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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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The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Thu, Oct 02, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
1000 Books Story Time - A Story Time for ages 2-5
Thu, Oct 02, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Oct 02, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Oct 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.
Dungeons and Dragons: Teen Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Oct 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Oct 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 -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Fri, Oct 03, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Lego Competition
Fri, Oct 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your best building brains!
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Oct 03, 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Sat, Oct 04, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Avenue Ambition at Art on the Avenue
Sat, Oct 04, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Del Ray - Along Mt. Vernon Ave, between Hume Ave & Bellefonte Ave
Join our Avenue Ambition graduates as they take their art businesses on the road, to Art on the Avenue in Del Ray!
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Oct 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!
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Sat, Oct 04, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, crafts, face painting and food! The fiesta will take place outside in Beatley Central Library's beautiful Reading Garden. All ages.
Author Event: Abby Hanlon & Liz Garton Scanlon
Sat, Oct 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Auditorium, Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center - 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Meet the authors that brought you your favorite rascals, Dory Fantasmagory and Bibsy Cross, in conversation at the Nannie J. Lee Rec Center. CODE: LIBRARYRegister
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #2 - The Zine of Secret Abilities
Sun, Oct 05, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Preschool STEAM Sundays
Sun, Oct 05, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
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
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Mon, Oct 06, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Baby Time
Mon, Oct 06, 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, Oct 06, 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.
Baby Time
Mon, Oct 06, 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.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Mon, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Tue, Oct 07, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Oct 07, 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Oct 07, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
This Hispanic Heritage Month, start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish!
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, Oct 07, 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Oct 07, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Baby and Toddler Play Date
Tue, Oct 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; toys and resources will be divided up by age (ages 0-3).
Bilingual Storytime - Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Tue, Oct 07, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
A storytime in English and Spanish. un cuentacuentos en inglés y español.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Oct 07, 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Wed, Oct 08, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Oct 08, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 08, 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 - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Oct 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses.
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Oct 08, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 08, 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
Ask A Teen Librarian
Wed, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library Teen Section to get book suggestions, resource help, or just chat!
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Oct 08, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Oct 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Thu, Oct 09, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
1000 Books Story Time - A Story Time for ages 2-5
Thu, Oct 09, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Oct 09, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
TCG Library League
Thu, Oct 09, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come learn and play Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon TCG!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Oct 09, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Oct 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 -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy - with Leigh Bardugo
Thu, Oct 09, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm. Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author herself. Register
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Fri, Oct 10, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Baby Storytime
Fri, Oct 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.
Musical Movement
Fri, Oct 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 0-5).
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Oct 10, 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Sat, Oct 11, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Teen Advisory Group  - Monthly Meeting  
Sat, Oct 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more! 
Board Game Cafe - 2nd and 4th Saturdays - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Oct 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Play with 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
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #3 - The Zine of Answers
Sun, Oct 12, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Sunday Baby Time
Sun, Oct 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #4 - Tabula Rasa
Tue, Oct 14, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Family Storytime - Martes de niños
Tue, Oct 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!
Bilingual Storytime - Hora de cuentos bilingue
Tue, Oct 14, 10:30am - 10:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
This Hispanic Heritage Month, start your morning with stories, rhymes and songs in English and Spanish!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Oct 14, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Baby and Toddler Time - La hora de los bebés y los niños
Tue, Oct 14, 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.
Baby and Toddler Play Date
Tue, Oct 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; toys and resources will be divided up by age (ages 0-3).
Sensory Storytime
Tue, Oct 14, 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
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Oct 14, 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #4 - Tabula Rasa
Wed, Oct 15, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Oct 15, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 15, 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 - Solo Los Bebés
Wed, Oct 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Just for babies ages 0-12 months. Sólo para bebés de 0 a 12 meses.
Whimsical Wednesdays
Wed, Oct 15, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
New story time, same story tellers. Come join Ms. Venetta and Mr. Josstin for engaging stories that are worth gathering for. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
1s and 2s Time - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Oct 15, 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
Ask A Teen Librarian
Wed, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Stop by the Beatley Central Library Teen Section to get book suggestions, resource help, or just chat!
Roll For Initiative: D&D - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Wed, Oct 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Another installment of Duncan and Dragons with DM Jacob! Ages 10 - 18
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Oct 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.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #4 - Tabula Rasa
Thu, Oct 16, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
1000 Books Story Time - A Story Time for ages 2-5
Thu, Oct 16, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Oct 16, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
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.
Cancelled
TCG Library League
Thu, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
Come learn and play Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon TCG!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Oct 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 -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.
The Order Of The Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) | Week #4 - Tabula Rasa
Fri, Oct 17, All day
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
The Order of the Zine (T.O.O.T.Z.) has come to Alexandria. Each week, pick up your not-so-secret assignments (zine-making kits) and check out your peer's zines in our Zine Library. Ages 7-14.
Baby Storytime
Fri, Oct 17, 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.
Musical Movement
Fri, Oct 17, 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 0-5).
Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión
Fri, Oct 17, 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.
See all events
Last updated: December 2020