Libraries hold so much more than books and reading groups. And they are a perfect place to hold children’s attention during a week off of school. Check out one or more of the programs area libraries have to offer.
Let’s Hear It for the Girls!
Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Kings Park Library
Girls age 9-12 can join in the discussion of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” during a girls book group.
Kid’s Chess Club
Dec. 22, 4:45 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson Library
All skill levels are welcome for those aged 7-14 as they learn to play chess.
Book Nerds
Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Centreville Regional Library
This fifth- and sixth-grader book club is throwing a holiday party. Bring a book to exchange while enjoying some hot chocolate.
‘Princess & the Pea’ and the ‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’
Dec. 29, 11 a.m.
Richard Byrd Library
All ages are welcome to a presentation of the classic tales of “Princess & the Pea” and “Three Billy Goats Gruff” presented by Kaydee Puppets.
‘Let it Snow-Man! A Visit to Santa’s Workshop’
Dec. 29, 2 and 3 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library
Kaydee Puppets will get children in the holiday mood with a puppet show with some of the holiday’s most beloved characters.
Lego Block Party
Dec. 29, 7 p.m.
Chantilly Regional Library
Boys and girls can show off their building skills with this event. Legos are provided.
‘Star Wars’ Craft Mania
Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m.
Martha Washington Library
“Star Wars” is on the minds of everyone these days. Take the kids to the library and let them be inspired by the movie phenomenon through activities and crafts.
Brain Games at the Library
Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Regional Library
Get the neurons working with an afternoon of board games and card games for children ages 8-12.
Film Series: ‘The Tempest’
Dec. 21, 2 p.m.
Shirlington Branch Library
As part of an ongoing series featuring films about being lost on the high seas, Shirlington Branch Library hosts a viewing of “The Tempest” (PG-13), a modern take on Shakespeare’s epic play.
Laughter Yoga
Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Arlington Central Library
Get a laugh in. An instructor will lead a 45-minute laughter exercise focused on breathing, clapping and movement. All fitness levels are welcome.
Film Series: ‘Titanic’
Dec. 21, 2 p.m.
Shirlington Branch Library
Take to the seas and relive the romantic and tragic tale that captured our hearts (and ears) during 1997 with a viewing of “Titanic” (PG-13).
Winter Break Films: ‘Despicable Me’
Dec. 29, 30 & 31, 2 p.m.
Shirlington Branch Library
We can’t get enough of the minions, and now you can many an afternoon full of them with a trio of the films playing on consecutive days: “Despicable Me” (PG) on Dec. 29, “Despicable Me 2” (PG) on Dec. 30 and “Minions” (PG) on Dec. 31.
Candy Cane Crafts
Dec. 21, 1 p.m.
Potomac Community Library
Children grades K-5 can jump into the holiday spirit with crafts revolving around the holiday’s minty treat.
‘The Polar Express’
Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Potomac Community Library
Take a ride on the Polar Express at the local library as it has a showing of this holiday classic. Bring a lunch or snack. Drinks and a treat are provided.
Movie Matinees
Dec. 21, 2 p.m.
“McFarland USA” (PG) at Sterling Library
“Frozen” (PG) at Gum Springs Library
“The Boxtrolls” (PG) at Lovettsville Library
‘Frozen’ Sing Along Celebration
Dec. 21, 2 p.m.
Cascades Library
Children of all ages are invited to join in a sing and play along with an interactive version of the movie.
Girls Got Game
Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
Gum Springs Library
Hang out for a night of gaming: of the tech and board game sort. For middle and high school girls.
Teen Cafe
Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
Cascades Library
Middle and high schoolers can meet up for an afternoon of movies, crafts and games. Hot chocolate and snacks are provided.
Get Your Game On!
Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
Lovettsville Library
A day of many children’s dreams: an afternoon devoted to Minecraft.
DIY Teens: Cookie Decorating
Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
Rust Library
Craft their culinary creativity skills with a focus on decorating holiday sweets. For middle and high schoolers.
Holiday Sing-Along
Dec. 22, 3 p.m
Gum Spring Library
Enjoy an afternoon focusing on all the holidays celebrated this season.
Art at the Library
Dec. 22, 4 p.m.
Sterling Library
Learn the story behind Vincent Van Gogh as you create your own masterpiece.
Winter Wonders
Dec. 23, 2 p.m.
Sterling Library
Enjoy a day of crafts, stories and activities to celebrate the winter season.
Maker Mondays
Dec. 28, noon
Rust Library
Staff and volunteers are on hand to help elementary school-aged children design and create using provided building materials.
Movie Matinees
Dec. 28, 2 p.m.
“Tomorrowland” (PG) at Sterling Library
“Elf” (PG) at Cascades Library
“The Jungle Book” (G) at Gum Spring Library
Movie Matinee Double Feature
Dec. 29, 2 p.m.
Rust Library
Enjoy a back-to-back showing of “The Snowman” (PG) and “The Polar Express”(PG). Popcorn will be served.
Family Game Day
Dec. 29, 3 p.m.
Ashburn Library
Bring out the competition. Families and friends have an afternoon of gaming battles.
Movie Matinee
Dec. 30, 2 p.m.
“Inside Out” (G) at Rust Library
Tween Craft Connection
Dec. 30, 7 p.m.
Gum Spring Library
Join an evening of igloo crafting and more for tweens in grades 4-6.
Countdown to Noon
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.
Ashburn, Rust and Cascades Libraries
As you wait for the New Year, create crafts, play games, dance and countdown to noon.
Film Screening: ‘Cinderella’
Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.
Beatley Central Library
All ages are welcome to view the 2015 live action “Cinderella” (PG).
Dance Party
Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m.
Duncan Branch Library
Why not start off the morning with a bit of dancing. Toddlers, pre-Ks and parents/guardians are invited.
Steamtivity: Makey Makeys
Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
Beatley Central Library
Hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, art and math will entertain and educate.
Film Screening: ‘Inside Out’
Dec. 23, 10:30 a.m.
Beatley Centreal Library
Paint, Draw, Color
Dec. 26, 11 a.m.
Duncan Branch Library
Your imagination can take you far. Enjoy a morning of creative contemplation with provided supplies.
‘Noon Year’s Eve’
Dec. 31, 10 a.m.
Barrett Branch Library
Start the New Year early with performances by Groovy Nate and The Great Zucchini. Countdown begins at 11:55 a.m with music and a balloon drop finale.
