The CHAT - Alexandria Library

The CHAT - Alexandria Library
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1 Seats Remaining
The CHAT
Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
2026-04-30 17:30:00
2026-04-30 19:00:00
America/New_York
The CHAT
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Thursday, April 30
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Add to Calendar
2026-04-30 17:30:00
2026-04-30 19:00:00
America/New_York
The CHAT
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Board Room
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Board Room
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
Are you between the ages of 14-19?
Do you live in Alexandria?
Do you have opinions about what it means to be a teen living here, how you spend your time, what you wish you could change?
Do you like freebies, food, and creative expression?
Join us for The CHAT, one of eight recorded small group (4-6 people) conversations taking place at Alexandria Libraries in April, May, and June!
Each conversation will be moderated by our teen Youth Fellow, recorded and uploaded into Cortico, a community conversations platform, and used to create an audio archive and roadmap for improving lives of Alexandria teens. During the conversation, you'll be able to eat provided snacks and participate in open-ended creation (think clay, painting, beading, and more!).
As a thank you for participating, each teen will take home their creative project and a goody bag including a $25 gift card!
Please note
: All teens 14-17 must have their guardian complete a release/ permission form allowing collection of their recorded participation and future use by Alexandria Library, Cortico, MIT, and PBS Frontline. Permission slips will be emailed upon registration. Teens are only identified by their first names and may use pseudonyms. For more information, please contact El Simmons at
esimmons@alexlibraryva.org
The CHAT: Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
is part of the
Teen Dialogue Accelerator Grant Program
and made possible by
Cortico
, in partnership with
MIT Center for Constructive Communication
and
PBS Frontline
. The Teen Dialogue Accelerator program is made up of 10 public libraries from across the country that are working to amplify teen voices by exploring emerging technologies and identifying crucial connections in their community conversations.
For more information on The CHAT and other conversation dates, visit
AGE GROUP:
Teens
EVENT TYPE:
Teens
Technology
Special Event
Local History
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
TAGS:
Teen Dialogue Accelerator
Teen
CHAT
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
dprice@alexlibraryva.org
Phone:
703.746.1702
Fax:
703.746.1763
Branch manager
Diana Price
Hours
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Mon, Apr 20
10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 21
10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 22
10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 23
10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Apr 24
10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Apr 25
10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Apr 26
1:00PM to 5:00PM
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5005 Duke Street,
Alexandria,
VA,
22304
About the branch
Parking:
The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.
Public Transit:
Metrorail: King Street Station (Yellow & Blue Lines 3.2 miles); Van Dorn Station (Blue Line 2.1 miles)
Metrobus: F23, F24, A28
DASH Bus: 30, 32
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.
Upcoming Events
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The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Fri, Apr 24, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, Apr 24, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Sat, Apr 25, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, Apr 25, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Apr 25, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Grand Gaming Melee
- Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH)
Sat, Apr 25, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Grand Gaming Melee: The Alexandria-Arlington Regional Gaming Group (AARGGH) invites you to play dice games, card games, tile games, and just about any other kind of tabletop game.
Build Your Own Time Capsule
Sat, Apr 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Story Room
All ages are welcome to create a personal time capsule to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. Materials will be provided.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sun, Apr 26, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Sun, Apr 26, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
Colonial Crafternoon
- Cross-Stitch
Sun, Apr 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Learn about the art of cross-stitch, a craft popular during the American Colonial period. Create a small sampler to take home.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Mon, Apr 27, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Mon, Apr 27, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
Storytime in the Reading Garden
- Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Apr 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
Restful Readaloud
- Stories from American History
Mon, Apr 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
No one's too old to enjoy being read to! Relax and unwind while a librarian reads you a story or two that explores 250+ years of American history. Ages 6-12 (and anyone who can sit quietly and listen)
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop
- Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Teen Takeover
Mon, Apr 27, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Tue, Apr 28, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Tue, Apr 28, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
- Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Playtime!
- ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Apr 28, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Passport to American History with Felicity Merriman
- American Girls Celebrate America 250
Tue, Apr 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Learn to embroider, play colonial-era ninepins, and learn about 1770s America through the eyes of American Girl Doll Felicity Merriman! (Ages 6-12)
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Tue, Apr 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
At this workshop you will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and build one to take home. Registration is required, with a fee of $55 for the cost of the barrel.
The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Wed, Apr 29, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Wed, Apr 29, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
1s and 2s Time (first session)
- Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time (second session)
- Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 29, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop
- Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Knit Nite!
- A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Apr 29, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Thu, Apr 30, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
The Great American PoeTREEs
- writing, display, and magnetic poetry
Thu, Apr 30, All day
Celebrate National Poetry Month and great American poets by adding your poem to Beatley’s poet-trees in the children’s and teen areas and experimenting with magnetic poetry. (all ages)
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop
- Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Apr 30, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
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.
Mending by Hand
- Learn basic skills so you can do your own mending at home!
Thu, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Guidance on patching, hemming, sewing on buttons, and Japanese Sashiko mending. All supplies included. Ages 14 and up.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Apr 30, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
The CHAT
- Change Happens with Alexandria Teens
Thu, Apr 30, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Board Room
Ages 14-19. Participate in this special recorded conversation about being a teen in Alexandria.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12
- Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, Apr 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Fri, May 01, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Tiny Art Show: Tiny Chair Edition
Sat, May 02, All day
Artists' tiny artworks, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of America 250, will be on display in the library through May 2.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, May 03, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Colonial Crafternoon
- Covered Buttons
Sun, May 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Make a covered button, a popular colonial era craft, and create a keychain.
Storytime in the Reading Garden
- Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, May 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
Teen Takeover
Mon, May 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Playtime!
- ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, May 05, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
American Girl Birthday Party and Meet-and-Greet
- Plus prize drawing! Passport to American History
Tue, May 05, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Celebrate the American Girl Company’s 40th birthday and meet Alexandria Library’s BRAND NEW American Girl dolls! (Ages 6-12)
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, May 05, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
1s and 2s Time (first session)
- Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time (second session)
- Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 06, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Paws to Read
Wed, May 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Story Room
Do you want to practice reading aloud? Do you like dogs? Sign up for a 15-minute reading slot to read to a dog by calling (703) 746-1753 or by stopping by Beatley's Children's Desk. Ages 6-12.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, May 07, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
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.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Preschool Storytime
Thu, May 07, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting 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, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
Take A Seat Teen Docent Art Tour
- Register for just one session
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 10:50am
Learn about the artwork in the Take A Seat exhibit by taking a guided tour with a volunteer teen docent.
Parlons Français
- Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults
ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Take A Seat Teen Docent Art Tour
- Register for just one session
Sat, May 09, 11:30am - 11:50am
Learn about the artwork in the Take A Seat exhibit by taking a guided tour with a volunteer teen docent.
Take A Seat Panel Discussion and Art Exhibit
Sat, May 09, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Come see all the completed chairs displayed at the Beatley Central Branch and hear from a panel of participating Take A Seat artists and art experts discussing the project.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Teens Teach!
- Electricity 2!
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Story Room
Ages 6-12. Explore open and closed circuits while making a simple robot!
Storytime in the Reading Garden
- Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, May 11, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
Teen Takeover
Mon, May 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages 12-18. Do homework, play games, and just hang out in an area set aside for teens ONLY!
Playtime!
- ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, May 12, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
What to Expect at Work
- A Parents Guide to Employment Protections
Tue, May 12, 6:15pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room
This presentation provides an overview of workplace rights for employees who are pregnant, postpartum or lactating in the DMV area.
1s and 2s Time (first session)
- Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time (second session)
- Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, May 13, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, May 14, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
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, May 14, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library
- Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, May 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12
- Hands-on fun in programming, robotics, and electronics!
Thu, May 14, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots! Ages 6-12.
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