Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Image for event: Discover WWII Heroism with author Carole Avriett

Discover WWII Heroism with author Carole Avriett

author of Midnight in Ironbottom Sound

2025-04-26 13:15:00 2025-04-26 14:30:00 America/New_York Discover WWII Heroism with author Carole Avriett Author Carole Avriett will discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, the incredible story of the Black Mess Attendant who saved 15 men during the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Saturday, April 26
1:15pm - 2:30pm

Add to Calendar 2025-04-26 13:15:00 2025-04-26 14:30:00 America/New_York Discover WWII Heroism with author Carole Avriett Author Carole Avriett will discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, the incredible story of the Black Mess Attendant who saved 15 men during the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library -

Author Carole Avriett will discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, the incredible story of the Black Mess Attendant who saved 15 men during the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II.

This event is kindly sponsored by the National Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States.

Books will be available for sale at this event.

Midnight in Ironbottom Sound is a captivating World War II narrative of an untold story in the Pacific theater. In the heart of the Pacific , where the tides of World War II surged, lies a tale of heroism on the high seas. This is the untold story of the USS Gregory (APD-3), a ship manned by unknown sailors whose bravery echoes through the annals of history.

Upon the decks of this vessel, Lieutenant Commander Harry F. Bauer and Mess Attendant Charles J. French, representing the highest and lowest ranks on the USS Gregory, become the focal points of this gripping narrative. In the turbulent waters of the Pacific, their stories, interwoven with the ship's saga -- whose vital mission was to transport Marine Raiders to bloody beaches -- emerge as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment to duty.

Avriett unfolds a brief but catastrophic chapter of naval history that is often overlooked -- that of unremitting warfare during the first few weeks following the initial invasion of the Solomon Islands to the demise of the USS Gregory four weeks later. Within the crucible, the USS Gregory, marked as a "minor" player, takes center stage. The ship's designation as an APD, its brave crew, and the harrowing night of terror they faced, set the stage for an unforgettable story.

Avriett meticulously reveals their heroism and pays homage to the eternal truth that courage has neither color nor prerequisites, and that valor hails from within.

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion | Author Talks |

TAGS: | |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library

dprice@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Branch manager
Diana Price

Hours
We're closed Friday July 04 due to Independence Day
Mon, Jun 30 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 03 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 04 Closed
(Independence Day)
Sat, Jul 05 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 06 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Parking: The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: King Street Station (Yellow & Blue Lines 3.2 miles); Van Dorn Station (Blue Line 2.1 miles)
  • Metrobus: 29K/N, 21C
  • DASH Bus: 30, 32

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

Upcoming Events

Sat, Jul 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Picture Book Area
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18) Echa un vistazo a la selección de juegos de mesa de la Biblioteca. (De 5 a 18 años) Área infantil de Beatley Library

Sun, Jul 06, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!

Mon, Jul 07, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.

Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Develop tools and skills to create, market, and sell your original artwork in this 10-week series.

Mon, Jul 07, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.

Tue, Jul 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.

Tue, Jul 08, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Tue, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
25 W Reed Ave, Alexandria
This exciting program introduces 5 or more animals from around the world. Learn about their habitats, diets and some of the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. (Ages 6-12)

Tue, Jul 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wed, Jul 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Come learn about your Medicare options – Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap).

Wed, Jul 09, 10:30am - 11:05am
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Jul 09, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones! Ages 1-2

Wed, Jul 09, 5:00pm - 5:25pm
Large Meeting Room
Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)

Wed, Jul 09, 5:30pm - 5:55pm
Large Meeting Room
Why do animals have fur, feathers, or scales? Meet live mammals, birds and reptiles and learn about their habitats and how they live. Presented by Squeals on Wheels. (All ages)

Wed, Jul 09, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.

Thu, Jul 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.

Thu, Jul 10, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-12 months, accompanied by an adult. After your first birthday, please attend 1s and 2s.

Thu, Jul 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.

Thu, Jul 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Story Room
Drop in and play with our coding board games, card games, toys, and robots -- and check out some of our coding books for kids! Ages 6-12.

Fri, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Shine your gifts out loud with Munit and Z Lovebugs, a family music band that plays songs from all around the world for kids from 3 to 103! (All ages)

Fri, Jul 11, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us to learn about resources for people with low vision.

Sat, Jul 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Join Uncle Devin for an interactive musical experience that uses percussion instruments to cultivate children’s minds.(Ages 0-8)

Sat, Jul 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Picture Book Area
Check out the Library’s selection of tabletop games. (Ages 5-18) Echa un vistazo a la selección de juegos de mesa de la Biblioteca. (De 5 a 18 años) Área infantil de Beatley Library

Mon, Jul 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.

Mon, Jul 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Large Meeting Room,Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.

Mon, Jul 14, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Story Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.

Tue, Jul 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Beginning English practice for English language learners. No registration needed or prior level of English. These workshops are led by volunteers and do not include certificates of completion.

Tue, Jul 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.

Tue, Jul 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria
Uh oh – a color has disappeared! Join Science Heroes in using scientific principles and hands-on experiments to find it, and celebrate the scientists who color our world with art! (Ages 6-12)

Tue, Jul 15, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
The Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be in the Beatley Library parking Lot. Book your appointment to give blood using the link below.

Tue, Jul 15, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Build with Lego, make art, play games, and more! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.