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SUMMERQUEST 2025

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.

Color Our World

Color Our World 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!

Color Our World 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 to earn Washington Nationals tickets, plus an entry for a drawing for Washington Spirit tickets.

Color Our World 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.

Color Our World 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
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Aug 10, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
Cancelled
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Aug 11, 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 0-8 with an adult.
Fables and Fun
Tue, Aug 12, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An engaging story time that will have you laughing, moving, and wanting to know what's on the next page! (Ages 0-5)
Cancelled
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Aug 12, 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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Aug 12, 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.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 13, 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
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 13, 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
Brixalot Legos
Wed, Aug 13, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Lots and lots of Legos! Ages 6+
Animal Encounters: Habitats and Ecosystems - Encuentros con animales: Hábitats y ecosistemas
Wed, Aug 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join human and animal ambassadors from Buddie Ford Nature Center to examine relationships between living and non-living components within an ecosystem. (Ages 6-12)
Brixalot Duplo Trains
Thu, Aug 14, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Lots and lots of Duplo train toys. Ages 2+
Rocknoceros
Thu, Aug 14, 10:15am - 11:00am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Classic kids' songs and award-winning tunes.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Aug 14, 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.
Crafting for Teens
Thu, Aug 14, 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, Aug 14, 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Aug 18, 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!
Cancelled
Fables and Fun
Tue, Aug 19, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
An engaging story time that will have you laughing, moving, and wanting to know what's on the next page! (Ages 0-5)
Cancelled
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Aug 19, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 20, 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
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 20, 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
August Artist Adventure
Thu, Aug 21, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Aug 21, 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
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Aug 21, 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
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Aug 21, 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.
August Artist Adventure
Fri, Aug 22, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Sat, Aug 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Sun, Aug 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Mon, Aug 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Tue, Aug 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
Fables and Fun
Tue, Aug 26, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An engaging story time that will have you laughing, moving, and wanting to know what's on the next page! (Ages 0-5)
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Aug 26, 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.
August Artist Adventure
Wed, Aug 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 27, 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
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Aug 27, 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
August Artist Adventure
Thu, Aug 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Aug 28, 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
Here Nor There Story Time
Thu, Aug 28, 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, Aug 28, 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, Aug 28, 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.
T(w)een STEM Hour
Thu, Aug 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's go on a STEM adventure with a new science experiment every month!
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Sep 14, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
See all events
Adult SummerQuest Events
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Aug 10, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Aug 11, 10:15am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
This event is full
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Aug 13, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
This event is full
Rocknoceros
Thu, Aug 14, 10:15am - 11:00am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Classic kids' songs and award-winning tunes.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Aug 14, 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.
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Aug 14, 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
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Aug 17, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Aug 18, 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!
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Aug 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!Register
Returning to Romance Through Food and Flirty Fun in Fiction - with Casey McQuiston
Wed, Aug 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Bring an appetite for sizzling drama as we discuss New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston's latest romantic comedy, The Pairing. Register
August Artist Adventure
Thu, Aug 21, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Aug 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info! Register
August Artist Adventure
Fri, Aug 22, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Sat, Aug 23, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Sun, Aug 24, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Mon, Aug 25, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
Senior Bingo
Mon, Aug 25, 10:15am - 12:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Join us to socialize and engage your mind with a game of bingo served with food, prizes, and fun. Registration is required.
This event is full
August Artist Adventure
Tue, Aug 26, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Wed, Aug 27, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
August Artist Adventure
Thu, Aug 28, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Take Home Kits, available starting August 21 at the Beatley Information Desk.
How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos - with Organizational Psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich
Thu, Aug 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world with key insights by Dr. Tasha Eurich as she talks about her newest book, Shatterproof.Register
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Aug 28, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Aug 30, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Sep 07, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 11, 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.
Board Game Bliss
Sun, Sep 14, 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, the classics and the new. Bring a friend or make new ones.
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Sep 18, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info! Register
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Sep 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Sep 21, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Sep 25, 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.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 05, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 09, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Oct 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Great Books Foundation Discussion Group - "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler"
Thu, Oct 16, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Even Deadlier: A Sequel to The 7 Deadly Sins Sampler". Click on the event title for more info! Register
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Oct 19, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Oct 23, 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.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Nov 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Nov 02, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Nov 06, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.
See all events

Thank you Washington Nationals and Washington Spirit 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, and Friends of Duncan Library. Prizes provided by the Washington Nationals and Washington Spirit.

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

Last updated: May 2025