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Image for event: Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion

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Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion

"West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge

2024-07-11 13:30:00 2024-07-11 14:30:00 America/New_York Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the newest titles on our shelves! 📚 ☕ James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Thursday, July 11
1:30pm - 2:30pm

Add to Calendar 2024-07-11 13:30:00 2024-07-11 14:30:00 America/New_York Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the newest titles on our shelves! 📚 ☕ James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the newest titles on our shelves! 📚 ☕

This month we will be discussing: "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge

"An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave.

It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.

Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late."

✨ Because this is a newer title be sure to put it on hold in advance either in book, e-book, or audiobook form by clicking on the book title above or by downloading the Libby App! 

👈 Register for bookclub reminders! 

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

kpayne@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1705
Fax: 703.746.1785
Branch manager
Kayla Selsky

Hours
Mon, Jul 14 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 16 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 17 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 18 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jul 19 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 20 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Parking: There is a small lot with 9 spaces.  On street parking is available.

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1.3 miles) and King Street Stations (1.5 miles)
  • Metrobus: A11, A12
  • DASH Bus: 33

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

Upcoming Events

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Sun, Jul 20, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
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Mon, Jul 21, 10:15am - 10:45am
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Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, Jul 21, 11:15am - 11:45am
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Mon, Jul 21, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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Mon, Jul 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
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Tue, Jul 22, 10:15am - 11:00am
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You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. (Ages 6-12)

Tue, Jul 22, 11:15am - 12:00pm
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You’ll be laughing out loud as nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. (Ages 6-12)

Tue, Jul 22, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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Ongoing campaign. For inquiries about Dungeon and Dragons please contact Josstin Gogue at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org. (Ages 13-19)

Wed, Jul 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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Draw, write, paint and create! Ages 6-12.

Wed, Jul 23, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
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Drop in Conversational English language learning!

Thu, Jul 24, 10:15am - 10:45am
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Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Jul 24, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Come join Mr. Josstin for an adventure worth gathering for. You were there, remember? Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Jul 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Come make some crafts in the Duncan teen area!

Thu, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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All crafters are welcome! Ages 13+

Sat, Jul 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
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This event is full

Sat, Jul 26, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
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Join Oddball Cinema for of showing of the film!

Sun, Jul 27, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
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Bring your preschooler to the Duncan Library on Sunday afternoons to explore STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)! This is a drop-in event. Recommended ages 3-6

Mon, Jul 28, 10:15am - 10:45am
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Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, Jul 28, 11:15am - 11:45am
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Mon, Jul 28, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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Mon, Jul 28, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
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Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can explore, learn, play, and evolve together - one breath at a time
This event is full