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SUMMERQUEST 2023

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.

Tales and Tails

Oceans of Possibilities

Sign up for SummerQuest, Jr.

Birth through rising Kindergarten

SummerQuest, Jr. allows children to earn a 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!

Oceans of Possibilities

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!

Tails and Tales

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.

Oceans of Possibilities

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 Cafe
Sat, Jun 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18)
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 03, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 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 0-5 with an adult.
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 03, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Tabletop Games and Teens
Mon, Jun 03, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Where teens can socialize, strategize and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jun 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jun 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Jun 05, 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.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jun 06, 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 0-5 with an adult.
Nailed IT!
Thu, Jun 06, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18
Girls Who Code (ages 8-12) - Let's learn to program!
Thu, Jun 06, 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.
Toddler Dance Party!
Fri, Jun 07, 10:25am - 11:00am
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Show your moves as you dance, hop and jump to the beat!
Board Game Cafe
Sat, Jun 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18)
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 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 0-5 with an adult.
Tabletop Games and Teens
Mon, Jun 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Where teens can socialize, strategize and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18
Mr. Gabe
Tue, Jun 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Mr. Gabe has been delighting young audiences in the DC area for years with an interactive style of musical entertainment that inspires kids to move their bodies and use their brains. Ages 0-5
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Mr. Gabe
Tue, Jun 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Mr. Gabe has been delighting young audiences in the DC area for years with an interactive style of musical entertainment that inspires kids to move their bodies and use their brains. Ages 0-5
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Jun 12, 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, Jun 13, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Take a bite out of 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, Jun 13, 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 0-5 with an adult.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jun 13, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Take a bite out of summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Girls Who Code (ages 8-12) - Let's learn to program!
Thu, Jun 13, 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.
Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.)
Thu, Jun 13, 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.
Lego Competition
Fri, Jun 14, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Can your team beat the heat? Attendees will be put on a team and given a prompt with 1 hour to complete their build! Our esteemed judges will evaluate and choose a winning team. Ages 6- 12
Saturday Pop In Pop Up Story Time
Sat, Jun 15, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Mr. Josstin for a Pop Up, Pop In Story Time at 10:15am. This will be a singular spectacular story time on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Ages 0-5
Board Game Cafe
Sat, Jun 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18)
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 17, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 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 0-5 with an adult.
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 17, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Tabletop Games and Teens
Mon, Jun 17, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Where teens can socialize, strategize and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jun 18, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jun 18, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Z.O.M.S. - Zombie Outbreak Master Strategists - Outbreak - Teen Emergency Deliberation
Tue, Jun 18, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Teens, ages 12-18, will try to uncover what caused a zombie outbreak in the DMV.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jun 20, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Take a bite out of 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, Jun 20, 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 0-5 with an adult.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jun 20, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Take a bite out of summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Nailed IT!
Thu, Jun 20, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18
Girls Who Code (ages 8-12) - Let's learn to program!
Thu, Jun 20, 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.
Rainbow Rock!
Sat, Jun 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a fantastic musical performance! Your child will learn about shapes, colors, movement, and more! All Ages
Board Game Cafe
Sat, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18)
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 24, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 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 0-5 with an adult.
Baby Time
Mon, Jun 24, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.
Tabletop Games and Teens
Mon, Jun 24, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Teen Area
Where teens can socialize, strategize and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18
PAWS to Read
Mon, Jun 24, 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
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
Rhythmaya Bollywood Dance Experience
Tue, Jun 25, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Rhythmaya is a professional contemporary dance performance group dedicated to bringing South Asian dance traditions alive throughout our global community. All ages.
Alexandria Scholarship Fund Book Club
Wed, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Read about kids meeting their college goals while receiving practical advice from the Alexandria Scholarship Fund to help you reach your own. Grades 6-12.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jun 27, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Take a bite out of 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, Jun 27, 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 0-5 with an adult.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jun 27, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Take a bite out of summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Thu, Jun 27, 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.
Girls Who Code (ages 8-12) - Let's learn to program!
Thu, Jun 27, 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.
The Calabash Experience - Explore folktales from Africa and beyond
Fri, Jun 28, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
By using storytelling as a method to keep culture alive, everyone in the audience will have a chance to experience the magic of call and response, musical joy, and motivational fun. Ages 6-12
Board Game Cafe
Sat, Jun 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18)
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jul 02, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jul 02, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Jul 03, 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.
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jul 09, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Stories and Songs
Tue, Jul 09, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5
Young Beacons of Literacy Book Club
Wed, Jul 10, 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, Jul 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stomp through summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jul 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stomp through summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Nailed IT!
Thu, Jul 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18
Girls Who Code (ages 8-12) - Let's learn to program!
Thu, Jul 11, 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.
Lego Competition
Fri, Jul 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Can your team beat the heat? Attendees will be put on a team and given a prompt with 1 hour to complete their build! Our esteemed judges will evaluate and choose a winning team. Ages 6- 12
Little Miss Ann
Tue, Jul 16, 10:00am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Butterfly Garden
Join Little Miss Ann as she sings both reinvented classics as well as upbeat, interactive fun originals that will inspire kids to sing, jump, clap, and dance! (Ages 0-5)
Z.O.M.S. - Zombie Outbreak Master Strategists - Disaster - Teen Emergency Deliberation
Tue, Jul 16, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor
Teens, ages 12-18, will develop an emergency plan for a zombie invasion of Alexandria.
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jul 18, 10:15am - 10:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stomp through summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Toddler Rock N' Read
Thu, Jul 18, 11:15am - 11:45am
James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stomp through summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5
Girls Who Code (ages 8-12) - Let's learn to program!
Thu, Jul 18, 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, Jul 18, 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.
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Adult SummerQuest Events
No events at this branch
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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, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Erickson Institute, and Arts for Learning Virginia.

Additional support provided, 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: May 2023