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As a valued community partner of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), the Alexandria Library provides a variety of in-person or online books and activities for all ages to learn from and enjoy throughout the year, including the summer months when most students are not in class. Central Library Youth Services Manager Michelle Biwer says Alexandria Library has so much going on for all ages. “Stop by this summer to hear from Grammy winning artists, practice your reading and even try out an escape room,” offers Biwer. “Meet new friends while exploring your community this summer at the library.”
The reading incentive program SummerQuest 2022: Oceans of Possibilities is geared to various age groups. SummerQuest Jr. provides early literacy opportunities for babies to rising kindergarteners, SummerQuest is geared toward rising students who will be in grade one through grade five and SummerQuest Teen is for rising students who will be in grade six through grade 12. The program affords the opportunity to earn points between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2022, by reading or completing activities listed on the SummerQuest webpage.
For the youngest group, points can be earned by logging the books a child reads or has read to them or by doing early literacy activities listed, including a storywalk at Holmes Run Trail. For the older age groups, SummerQuest participants earn one point for every 20 minutes they read or for taking part in a designated activity, such as attending a library program. Points can be redeemed for a free book and Washington Nationals tickets. Teens who complete the SummerQuest challenge will also be entered into a gift card drawing.
SummerQuest is Alexandria Library’s way of opening the mind to the many possibilities there are to take advantage of at its libraries. For some, this may include programs like Story Time in the Reading Garden (ages 0-5) or the Summer Yoga Balance Challenge (ages 6-12). There are also Mad Science activities scheduled for both age groups and so much more. For teens, among the many options available is to create a playlist with the library’s free music app Freegal.
Throughout the year, Alexandria Library provides helpful tools from PSAT & SAT materials to guides on careers and jobs, financial literacy and digital literacy. Premium research tools are accessible with your library card, including research databases for kids. While Alexandria Library has returned to normal operating status, virtual events and videos are still available. There are a variety of YouTube playlists on topics such as crafts, cooking and sustainability.
Find out how you can borrow Chromebooks and mobile hotspots by visiting the Alexandria Library website. The library also provides computer access for public use at four locations, with high-speed internet access and Microsoft Office programs for word processing, spreadsheets and other projects. Overdue fines were eliminated July 1, 2021, but other fees to include replacement cost still apply. Follow Alexandria Library on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on all the library’s events and services.