SummerQuest Jr. (ages 0 to 5)
No registration required, but please arrive early as space is limited. Children must be accompanied by their caregivers.
BEATLEY CENTRAL Toddler Dance Party Wednesday, June 24, 10:30 or 11:30 AM Bring your little ones to a fun dance party just for toddlers! For ages 0-5.
Uncle Devin Monday, June 29, 10:30 AM
Join Uncle Devin for a live, interactive musical experience that uses percussion instruments to cultivate children’s minds. For ages 0-5.
Kaydee Puppets Monday, July 6, 10:30 AM
Join Kaydee Puppets for a fun and interactive puppet show that’s perfect for little ones! Enjoy a double feature of “Nursery Rhythm and Rhyme” and “Peter Rabbit.” For ages 0-5.
Rainbow Puppets Wednesday, July 15, 10:30 or 11:30 AM
Rainbow Puppets are back with a fun puppet show perfect for little ones! For ages 0-5.
The Great Zucchini Monday, July 20, 10:30 AM
Uno, Dos, Tres, Con Andres Saturday, August 15, 11 AM
Sing and dance with fan favorite Andrés for this special bilingual musical performance in English and Spanish. Andrés está de vuelta – ven a bailar y cantar con él en Inglés y en Español! For all ages.
BARRETT BRANCH Kaydee Puppets Tuesday, June 23, 11 AM
Join Kaydee Puppets for a fun and interactive puppet show that’s perfect for little ones! Enjoy a double feature of “Nursery Rhythm and Rhyme” and “Peter Rabbit.” For ages 0-5.
Groovy Nate Tuesday, June 30, 11 AM
Sing and dance along with Groovy Nate as he blends music, movement, puppetry, and comedy into one groovy experience! For ages 2 and up.
Oh, Susannah! Thursday, July 9, 11 AM
Join the Great Zucchini for a hilarious and interactive magic show for preschoolers. For ages 0-5.
Sing along with Oh, Susannah! and her fun blend of familiar favorites and lively original tunes for little ones! For ages 0-5.
Mad Science ABCs Wednesday, July 29, 10:30 AM
Outdoor Day Thursday, July 16, 11 AM
Explore the scientific process with this exciting show for preschoolers. Learn the science behind magic, and explore the chemistry of slime and styrofoam. For ages 0-5.
Come on out and play on our lawn! Bubble toys, sidewalk chalk, a pond full of boats to sail and more! For ages 2 and up. (In case of inclement weather we will have a film inside.)
Oh, Susannah! Wednesday, August 12, 10:30 AM
The Great Zucchini Thursday, July 16, 3:30 PM
Sing along with Oh, Susannah! and her fun blend of familiar favorites and lively original tunes for little ones! For ages 0-5.
Join the Great Zucchini for a hilarious and interactive magic show for preschoolers. For ages 3 and up.
Elmo in Grouchland Thursday, July 23, 10:30 AM
Featuring a favorite red furry monster from Sesame Street--can you guess who? For ages 2 and up.
Baby/Toddler Obstacle Course Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29, 10 AM
Do you have a Super Baby? Come and see if they are up to the Obstacle Course challenge! Crawling tunnels, ball pit and other fun for our youngest friends. For ages 0-23 months.
Super Obstacle Course Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29, 11 AM
Tunnels, ball pit and other challenges help young superheroes practice large motor skills, hand eye coordination and more! For ages 2 and up.
Dance Party! Thursday, July 30, 11 AM
It wouldn’t be summer at Barrett without our annual dance party, complete with scarves, shakers, rhythm instruments and lots of great music of all kinds. For ages 2 and up.
Kofi Dennis Tuesday, August 4, 11 AM and Tuesday, August 11, 11 AM
Bring the whole family to see drummer, storyteller, singer, and dancer Kofi Dennis as he performs his Wolftrap Baby Artsplay program, full of music, movement, and drama. For all ages.
DUNCAN BRANCH Uno, Dos, Tres, Con Andres Thursday, August 6, 11 AM
Sing and dance with fan favorite Andrés for this special bilingual musical performance in English and Spanish. Andrés está de vuelta – ven a bailar y cantar con él en Inglés y en Español! For ages 2 and up.
BURKE BRANCH Rocknoceros Tuesday, June 23, 11 AM
Join us as this award-winning musical trio presents their original songs. For ages 0-5.
The Great Zucchini Tuesday, July 7, 11 AM
Join the Great Zucchini for a hilarious and interactive magic show for preschoolers. For ages 2-5.
C. Shells Wednesday, July 8, 11 AM
Join this singing duo as they perform a delightful mix of songs and musical styles that are sure to get your little ones moving and shaking. For ages 0-5.
Kaydee Puppets Tuesday, July 14, 11 AM
Join Kaydee Puppets for a fun and interactive puppet show that’s perfect for little ones! Enjoy a double feature of “Nursery Rhythm and Rhyme” and “Peter Rabbit.” For ages 0-5.
Oh, Susannah! Wednesday, July 15, 11 AM
Sing along with Oh, Susannah! and her fun blend of familiar favorites and lively original tunes for little ones! For ages 2 to 5.
Pajama Storytime: Ramps & Pathways with Peggy Ashbrook Thursday, July 16, 7 PM
Join us for a special hands-on engineering themed Pajama Storytime led by Science Educator, Peggy Ashbrook. Children will build ramps and experiment with their structures. Pajamas are optional. For ages 3-7.
Atumpan presents An Elephant’s Trunk Tuesday, July 21, 2 PM
Join us for this interactive program about elephants. The show incorporates world music, folklore, and dance. For ages 2-5.
Uno, Dos, Tres, Con Andres Tuesday, July 28, 11 AM
Sing and dance with fan favorite Andrés for this special bilingual musical performance in English and Spanish. Andrés está de vuelta – ven a bailar y cantar con él en Inglés y en Español! For ages 2 and up.
Mad Science ABCs Wednesday, July 29, 2 PM
Explore the scientific process with this exciting show for preschoolers. Learn the science behind magic, and explore the chemistry of slime and styrofoam. For ages 3-5.
Reptiles with Naturalist Jane Yeingst Wednesday, August 5, 11 AM
Join us for an up close look at the reptiles from our region. For ages 3-7.
C. Shells Thursday, July 9, 10 or 11 AM
Join this singing duo as they perform a delightful mix of songs and musical styles that are sure to get your little ones moving and shaking. For ages 0-5.
Rocknoceros Thursday, July 16, 10 or 11 AM Join us as this award-winning musical trio presents their original songs. For ages 0-5.
Oh, Susannah Thursday, July 23, 10 or 11 AM Sing along with Oh, Susannah! and her fun blend of familiar favorites and lively original tunes for little ones! For ages 0-5.
Peter McCory: One Man Band Thursday, July 30, 10 or 11 AM Dance along with Peter McCory and his one man band! For ages 0-5.
Groovy Nate Thursday, August 6, 10 or 11 AM Sing and dance along with Groovy Nate as he blends music, movement, puppetry, and comedy into one groovy experience! For ages 0-5.
Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andres Thursday, August 13, 10 or 11 AM Sing and dance with fan favorite Andrés for this special bilingual musical performance in English and Spanish. Andrés está de vuelta – ven a bailar y cantar con él en Inglés y en Español! For ages 2 and up.
Kaydee Puppets Saturday, August 15, 10:30 AM
Join Kaydee Puppets for a fun and interactive puppet show that’s perfect for little ones! Enjoy a double feature of “The Little Red Hen’s Wacky Week” and “Animal Tales.” For ages 3 and up.
SummerQuest (ages 6 to 12)
No registration required, but please arrive early as space is limited.
BEATLEY CENTRAL SummerQuest Kick-Off Party Monday, June 22, 2 PM
Start off summer with a bang at the library! We will have fun crafts, games, snacks, and you may even win a prize! For ages 6-12.
Super Special Science Night Tuesday, June 23, 7 PM
Join us for a SUPER special Science Night featuring a fun hands on activity and a big surprise (hint: starts with ‘pr’ and rhymes with ‘eyes’)! For ages 8-12.
Exotic Animals Thursday, June 25, 2 PM
The Buddie Ford Nature Center presents Exotic Animals! See amazing snakes, turtles, and more up close! For ages 6 and up.
Magician Joe Romano Thursday, July 2, 2 PM
Join Joe Romano as he amazes us with his special brand of magic and illusion. For ages 6-12.
Mobile Art Lab Tuesday, July 7, 2 PM
The City of Alexandria’s new and awesome Mobile Art Lab (it’s like a food truck for art!) will be stopping by for a surprise art project. With both innovative and traditional art supplies and equipment, the Mobile Art Lab inspires creativity and creation everywhere it goes! For children, teens, and adults ages 5 and up.
Kofi Dennis Saturday, July 11, 11 AM
Bring the whole family to see drummer, storyteller, singer, and dancer Kofi Dennis as he introduces us to West African culture with songs, games, and drum rhythms. For all ages.
Amazing Animal Adaptations Tuesday, July 14, 7 PM
Bar C Animal Ranch brings their Amazing Adaptations show to the library - featuring live animals! Meet 5 different animals and learn how they have adapted to survive. For ages 6-12.
Wii Gaming Tuesday, July 14, 2 PM, Tuesday, July 21, 7 PM and Thursday, July 23, 2 PM
Join us for video game fun with our Wii! Bring your friends to face off as we will be playing multi-player games! For ages 6-12.
Reptile Guys Thursday, July 16, 2 PM
The Reptile Guys are bringing us some amazing animals to meet! This show features live animals! For ages 6-12.
Journey to the Jungle Sunday, July 19, 2 PM
Traveling Zoo Wildlife Ambassadors is back to take us to the jungle by teaching us about the beautiful birds that live in tropical rain forests. This show features live animals! For all ages.
Under the Sea Tuesday, July 21, 2 PM
Marine Biologists come to teach us all about marine life with live underwater animals! For children ages 6-12.
Mobile Art Lab Tuesday, July 23, 7 PM
The City of Alexandria’s new and awesome Mobile Art Lab (it’s like a food truck for art!) will be stopping at Beatley for an amazing art experience. With both innovative and traditional art supplies and equipment, the Mobile Art Lab inspires creativity and creation everywhere it goes! For children, teens, and adults ages 5 and up.
Juggling and Comedy with Chris Fascione Thursday, July 30, 2 PM
Join nationally known comedian, juggler, mime, and storyteller Chris Fascione as he brings children’s stories to life in this fun one-man show. For ages 6-12.
Disney’s Big Hero 6 Saturday, August 1, 1 PM
Brixalot Legos Tuesday, July 21, 2 PM
(2014 © Walt Disney Pictures) Bring the whole family to watch this blockbuster movie! Plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. Rated PG. For ages 5 and up.
Science in the Summer Level 1 Monday-Thursday, August 3-6, 10 AM Kids learn all about Chemistry in this hands-on science program sponsored by GSK and AAAS. Led by a professional teacher, children will learn about chemistry through experiments and other activities. Level One = rising 2nd and 3rd graders Class size is limited to 15 students. Registration is required and begins July 1 until filled - please register in person at the Beatley Youth Services Desk. Children are required to attend all 4 days of the program, August 3-6.
Science in the Summer Level 2 Monday-Thursday, August 3-6, 12 PM Kids learn all about Chemistry in this hands-on science program sponsored by GSK and AAAS. Led by a professional teacher, children will learn about chemistry through experiments and other fun activities. Level Two = rising 4th-6th graders Class size is limited to 15 students. Registration is required and begins July 1 until filled - please register in person at the Beatley Youth Services Desk. Children are required to attend all 4 days of the program, August 3-6.
BARRETT BRANCH Under the Sea Thursday, June 25, 4 PM
Marine Biologists come to teach us all about marine life with live underwater animals! For ages 3-12.
Blue Sky Puppets Tuesday, July 7, 3:30 PM
SuperPig! Chester dreams of having superhero powers, but he comes to a better understanding of what heroes really are when a friend helps him out of a bullying situation. For ages 3 and up.
Disney’s Big Hero 6 Thursday, July 9, 3 PM
(2014 © Walt Disney Pictures) Bring the whole family to watch this blockbuster movie! Plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. Rated PG. For ages 5 and up.
Mad Science Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 PM “123s” A spellbinding show introduces children to the principles of vibration and chemistry. See how vibrations can make sound, watch as potions are mixed to make a beautiful rainbow and more. For ages 3 and up.
Join us for an extra special drop in Lego play afternoon. Brixalot brings us a super size collection of Legos and Duplos with a superhero theme! Duplo play recommended for ages 2 and up. Lego play for ages 5 and up. (We will also have MegaBlox available for our youngest friends.)
Peter McCory, One Man Band Thursday, July 23, 3:30 PM
Dance along with Peter McCory and his one man band! For ages 2 and up.
Bob Brown Puppets Thursday, July 30, 3:30 PM
We welcome back our friend, world renowned puppeteer Bob Brown. This time he will be bringing us some “Second Hand Stars.” For ages 3 and up.
“Frozen” Sing Along Thursday, August 13, 3 PM (2013 © Walt Disney Pictures) It’s hot,hot, August, so cool down and sing along with “Frozen”. For ages 3 and up.
BURKE BRANCH Mobile Art Lab Monday, June 22, 7 PM, Monday, July 20, 4 PM and Thursday, August 13, 4 PM
The City of Alexandria’s new and awesome Mobile Art Lab (it’s like a food truck for art!) will be stopping by for a surprise art project. With both innovative and traditional art supplies and equipment, the Mobile Art Lab inspires creativity and creation everywhere it goes! Project appropriate for ages 5-adult.
Live Animal Show with Bar C Wednesday, June 24, 4 PM
DUNCAN BRANCH Disney’s Big Hero 6 Thursday, July 9, 2 PM
(2014 © Walt Disney Pictures) Bring the whole family to watch this blockbuster movie! Plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. Rated PG. For ages 5 and up.
Reptiles Alive Wednesday, July 15, 4 PM
Learn snake secrets and laugh out loud at our lizard stories and turtle tales. Featured animals may include a boa or python, tortoise, lizards and other amazing animals. For ages 6-12.
This fun show allows kids to meet live animals and explore their crafty side. We start out by reading a book about the selected animals. After the book, the kids get to meet the animal(s) in person. For ages 6-12.
Magician Joe Romano Tuesday, July 21, 6 PM
The Box Trolls Monday, June 29, 4 PM
Juggling and Comedy with Chris Fascione Thursday, July 30, 4 PM
(2014 © Focus Features) Join us for an exciting summer movie. A young orphan boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator. For ages 5-12.
Mad Science Wednesday, July 1, 4 PM
Kids discover the fun side of science as they take part in spectacular science demonstrations including chemical magic, movie special effects, and amazing bubbling potions. For ages 6-12.
Drum Talk with Baba Jamal Wednesday, July 8, 4 PM
Master storyteller, Baba Jamal Koram, tells stories using history, humor, music and the lore of African and AfricanAmerican cultures. Children will learn the language of the drum and get to try their hands at drumming. For ages 6-12.
Join Joe Romano as he amazes us with his special brand of magic and illusion. For ages 6-12.
Join nationally known comedian, juggler, mime, and storyteller Chris Fascione as he brings children’s stories to life in this fun one-man show. For ages 6-12.
Barefoot Puppets Present “Tales from Down Under” Thursday, August 6, 4 PM
Emus, crocodiles and frogs -- oh my! Experience the magic of “The Land Down Under” in this performance inspired by Aboriginal folktales. For ages 6-12.
Night at the Museum: Secrets of the Tomb Wednesday, August 12, 4 PM
(2014 © 20th Century Fox) Join us for an exciting summer movie. Larry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. All ages welcome.
Old Time American Folk Music Thursday, July 9, 3:30 PM
Be entertained and informed as Bruce Hutton plays old time American folk music on his banjo, mandolin, mouth bow, and autoharp among other instruments. For ages 6-12.
Rocknoceros Thursday, July 16, 3:30 PM Join us as this award-winning musical trio presents their original songs. For ages 6-12.
Barefoot Puppets Present “Galapagos George” Saturday, July 18, 10:30 AM
This show was inspired by the true story of “Lonesome George,” a giant tortoise who was discovered in 1971 on an island in the Galapagos (a group of islands off the coast of Ecuador in South America) where his species was believed to have become extinct. There are sixteen rod puppets of sea lions, lizards, blue-footed birds, tortoises and other animals from the Galapagos Archipelago. This show is an excellent vehicle for learning about man’s impact on the environment. For ages 3 and up.
Japan in a Suitcase Saturday, July 18, 3:30 PM
Please join us as the Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents “Japan in a Suitcase.” This program promotes understanding of Japan and Japanese culture to children through hands-on activities, games and demonstrations. For ages 6-12.
Magician Joe Romano Thursday, July 30, 3:30 PM
Join Joe Romano as he amazes us with his special brand of magic and illusion. For ages 6-12.
SummerQuest Partnership Programs Shazam Magic Tuesday, July 7, 3:30 PM
Go Active with Ronald McDonald Friday, July 17, 10 AM
Magician Peter Wood of Shazam Magic will amaze. For ages 5-12. At the Mount Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
Gary Lloyd enchants us with stories and jokes. For ages 5-12. At the Mount Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
Join Ronald for a fun and interactive program that gets kids moving! For ages 5-12. At the Charles Barrett Recreation Center at 1115 Martha Custis Drive, Alexandria, VA.
Christylez Wednesday, July 8, 2 PM
Back for a second year, hip hop performer Christylez Bacon engages kids with a unique blend of musical genres and skills. For ages 5-12. At the Patrick Henry Recreation Center at 4625 Taney Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
Mad Science Science Spectacular Monday, July 13, 3:30 PM
Children learn about science. They will see foggy dry ice storms, float on a Mad Science hovercraft, watch a foam factory at work, discover Bernoulli’s principle, make magic mud, alter sound waves, and so much more! Ages 5-12 only. At the William Ramsay Recreation Center at 5650 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
Reptile World Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 PM
Storyteller Gary Lloyd Saturday, July 18, 3:30 PM
Meet an interesting selection of reptiles from around the world. Ages 5-12. At the Mount Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
Mad Science Friday, July 17, 2 PM
Juggling and Comedy with Chris Fascione Thursday, July 23, 3:30 PM
Mad Science Friday, July 17, 3:45 PM
Go Active with Ronald McDonald Tuesday, August 11, 3:30 PM
Explore the scientific process with this exciting show. Learn the science behind magic, explore air pressure, and see spectacular indoor fireworks. Discover the secret behind sublimation with our bubbling potions. For ages 5-12. At the Charles Houston Recreation Center at 901 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA.
Explore the scientific process with this exciting show. Learn the science behind magic, explore air pressure, and see spectacular indoor fireworks. Discover the secret behind sublimation with our bubbling potions. For ages 5-12. At the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center at 1100 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA.
Join nationally known comedian, juggler, mime, and storyteller Chris Fascione as he brings children’s stories to life in this fun one-man show. For ages 5-12. At the Mount Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
Join Ronald for a fun and interactive program that gets kids moving. Ages 5-12 only. At the William Ramsay Recreation Center at 5650 Sanger Avenue, Alexandria, VA.
DUNCAN BRANCH Teen Writing Drop-In Time Wednesday, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29, 4 PM
Are you working on a story for the Alexandria Library Teen Writing Competition and want some feedback? Are you wanting some help improving your writing skills? Stop by to get some help from your fellow teens and our writing mentors. From 4:00-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29. For middle school and high-school students.
Teen Writing Workshop Friday, July 11, 1 PM
Grab your space now for the writing workshop for teens with the Young Adult author of “Snow Like Ashes,” Sara Raasch and Kristen Simmons, author of the YA trilogy ARTICLE 5 as well as the recent YA fantasy “Glass Arrow”! This half-day workshop is not to be missed! For ages 13-18. Please call 703-746-1783 to register. Space is limited.
Alexandria Library Branch Locations and Hours Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library 5005 Duke Street, 22304 Tel: 703.746.1702 Monday-Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen Street, 22314 Tel: 703.746.1703 Monday: 1 pm - 9 pm Tuesday: 10 am - 9 pm Wednesday & Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library 4701 Seminary Road, 22304 Tel: 703.746.1704 Monday: 10 am - 9 pm Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 am - 7 pm Thursday: 1 pm - 9 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, 22301 Tel: 703.746.1705 Monday: 10 am - 9 pm Tuesday & Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Wednesday: 1 pm - 7 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
SummerQuest is made possible through a generous grant from the Friends of Beatley Central Library, Friends of Barrett Library, Friends of Burke Library, and Friends of Duncan Library. SummerQuest Jr. is made possible through a generous grant from the James M. Duncan, Jr. Library Foundation, Inc.
Visit Alexandria Library, its website and Facebook page for more information on this initiative and other programs and services. www.alexandria.lib.va.us