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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
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 CLOSED
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.
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!
This event is full
My Reptile Guy
Wed, Jul 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Meet and learn about reptiles. Ages 6+
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)
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 17, 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
Outdoor Play
Thu, Jul 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Outdoors
Playtime with bubbles, sidewalk chalk and more. Ages 2+
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 17, 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.
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 17, 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
Animal Encounters: Amazing Adaptations with Bar C Ranch - Encuentros con animales: Adaptaciones asombrosas
Thu, Jul 17, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
William Ramsay Recreation Center - 5650 Sanger 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)
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 17, 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.
Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu - 9th-12th Grade
Thu, Jul 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Explore the intricate world of Legend with Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets.Register
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Jul 17, 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 18, 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.
Rhythmaya: Bollywood Dance - Rhythmaya: Baile bollywoodense
Fri, Jul 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dance along with us as Rhythmaya shares Indian culture through music, art and movement. (All ages)
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Jul 18, 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.
Kofi Dennis
Sat, Jul 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Enjoy music, dance, drums and stories highlighting West African culture! (All ages)
Dungeons & Dragons at the Library
Sat, Jul 19, 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
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Jul 19, 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 20, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Jul 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Do you like scary movies, books, tv shows, or video games? Do you enjoy making horror themed DIY projects? This is the event for you!
Juggling Funny Stories!
Tue, Jul 22, 10:15am - 11:00am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. (Ages 6-12)
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Jul 22, 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 22, 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.
Juggling Funny Stories!
Tue, Jul 22, 11:15am - 12:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. (Ages 6-12)
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 22, 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 CLOSED
Tue, Jul 22, 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 23, 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 23, 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 23, 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
Frogs, Fangs and Friends!
Wed, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Meet live reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Registration is not required but seating is limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Juggling Funny Stories! - Chris Fascione: Malabarismo con historias divertidas
Wed, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Nannie J Lee Memorial Recreation Center - 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria
You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. (Ages 6-12)
Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship - with Rex Ogle (5th-8th Grade)
Wed, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to join us online with award-winning author Rex Ogle as he talks to viewers about his struggles to navigate sixth grade as written about in his book Free Lunch. Register
Creatives' Club
Wed, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Draw, write, paint and create! Ages 6-12.
Juggling Funny Stories! - Chris Fascione: Malabarismo con historias divertidas
Wed, Jul 23, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. (Ages 6-12)
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 24, 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 24, 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.
Kids Nature Show
Thu, Jul 24, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Learn about animals during this interactive puppet show. Ages 2+
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Jul 24, 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 24, 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 24, 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 24, 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 25, 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.
Mr. Lilo
Fri, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:30am
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)
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Jul 25, 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.
Culture Queen
Sat, Jul 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Grammy-nominated performer Culture Queen for interactive musical storytelling on the summer reading theme of “Color Our World.” (All ages)
Cancelled
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Sat, Jul 26, 10:30am - 11:15am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop
Sat, Jul 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Ages 12+. Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Jul 26, 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
Preschool STEAM Sundays
Sun, Jul 27, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
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
Baby Time
Mon, Jul 28, 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 28, 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 28, 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.
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Jul 29, 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!
The Rope Warrior
Tue, Jul 29, 10:15am - 11:00am
Mount Vernon Recreational Center
A visually entertaining, interactive jump rope show for all ages.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 29, 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.
DIY Teens - Terracotta Planter Painting - Come on in for teen only craft projects!
Tue, Jul 29, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint terracotta planters! All supplies will be provided for this fun painting event!
Under the Sea
Tue, Jul 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
A visit from some of the creatures who live at the Glen Echo Aquarium. Ages 6+
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 29, 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 CLOSED
Tue, Jul 29, 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 30, 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 30, 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 30, 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
Mad Science - Fire & Ice
Wed, Jul 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Fire & Ice will teach you about water and the ocean. Learn about the properties and states of water, the difference between fresh and saltwater, liquid densities, and how to protect our oceans.
Sensory Storytime
Wed, Jul 30, 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 30, 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!
Summer Soccer w/ASA - Fútbol de verano con ASA
Wed, Jul 30, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ben Brenman Park - 4800 Brenman Park Dr, Alexandria
Join Alexandria Soccer coaches for an action-packed, fun-filled soccer practice! Ages 6-12.
See all events
Last updated: December 2020