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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
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Wed, Apr 01, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Wed, Apr 01, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Wed, Apr 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
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, Apr 01, 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, Apr 01, 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, Apr 01, 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 01, 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 02, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Thu, Apr 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Thu, Apr 02, 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.

Thu, Apr 02, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.

Thu, Apr 02, 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.

Thu, Apr 02, 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. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.

Thu, Apr 02, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Thu, Apr 02, 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! Ages 6-12.

Fri, Apr 03, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Fri, Apr 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Fri, Apr 03, 12:00pm - 4:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Celebrate spring break, All Alexandria Reads and America’s 250th birthday at this 250-minute readathon! (Ages 8-18)

Cancelled
Fri, Apr 03, 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.

Sat, Apr 04, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Sat, Apr 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Sat, Apr 04, 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, Apr 04, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Celebrate America 250 with board games about the states. Ages 6-12

Sat, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Explore the power of positive manifestation and celebrating YOUR personal history in this poetry and open mic workshop for teens.

Mon, Apr 06, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Mon, Apr 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Mon, Apr 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!

Mon, Apr 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join us for a magical, interactive story reading of Beauty and the Beast.

Mon, Apr 06, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!

Mon, Apr 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
No one's too old to enjoy being read to! Relax and unwind while a librarian reads you a story or two that explores 250+ years of American history. Ages 6-12 (and anyone who can sit quietly and listen)

Mon, Apr 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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! Ages 2-8 Venga y unirse con Ms. Naomi por un cuentacuentos interactivo lleno de aventura y diversión. Edades 2-8

Mon, Apr 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!

Mon, Apr 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's eat pizza, discuss "Rebellion: 1776" by Laurie Halse Anderson, and share additional recommendations for Young Adult (teen) Historical Fiction books set in the United States of America!

Tue, Apr 07, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Tue, Apr 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Tue, Apr 07, 10:15am - 11:00am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for a fun-filled hour of stories, music, and movement for ages 0-5!

Tue, Apr 07, 11:00am - 11:45am
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, Apr 07, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, Apr 07, 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, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Craft friendship bracelets, play basketball toss, and learn about 1970s America through the eyes of American Girl Doll Julie Albright! (Ages 6-12)

Tue, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Author Amina Luqman-Dawson discusses her Newberry and Coretta Scott King award-winning novel "Freewater." Ages 10 and up.

Tue, Apr 07, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn about money and finances.

Tue, Apr 07, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Join DM Mike in a high seas DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.

Tue, Apr 07, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.

Wed, Apr 08, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Wed, Apr 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Wed, Apr 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
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, Apr 08, 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, Apr 08, 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, Apr 08, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!

Wed, Apr 08, 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 09, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Thu, Apr 09, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Thu, Apr 09, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging American stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Thu, Apr 09, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.

Thu, Apr 09, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room,Children's Area
Come join us for engaging American stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.

Thu, Apr 09, 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. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.

Thu, Apr 09, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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 09, 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! Ages 6-12.

Thu, Apr 09, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Dope Focus Gallery at Building Momentum - 5380 Eisenhower Ave Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22304
Celebrate the 2026 contest participants and award winners!

Fri, Apr 10, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Fri, Apr 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Fri, Apr 10, 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, Apr 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Come and play with music in this fun parent-child learn & play class! Program focuses on activities that enhance brain development and build social skills, language/motor skills, and more (ages 2-5).

Sat, Apr 11, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Sat, Apr 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Sat, Apr 11, 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, Apr 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!

Sat, Apr 11, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Celebrate America 250 with board games about the states. Ages 6-12

Sun, Apr 12, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Sun, Apr 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Sun, Apr 12, 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, both classics and new. Bring a friend or make new ones.

Sun, Apr 12, 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 0-24 months.

Mon, Apr 13, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Mon, Apr 13, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Mon, Apr 13, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!

Mon, Apr 13, 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 13, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time!

Mon, Apr 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Story Room
No one's too old to enjoy being read to! Relax and unwind while a librarian reads you a story or two that explores 250+ years of American history. Ages 6-12 (and anyone who can sit quietly and listen)

Mon, Apr 13, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!

Rescheduled
Mon, Apr 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
New date Wednesday, April 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Let's eat pizza, talk about "Freewater" by Amina Luqman-Dawson and share additional recommendations for Historical Fiction books set in the United States of America!

Tue, Apr 14, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Tue, Apr 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Tue, Apr 14, 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, Apr 14, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Start your morning with stories, rhymes, and songs in English and Spanish ¡Empieza su mañana con cuentos, rimas y canciones en inglés y español!

Tue, Apr 14, 11:00am - 11:35am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, Apr 14, 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 0-4).

Tue, Apr 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Craft tambourines, sing karaoke, and learn about 1960s America through the eyes of American Girl Doll Melody Ellison! (Ages 6-12)

Tue, Apr 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Create an American flag as unique as you are! Ages 6-12

Tue, Apr 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn about money and finances.

Tue, Apr 14, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Join DM Mike in a high seas DnD adventure! Ages 13-18. Registration required.

Wed, Apr 15, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Wed, Apr 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 15, 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, Apr 15, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Apr 15, 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 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Changing the world, one book at a time!

Wed, Apr 15, 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 16, All day
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
Contribute to a mini art show celebrating America 250.

Thu, Apr 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)

Thu, Apr 16, 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.

Thu, Apr 16, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
PreSchool Story Time celebrates our country with traditional songs and stories.

Thu, Apr 16, 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.

Thu, Apr 16, 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. 15 months and older, please attend 1s and 2s.

Thu, Apr 16, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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 16, 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! Ages 6-12.

Cancelled
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Looking for a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!

Last updated: December 2020