Books Come Alive in May at Alexandria Library

Alexandria library patrons know the library offers much more than books. In May, a plethora of activities are scheduled as part of All Alexandria Reads, a community reading project.

This year’s book is “Listening in an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project.” Facilitated by the Alexandria Library, this program is designed to create shared experiences through reading the book, which is a collection of compelling excerpts from more than 10,000 interviews from people of all walks of life.

In addition, StoryCorps will be in Alexandria May 20 through 22.

View a complete list of All Alexandria Reads activities, locations and start times here.

Here's what is going on at Old Town's Barrett branch library on Queen Street. This information was provided by the Alexandria Library system:

SPRING FLING and AAR AUTHOR TALK Saturday May 4, 11 a.m. to noon.  US News & World Report Chief White House Correspondent Ken Walsh will discuss his new book, Prisoners of the White House: the Isolation of America’s Presidents and the Crisis of Leadership.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.

BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE WITH KOFI DENNIS As part of our Spring Fling and AAR celebrations. Saturday, May 4, 3:00pm. Storytelling, movement, music, and drums for the whole family.

LET’S TALK BOOKS: Listening is an Act of Love Monday, May 13, 7:00 to 8:00pm.  Discuss our All Alexandria Reads 2013 selection, Listening is an Act of Love, by the StoryCorps Project founder Dave Isay.

CRAFT NIGHT Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Join us for a special craft night featuring artist Laura Hummel. Laura will demonstrate how to make an altered book.  For adults and teens.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

READ, SING, PLAY, BABY! Mondays, May 6, 13 & 20, 4:00 to 5:00pm. Songs, rhymes, games & a play period with toys for babies 0-11 months with an adult.

MOTHER GOOSE TIME Tuesdays, and Wednesdays May 1, 7, 8, 21, 22, 28 & 29, 10:15 to 10:45am. Songs, rhymes, games & more interactive fun for ages 12-24 months with an adult.

STORIES TO GROW ON Tuesdays and Wednesdays May 1, 7, 8, 21, 22, 28 & 29, 11:00 to 11:45am. Stories, songs, movement & more interactive fun for children ages 2 and up with an adult. Younger siblings welcome.

STORY TIME Thursdays, May 9, 23 & 30, 4:00 to 4:45pm.  Stories, songs, movement & more, including a weekly craft or short film. Just for children ages 3 and up—adults and younger siblings remain in the Children’s Room during the program.

BILL JENKINS WORLD OF MUSIC Thursday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join us for a special AAR program by the always popular performer Bill Jenkins and his amazing collection of musical instruments from around the world. Bill will demonstrate the ways we make sound and music: strings, winds, drums and percussion. Everyone will get to try the instruments and make music together!

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS / Local History & Genealogy

717 Queen Street, 22314
Tel: 703-746-1703, Fax: 703-746-1708
Mon 1pm-9pm; Tues 2pm-9pm; Wed 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm

PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY MEMORIES Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m. to 2:00pm. Librarian George Combs explains how to keep your family memories safe for generations. Please bring letters photos and other keepsakes for review.

INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY Saturday, May 18, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Learn how to get started researching your family tree with librarian Leslie Anderson

At the Beatley Central Library, events are listed on the library’s events calendar.