Alexandria Libraries Host Events Around Book 'Shadow of the Wind'

The Alexandria Library system is inviting the community to read "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

Set in the 1950s in Barcelona, Spain, the son of a bookstore owner discovers a lost novel by a dead writer whose death is shrouded in mystery.

Neighborhood libraries have banded together to celebrate the featured title with 32 events and three discussions relating to the themes of the book.  Events include the following at these Alexandria libraries:

BARRETT BRANCH, 717 Queen Street: Chocolate Sculpting Demonstration. Saturday, May 7, 1:30 p.m. Anna Myers, an executive pastry chef, will share her chocolate sculpting techniques.

BARRETT BRANCH, 717 Queen Street: Making Altered Books Workshop. Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. Artist Shannon Shyder will reveal her trade secrets for making books into altered art.

BARRETT BRANCH, 717 Queen Street: Tea and Chocolate Pairings. Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. Chef Laurie Bell will discuss the history of tea, featuring samples from around the globe. Please call 703-746-1713 or email dreich@alexandria.lib.va.us to register.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, 717 Queen Street: Preserving Your Family Memories at Home. Saturday, May 7, noon. Special Collections Librarian George Combs will explain how to keep your family memories safe for generations. Please call 703-746-1706 to register.

DUNCAN BRANCH,  2501 Commonwealth Avenue: Movie Night: The Hollywood Librarian, Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m. (for adults).  Shhh!  Come see how librarians have been portrayed in the movies and the media.

BEATLEY CENTRAL, 5005 Duke Street: Bill Jenkins World of Music: Spain! Saturday, May 7, 1 p.m. (for ages 2 and up). Be entertained with Spanish music while learning about instruments unique to the Iberian Peninsula.

BURKE BRANCH, 4701 Seminary Road: Flamenco Dancing Lesson, Saturday, May 7, noon.  Meet Flamenco dancer Marsha Bonet-Savchenko and learn a new dance step.