, Jul 28, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join DM John in a dino DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.
Wed, Jul 29, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Wed, Jul 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dress for mess, bring your curiosity, and join us for a variety of dinosaur-themed sensory play! (ages 0-6)
Wed, Jul 29, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.
Wed, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Build your new best friend at the Burke Branch! Pick your dino, stuff them, and sew them together (provided “needles” are child safe).
Rescheduled
Wed, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New date Friday, July 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come talk books and do some bookish crafts!
Wed, Jul 29, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room,Story Room
Create a time capsule of your life in 2026, to be opened by Future You! (Ages 6-12)
Wed, Jul 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Create textures using paint, gelatin blocks, and found objects!
Thu, Jul 30, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Thu, Jul 30, 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.
Thu, Jul 30, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Our favorite preschool magician returns. Ages 2+
Thu, Jul 30, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Thu, Jul 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Join Grammy-winning children’s musicians for an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish. This event will be hosted at the Mt. Vernon Rec Center! 2701 Commonwealth Ave. (All ages)
Thu, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's make a Floating Dice Potion!
Fri, Jul 31, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Fri, Jul 31, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Sing in English and Spanish, jump, and dance with Mr. Lilo and his guitar. (Ages 0-8)
Sat, Aug 01, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Sun, Aug 02, 1:15pm - 1:45pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Story Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-24 months. Tickets required
De 0 a 24 meses. Sala de reuniones de Duncan Library. Se requieren boletos.
Mon, Aug 03, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! (0-14 months) Tickets Required.
0-14 meses, se requieren boletos.
Mon, Aug 03, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! (0-14 months) Tickets Required.
0-14 meses, se requieren boletos.
Mon, Aug 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Express yourself with some fun crafts! Each week in is a new art project for ages 12-18!
Mon, Aug 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An interactive story time for kids of all abilities, especially those with sensory needs. Registration required. (Ages 2-8)
Mon, Aug 03, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12-18. Bring your own audiobook or find some library selections and enjoy with some snacks and lounging.
Tue, Aug 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Join Emily for a fun and ultra-enriching singing storytime with song-based picture books! (All ages)
Unirse con Emily por un cuentacuentos de canciones (Todas Edades)
Mt. Vernon Rec Center
Tue, Aug 04, 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!
Tue, Aug 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
Join Emily for a fun and ultra-enriching singing storytime with song-based picture books! (All ages)
Unirse con Emily por un cuentacuentos de canciones (Todas Edades)
Mt. Vernon Rec Center
Tue, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a special uninterrupted playtime with your child and meet other caregivers. Discover how play and learning go hand-in-hand. (ages 0-3).
Tue, Aug 04, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Join DM John in a dino DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.
Tue, Aug 04, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library this summer.
Wed, Aug 05, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.
Wed, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Create and paint your new favorite dinosaur nightlight!
Wed, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Explore Ghana with two fun dances: Kpanlogo, the national dance of Ghana; and Azonto, one of the first Afrobeats rhythms to hit the global airwaves! (All ages)
Thu, Aug 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5. Tickets Required.
Edades 0-5, se requieren boletos.
Thu, Aug 06, 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.
Thu, Aug 06, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Our favorite family of preschool puppeteers are back with another fun show. Ages 2+
Thu, Aug 06, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5. Tickets Required.
Edades 0-5, se requieren boletos.
Thu, Aug 06, 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 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Thu, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Do you love the silver screen as much as American Girl’s Rebecca? Dress up yourself and your doll, snap photos on the red carpet, then watch an American Girl film with a side of popcorn!
Cancelled
Thu, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Fri, Aug 07, 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.
Fri, Aug 07, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Unearth your love for science in this fun and interactive STEM show. (Ages 6-12)
Fri, Aug 07, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your best building brains! Ages 6-12
Edades 6-12
Sat, Aug 08, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Sat, Aug 08, 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!
Sun, Aug 09, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities for ages 3-6
actividades de ciencia, arte, ingeniería, tecnología, y matemáticas para niños 3-6