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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
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 02, 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 03, 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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jun 03, 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.
Extinctopedia with Smithsonian Scientists - What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About It
Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia.Register
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jun 05, 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.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 09, 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 10, 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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jun 10, 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.
Animal Encounters: Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo - Encuentros con animales: Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo
Wed, Jun 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Beatley Library Parking Lot
Say hello and feed friendly animals like a llama, donkey, and mini cow from Bar C Animal Ranch. (All ages)
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jun 12, 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.
Alphabits A to Z Dance Party
Thu, Jun 12, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
The grand finale of our winter and spring Alphabits programs!
1, 2, 3 Andrés!
Fri, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Grammy-winning children’s musicians for an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish. (All ages)
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 16, 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.
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Jun 16, 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 and getting chills in the summer? This is the event for you!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 17, 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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jun 17, 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.
Squeals on Wheels: Petting Zoo
Wed, Jun 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Squeals on Wheels presents their Buddy Petting Zoo! This petting zoo has a variety of small animals ranging from bunnies, guinea pigs, feathery friends, and exotic seasonal friends.
Mad Science: Fire and Ice
Wed, Jun 18, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Learn all about water and the ocean with the guidance of a mad scientist! Prepare for foggy dry ice clouds and the chemistry of fire. (Ages 6-12)
Juneteenth Storytime - with the Alexandria Black History Museum
Fri, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Hassanah Thomas from the Alexandria Black History Museum in celebrating Juneteenth through books, stories, and songs. (All ages)
Colorful Seed Balls - Make and Share for Teens
Fri, Jun 20, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Come make colorful seed dumplings or seed balls to help pollinators in Northern Virginia. Take a few and leave a few for others to spread. For ages 12-18.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 23, 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.
LGBTQ+ Pride Galaxy Paint Night - Paint your galaxy!
Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month by painting a galaxy using the colors of the Pride flag!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 24, 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.
Brixalot Legos
Tue, Jun 24, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Lots and lots of Legos! Ages 6+
Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate - (3rd-6th Grade)
Tue, Jun 24, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. Register
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jun 24, 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.
Peter Wood: Collector of the Impossible
Wed, Jun 25, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Charles Houston Recreational Center - 901 Wythe St, Alexandria
Peter Wood, the Collector of the Impossible, presents incredible, magical objects with unparalleled showmanship.
Build Your Own Birdhouse!
Wed, Jun 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Want to see the birds flying around this summer? Join us at the library to build and paint your very own birdhouse!
Peter Wood: Collector of the Impossible
Wed, Jun 25, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Peter Wood, the Collector of the Impossible, presents incredible, magical objects with unparalleled showmanship.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jun 26, 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.
Rocknoceros
Thu, Jun 26, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Our favorite local kids' band kicks off our summer fun with a concert for all ages.
T(w)een STEM Hour
Thu, Jun 26, 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!
Happy Theater Presents Nest
Fri, Jun 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Take a journey through the life of a baby bird in this interactive puppet show accompanied by live music.(Ages 0-5)
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jun 28, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 30, 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.
Field Guide to Your Life Kits
Tue, Jul 01, All day
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Create a field guide to express the uniqueness of your life and experiences. Kits and guidelines can be picked up beginning July 1 throughout the month while supplies last.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 01, 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.
STEM: Make A DNA Bracelet
Tue, Jul 01, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Drop in this afternoon & make your own unique DNA bracelet. Ages 6+
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 01, 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.
Animal Encounters: Nature Friends Show and Tell
Wed, Jul 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Charles Barrett Recreation Center - 1115 Martha Custis Dr, Alexandria
An environmental educator will give a nature presentation with live animals. (Ages 6-12)
Science Heroes - Adventure of the Missing Color
Wed, Jul 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
"Adventure of the Missing Color" is a science-themed mystery show where a color has disappeared, and the audience must use scientific principles and experiments to find the missing color.
Where does the water go? - with AlexRenew
Wed, Jul 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
When you wash your hands, take a bath, or use the toilet, the water you use disappears down the drain. But where does it go? And what happens to it when it gets there? Ages 6-12.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 03, 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.
The Great Zucchini - Laugh Out Loud Magic!
Thu, Jul 03, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Our favorite preschool magician returns. Ages 2+
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 05, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jul 07, 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.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 08, 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.
Baby and Toddler TIme w/Kofi Dennis
Tue, Jul 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Kofi, a WolfTrap BabyArtsPlay artist, leads our program today. (Ages 0-5)
Animal Encounters: Amazing Adaptations - Presented by Bar C Ranch
Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreational Center - 25 W Reed 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)
Dibuja tu mundo con Raúl the Third - Preescolar a 2.º grado
Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Acompaña al autor e ilustrador Raúl the Third mientras nos habla de su libro ¡Vamos! ¡A leer! Conoce a Lobito y sus amigos mientras exploran el Festival del Libro Love de su biblioteca. Register
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third - PK-2nd Grade
Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! Register
The Magic of Drew Blue Shoes
Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
What will Drew have "up his sleeve" today? Ages 6+
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Jul 08, 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.
Foam Party!
Wed, Jul 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Get ready to dance, laugh, and let loose as you’re surrounded by cascades of fluffy foam!
Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales - Encuentros con animales: Pelo, plumas y escamas
Wed, Jul 09, 5:00pm - 5:25pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)
Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales - Encuentros con animales: Pelo, plumas y escamas
Wed, Jul 09, 5:30pm - 5:55pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 10, 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.
Kaydee Puppets
Thu, Jul 10, 11:00am - 11:30am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Our favorite family of puppeteers is back for another show. Ages 2+
Munit and Z Lovebugs
Fri, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Shine your gifts out loud with Munit and Z Lovebugs, a family music band that plays songs from all around the world for kids from 3 to 103! (All ages)
The Uncle Devin Show
Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Uncle Devin for an interactive musical experience that uses percussion instruments to cultivate children’s minds.(Ages 0-8)
Book Tasting - Get book recommendations and enjoy pastries!
Sat, Jul 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Need more books to fill your SummerQuest logs? Look no further!
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 12, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jul 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.
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, 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.
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.
My Reptile Guy
Wed, Jul 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Meet and learn about reptiles. Ages 6+
Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color
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)
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.
Animal Encounters: Amazing Adaptations - Presented by Bar C Ranch
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)
Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu - 9th-12th Grade
Thu, Jul 17, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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
Rhythmaya: Bollywood Dance
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 - 4:30pm
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
Juggling Funny Stories!
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)
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+
T(w)een STEM Hour
Thu, Jul 24, 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!
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)
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)
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 26, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Summer Soccer w/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.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 31, 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.
Oh Susannah!
Thu, Jul 31, 11:00am - 11:45am
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - First Floor
Musical fun with Susannah. All Ages
See all events
Adult SummerQuest Events
Extinctopedia with Smithsonian Scientists - What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About It
Wed, Jun 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to grab your family and friends and join us as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian’s book, Extinctopedia.Register
Diversity Book Club - "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
Mon, Jun 09, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual - Zoom
Please join us for an online discussion of Celeste Ng's 2022 novel.
Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns - with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
Tue, Jun 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Register
Painternoon - A monthly painting club!
Wed, Jun 11, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!
Animal Encounters: Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo - Encuentros con animales: Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo
Wed, Jun 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Beatley Library Parking Lot
Say hello and feed friendly animals like a llama, donkey, and mini cow from Bar C Animal Ranch. (All ages)
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
1, 2, 3 Andrés!
Fri, Jun 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Grammy-winning children’s musicians for an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish. (All ages)
Horror Fans Unite! - A summer horror club!
Mon, Jun 16, 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 and getting chills in the summer? This is the event for you!
Juneteenth Storytime - with the Alexandria Black History Museum
Fri, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room
Join Hassanah Thomas from the Alexandria Black History Museum in celebrating Juneteenth through books, stories, and songs. (All ages)
LGBTQ+ Pride Galaxy Paint Night - Paint your galaxy!
Mon, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month by painting a galaxy using the colors of the Pride flag!
Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate - (3rd-6th Grade)
Tue, Jun 24, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. Register
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jun 28, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 05, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Dibuja tu mundo con Raúl the Third - Preescolar a 2.º grado
Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Acompaña al autor e ilustrador Raúl the Third mientras nos habla de su libro ¡Vamos! ¡A leer! Conoce a Lobito y sus amigos mientras exploran el Festival del Libro Love de su biblioteca. Register
Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third - PK-2nd Grade
Tue, Jul 08, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual - Virtual
Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! Register
Dungeons and Dragons: Adult Group! - Adventure awaits!
Thu, Jul 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Munit and Z Lovebugs
Fri, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Shine your gifts out loud with Munit and Z Lovebugs, a family music band that plays songs from all around the world for kids from 3 to 103! (All ages)
The Uncle Devin Show
Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Uncle Devin for an interactive musical experience that uses percussion instruments to cultivate children’s minds.(Ages 0-8)
Book Tasting - Get book recommendations and enjoy pastries!
Sat, Jul 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Need more books to fill your SummerQuest logs? Look no further!
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 12, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu - 9th-12th Grade
Thu, Jul 17, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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
Rhythmaya: Bollywood Dance
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)
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)
Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship - with Rex Ogle (5th-8th Grade)
Wed, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
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
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)
Calligraphy Workshop
Sat, Jul 26, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library - Meeting Room
Are you curious about learning in calligraphy?Join us to learn and practice different styles each session at Burke!
On the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains with Pria Anand
Thu, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Virtual
You’re invited to a fascinating conversation with neurologist and author Pria Anand to chat about her new book The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains.Register
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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