Welcome to Children's Services!

Each of our children's collections includes books, compact discs, and DVDs as well as special programs and activities. All services and programs are FREE! We encourage you to bring your children to the library as a regular family activity, to read together, attend programs, and select books and other materials to take home to share.

Getting a Library Card
Any child is eligible to receive a library card. The application must be signed by a parent or guardian for all children under the age of 11. Proof of current address and a photo ID are required at registration at any of the four branches. Older students must bring school identification or proof of address. Users are responsible for all materials borrowed on their card, so it's a good rule to never loan out your library card or let your friends borrow your library books! Click here for information on library card rules and regulations.

Programs for Children
Each branch has regular story programs for different age groups. Because of high demand and limited space, a few programs require registration. Please view the Events calendar for complete details about this month's programs throughout the Library or "click" your favorite branch below for a printable .pdf calendar:

Barrett Branch
717 Queen St.
703-746-1703

Beatley Central
5005 Duke St.
703-746-1702		 Burke Branch
4701 Seminary Rd.
703-746-1704		 Duncan Branch
2501 Commonwealth Ave.
703-746-1705

Summer Quest
Summer Quest is the reading incentive program offered annually at each of our branches. Children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in Summer Quest. There is also a Summer Quest, Jr. for children ages 5 and under. Sign-up begins in late June and the program runs into early August. Weekly events such as movies, crafts, special guest entertainers, and other activities are scheduled as a part of the program. During the summer, please check the Events calendar for special "SQ" programs or "click" the underlined "Summer Quest" link for the main Summer Quest page.

child reads to a dog at beatley library

Kids Read to Dogs
Through the Alexandria Library's “Paws to Read” program with PAL (People Animals Love), children in 1st to 6th grades can register to read aloud to dogs! Research, as well as anecdotal evidence, suggests that children who read to dogs improve their reading skills significantly. They feel at ease because the animals do not judge or correct them. Children can relax and enjoy reading out loud. Friendly dogs visit the Beatley Central Library on the first and third Thursdays of the month, from 5:30 to 6:30. Please visit the Children's Desk at Beatley Central Library or call 703-746-1702x5 for more information or to sign-up for a 15-minute slot.

Other Special Events
Puppet shows and other special activities occur occasionally through the year at the branches, especially during Children's Book Week. Check your branch's schedule for special happenings.

Reading Booklists
The Alexandria Library offers several booklists: the Read to Me Reading List for preschoolers and the Concise Children's Reading List for Grades 1 through 3 (both lists are sorted by subject, and titles are available at most Libraries), as well as four "Suggested Reading Lists" for Grades K through 3, Grades 4 through 6, Grades 6 through 8, and Grades 9 through 12. Please feel free to print out these booklists and to check title availability using our online catalog. Please also feel free to print out our new World Perspective reading list.

Online TumbleBooks!
TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of TumbleBooks – animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. Visit the database page and have your library card ready.

Welcome, Teachers!
We are delighted to assist teachers. Class visits to your local branch may be scheduled by contacting the children's department. Feel free to contact your branch to request help with materials to supplement your curriculum.

Unattended Children
Children under the age of eight (8) can not be left unattended in the library. They must be accompanied by an individual sixteen years or older. Parents or chaperones who bring in children for story time and other library programs must remain in the building. If children are discovered unattended, library staff will attempt to contact their parents and/or the police.

Related Websites for Younger Readers