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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

Hours
We're closed Thursday July 04 due to Independence Day
Mon, Jul 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 03 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 04 Closed
(Independence Day)
Fri, Jul 05 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jul 06 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 07 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: 10A, 10B
  • DASH Bus: 33

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

Upcoming Events

Wed, Jul 03, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Spitfire club, Summer Session. Changing the world, one book at a time! Kindergarten - 3rd Grade.

Wed, Jul 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
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Sat, Jul 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Are you curious about what a doula actually does? Or if they're the right fit for you and your birthing plan? Join us for an informational session with a doula and an engaging Q&A

Sun, Jul 07, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
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 08, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, Jul 08, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wiggle, crawl and clap at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, Jul 08, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Teen Area
Where teens can socialize, strategize and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18

Tue, Jul 09, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, Jul 09, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, Jul 09, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Introducing the community to D&D through introductory sessions, one-shots, and campaigns. Email Dungeon Master Josstin at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org if you're interested in joining. Ages 12-18

Wed, Jul 10, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Spitfire club, Summer Session. Changing the world, one book at a time! Kindergarten - 3rd Grade.

Thu, Jul 11, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stomp through summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Jul 11, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Stomp through summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, Jul 11, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
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! 📚 ☕

Thu, Jul 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18

Thu, Jul 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us for an "anti-book club" where we discuss what we're currently reading.

Thu, Jul 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Fri, Jul 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Can your team beat the heat? Attendees will be put on a team and given a prompt with 1 hour to complete their build! Our esteemed judges will evaluate and choose a winning team. Ages 6- 12

Rescheduled
Sat, Jul 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
New date Saturday, July 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Are you curious about what a doula actually does? Or if they're the right fit for you and your birthing plan? Join us for an informational session with a doula and an engaging Q&A

Sat, Jul 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Ready to declutter and downsize? Join us at our Downsizing Event for expert tips from professionals!