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Image for event: Let's Talk Books: "Snow-Storm in August"

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Let's Talk Books: "Snow-Storm in August"

by Jefferson Morley

2024-06-10 19:00:00 2024-06-10 20:00:00 America/New_York Let's Talk Books: "Snow-Storm in August" Join us for an in-person meeting at the Barrett Branch to discuss the tense atmosphere in the city of Washington in 1835and the city's first race riot that ensued. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Monday, June 10
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-06-10 19:00:00 2024-06-10 20:00:00 America/New_York Let's Talk Books: "Snow-Storm in August" Join us for an in-person meeting at the Barrett Branch to discuss the tense atmosphere in the city of Washington in 1835and the city's first race riot that ensued. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library - Second Floor

Join us for an in-person meeting at the Barrett Branch to discuss the tense atmosphere in the city of Washington in 1835and the city's first race riot that ensued.

About "Snow-Storm in August" from the publisher Penguin Random House: "In 1835, the city of Washington simmered with racial tension as newly freed African Americans from the South poured in, outnumbering slaves for the first time. Among the enslaved was nineteen-year-old Arthur Bowen, who stumbled home drunkenly one night, picked up an axe, and threatened his owner, respected socialite Anna Thornton. Despite no blood being shed, Bowen was eventually arrested and tried for attempted murder by district attorney Francis Scott Key, but not before news of the incident spread like wildfire. Within days Washington’s first race riot exploded as whites, fearing a slave rebellion, attacked the property of free blacks. One of their victims was gregarious former slave and successful restaurateur Beverly Snow, who became the target of the mob’s rage. With "Snow-Storm in August," Jefferson Morley delivers readers into an unknown chapter in history with an absorbing account of this uniquely American battle for justice."

Review from Publishers Weekly:  “Salon Washington correspondent Jefferson Morley boldly and elegantly recreates a moment in time when free black businessmen mingled with their white counterparts while proponents of slavery and abolitionists struggled to co-exist in the nation’s bustling capital. . . . A crackling good tale of the deep impact of race and politics on a young nation struggling to create its identity.”

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

jcahill@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1703
Fax: 703.746.1708

Hours
Mon, May 05 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 06 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 07 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 08 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 09 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 10 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 11 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Parking: No library parking lot.  Street parking is available.  A paid parking lot is available on the 100 block of North Alfred Street. 

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1 mile) and King Street Stations (1.1 miles). 
  • Metrobus: 10A/B, 11C
  • DASH Bus: 30, 31, Old Town Circulator
  • King Street Trolley:  King & Columbus

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jgregorio@alexlibraryva.org or call 703.746.1701 or TTY 703.746.1790.

Upcoming Events

Sat, May 10, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Come browse and buy from a large selection of books, DVDs and CDs at the Friends of the Barrett Branch Library bi-annual book sale.

Mon, May 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Barrett Virtual Room
Please join Let's Talk Books to read and discuss "The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Callahan Henry.Register

Tue, May 13, 11:00am - 11:40am
First Floor
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, May 13, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Barrett Library has a volunteer available on Tuesdays to help with computer and technologies use. Please call 703-746-1721 to schedule an appointment.

Tue, May 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Learn about buying homes from the process experts. Valuable for first time buyers or previous home owners.

Wed, May 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
First Floor
Fun activities just for infants ages 0-12 months.

Wed, May 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Second Floor
Let's paint at the library! Follow along to instructions to create the monthly painting or create your own unique work of art!

Thu, May 15, 11:00am - 11:40am
First Floor
Practice your alphabet with stories, songs, yoga and more! Ages 2 and Up.

Thu, May 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Second Floor
Join Barrett Branch’s knitting and crochet group making items to donate.

Sat, May 17, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Come play Dungeons & Dragons. No experience necessary. Open to ages 8-13.
This event is full