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Cover of "Breathing Out: Ruminations of a Millenial Black Woman"

Register 24 Seats Remaining

Book Talk: Breathing Out Live

2026-11-10 18:00:00 2026-11-10 19:30:00 America/New_York Book Talk: Breathing Out Live Join us for a conversation with Author Whitney Parnell on her debut book, "Breathing Out: Ruminations of a Millennial Black Woman." Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library -

Tuesday, November 10
6:00pm - 7:30pm

Join us for a conversation with Author Whitney Parnell on her debut book, "Breathing Out: Ruminations of a Millennial Black Woman."

Book Talk: Breathing Out Live is an opportunity to hear directly from Service Never Sleeps CEO and founder Whitney Parnell on her debut book, Breathing Out: Ruminations of a Millennial Black Woman. The book covers stories and reflections from her personal and professional life, drawing from her years of activism, running a Black-led nonprofit, and navigating the world as a Black woman today. 

Together, we'll dive into her stories, unpack her insights on today's cultural climate, and explore what it means to actively live out Allyship and pursue racial justice in our daily lives. 

This program is for those who have trained with Service Never Sleeps, align with our mission, or want to learn more directly about the lessons and experiences of a Black woman leader in the nonprofit space and the world at large.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Registration is appreciated.  

Whitney Parnell (she/her) is an activist, race equity practitioner, artist, and author. As a child of the Foreign Service, she grew up between Latin America and West Africa, and worked in the houselessness field in DC before starting Service Never Sleeps. Whitney wears many hats as the organizational leader, including guiding the SNS’s internal race equity priorities, facilitating the organization’s training content, and continuing efforts to grow the allyship movement.

Service Never Sleeps is an Alexandria-based nonprofit that trains, researches and advocates for social justice. Our vision is a world where equal rights, justice and opportunity are available to all. We empower justice-minded individuals with the tools and posture to be effective allies, and to create equity within their spheres of influence.

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

jcahill@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1703
Fax: 703.746.1708
Branch manager
James Cahill

Hours
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Mon, Sep 21 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 22 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 23 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 24 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Sep 25 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Sep 26 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 27 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: A11, A12, F19
  • 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

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Mon, Sep 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Do you like scary movies, books, tv shows, or video games? Do you enjoy making horror themed DIY projects? This is the event for you!

Tue, Sep 22, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, Sep 22, 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Looking for a space to talk about climate change and the things affected that we love? Join us for a monthly discussion focused on a relevant topic. Register to receive the materials suggestions.

Wed, Sep 23, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Thu, Sep 24, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Second Floor
The Barrett Branch Mahjong group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.

Thu, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Sat, Sep 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Youth Services Area
Local authors read their new book "The Farmer in the Sky," followed by a craft. Ages 2-7. Registration is requested.

Sat, Sep 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Come play Dungeons & Dragons. No experience necessary. Open to ages 8-13.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 29, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Wed, Sep 30, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Wed, Sep 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Second Floor
Calling all Science Fiction and Fantasy fans! Let's celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by discussing Science Fiction and Fantasy books by Latino authors!

Thu, Oct 01, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.

Thu, Oct 01, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Contribute to Barrett Branch’s fiber arts group making scarves to donate. Visit our display in honor of America250 and our work to build a community of care. Add your scarf to the collection.

Thu, Oct 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Sat, Oct 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+

Tue, Oct 06, 10:00am - 11:30am
Outdoors
Let's get some fresh air and enjoy some sunshine as we discuss the latest books we've been reading!

Tue, Oct 06, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Tue, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Test your knowledge of the history and current events of banning and censorship in the United States at Banned Books Trivia Night!. Play solo or in teams!

Wed, Oct 07, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Thu, Oct 08, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Stories, songs, movement and more for ages 2-5.

Thu, Oct 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Second Floor
The Barrett Branch Mahjong group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Space is available for up to 12 players, so it's first come first served as game tables fill.

Thu, Oct 08, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Sat, Oct 10, 10:00am - 11:30am
102 N. Fayette St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Calling young minds 9 to 15 years old! Come to Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop to uncover the ins and outs of both disposable and reusable period products. Dads are encouraged to attend!

Cancelled
Sat, Oct 10, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
AWLA's Behavior and Training Manager will provide tips for living harmoniously with your dog or cat at home, answer specific questions about your pet, and chat about AWLA's Alexandria Animal Academy.