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SUMMERQUEST 2024

SummerQuest is a reading incentive program offered annually at each of our branches.

Sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge below using the Beanstack app or drop by any Alexandria Library to sign up and receive a paper log.

The program runs from June 1 through August 31.

Adventure Begins

Adventure Begins Early Lit

Sign up for SummerQuest, Jr.

Birth through rising Kindergarten

SummerQuest, Jr. allows children to earn points towards a free book!  Points are earned by logging books they read or books that are read to them.  Children can also earn points by doing early literacy activities. Read enough books and you can earn Washington Nationals tickets!

Adventure Begins child

Sign up for SummerQuest

Rising 1st-5th Grades

SummerQuest participants will log the minutes they spend reading this summer!  Every 20 minutes spent reading earns 1 point.  Use those points and points earned doing other activities to collect a free book! Read enough books and you can earn Washington Nationals tickets!

Adventure Begins Teen

Sign up for SummerQuest Teens

Rising 6th-12th Grades

SummerQuest teens will also log the minutes they spend reading this summer!  Every 20 minutes spent reading earns 1 point.  Participating in other activities will earn more points.  Use these points to collect a free book! Read enough books to earn Washington Nationals tickets, plus an entry for a gift card drawing.

Adventure Begins adult

Sign up for SummerQuest Adults

Ages 18 and up

Don't let the kids have all of the fun! Join in for a chance to win a prize. Read enough books to earn Washington Nationals tickets, plus each book read (up to 10) will be an entry for a gift card drawing.  Read or listen!

Youth SummerQuest Events
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s) - ¡Que salten los bebés!
Wed, Aug 14, 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.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 14, 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.
Freegal Dance Party! - ¡Fiesta de baile Freegal!
Wed, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
In honor of African American Music Appreciation Month in June, lounge, socialize, or dance, dance, dance! With a curated playlist from Freegal. Suitable for all age groups.
Brixalot Lego
Wed, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Lego fun with tons of bricks and a different special theme each week.
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Aug 14, 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.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Aug 15, 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
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Aug 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Rainbow Puppets: Beautiful Tales - Rainbow Puppets presenta: Cuentos hermosos
Thu, Aug 15, 11:00am - 11:40am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Experience classic fairy tales in a new way. (Ages 0-5)
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Aug 15, 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
Canceled
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Nerve
Thu, Aug 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!
Girls Who Code - Let's learn to program! (ages 8-12) - Aprendamos a programar
Thu, Aug 15, 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.
Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.)
Thu, Aug 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Care about the library? Join us and let your voice be heard! Attending a T.A.G. meeting will count as one hour of community service. Ages 12-18.
Latin Ballet of Virginia Presents: Fiesta del Sol - Latin Ballet of Virginia presenta: Fiesta del Sol
Fri, Aug 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Experience the folklore, myths, legends, and cultures of Central America and the Caribbean through dance. (All ages)
Animal Encounters: Dog Days of Summer Pet Show - Encuentros con animales: Exposición de mascotas
Sat, Aug 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join fellow animal lovers for a Community Pet Show. Registration required for pet participants.
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Aug 17, 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.
Dungeons & Dragons at the Library - Teen Edition
Sun, Aug 18, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Play Dungeons & Dragons. No experience necessary. Open to ages 13-18.
Canceled
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Phantom of the Open
Sun, Aug 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Aug 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Toddler Tuesday - Martes de niños
Tue, Aug 20, 10:15am - 10:45am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and movement for kids ages 0-5 !
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Aug 20, 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.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s) - ¡Que salten los bebés!
Wed, Aug 21, 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.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 21, 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.
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Aug 21, 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.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Aug 22, 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
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Aug 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Aug 22, 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
Girls Who Code - Let's learn to program! (ages 8-12) - Aprendamos a programar
Thu, Aug 22, 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.
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Aug 24, 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.
Baby Time
Mon, Aug 26, 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, Aug 26, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Baby Time
Mon, Aug 26, 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.
PAWS to Read
Mon, Aug 26, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Hot Dog Summer at the Library! Does your 1st-6th grader want to practice reading with a dog? We have 3; 15 minute slots from 5:30-6:30PM. Come read with us! Please call to register. Ages 6-12
Toddler Tuesday - Martes de niños
Tue, Aug 27, 10:15am - 10:45am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and movement for kids ages 0-5 !
Stories and Songs
Tue, Aug 27, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle with glee, Stories and Songs is a great place to be! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Aug 27, 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.
Stories and Songs
Tue, Aug 27, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle with glee, Stories and Songs is a great place to be! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s) - ¡Que salten los bebés!
Wed, Aug 28, 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.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 28, 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.
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Aug 28, 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.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Aug 29, 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
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Aug 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Aug 29, 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
Girls Who Code - Let's learn to program! (ages 8-12) - Aprendamos a programar
Thu, Aug 29, 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.
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Aug 31, 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.
See all events
Adult SummerQuest Events
Freegal Dance Party! - ¡Fiesta de baile Freegal!
Wed, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
In honor of African American Music Appreciation Month in June, lounge, socialize, or dance, dance, dance! With a curated playlist from Freegal. Suitable for all age groups.
Author Talk with Lane Stone
Wed, Aug 14, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for an online author talk with Lane Stone, the author of the "Tiara Investigation Mysteries" and the art thriller trilogy "The Big Picture."Register
Summer Film Series - "All Quiet on the Western Front"
Thu, Aug 15, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a screening of the 2022 Academy Awards' Best International Film, which is based on the 1929 semi-autobiographical novel by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of World War I.
Canceled
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Nerve
Thu, Aug 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!
Latin Ballet of Virginia Presents: Fiesta del Sol - Latin Ballet of Virginia presenta: Fiesta del Sol
Fri, Aug 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Experience the folklore, myths, legends, and cultures of Central America and the Caribbean through dance. (All ages)
Animal Encounters: Dog Days of Summer Pet Show - Encuentros con animales: Exposición de mascotas
Sat, Aug 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Join fellow animal lovers for a Community Pet Show. Registration required for pet participants.
Canceled
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - The Phantom of the Open
Sun, Aug 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!
Burke Book Club - "Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie" by Lisa Napoli
Wed, Aug 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us online for a discussion of Lisa Napoli's 2021 book discussing the history of National Public Radio and its four "founding mothers."Register
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Aug 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
New venue Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Summer Film Series - "Tár"
Thu, Aug 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Please join us for a screening of the 2022 Oscar-nominated psychological drama film starring Cate Blanchett who stars as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned conductor facing accusations of misconduct.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
New venue Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Jewelry Making Workshop with Ms. Toni
Sat, Sep 21, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Learn to make bracelets and earrings to take.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 26, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
See all events

Thank you Washington Nationals for providing prizes for SummerQuest. 

SummerQuest Jr. is made possible through a generous grant from the James M. Duncan, Jr. Library Foundation, Inc. SummerQuest is made possible through support from the Alexandria Library Foundation, Inc., the Friends of Beatley Central Library, Friends of Barrett Library, Friends of Burke Library, Friends of Duncan Library and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. SummerQuest is also supported by generous donations from the Brown-Sanchez family and Alexandria Toyota. Prizes provided by the Washington Nationals.

* This project is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

For reasonable accommodation for any of these programs, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.

Last updated: April 2024