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

Register 25 Seats Remaining

Book Talk: Breathing Out Live

2026-10-14 18:00:00 2026-10-14 19:00:00 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 - Second Floor

Wednesday, October 14
6:00pm - 7:00pm

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, Aug 17 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 18 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 19 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 20 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 21 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Aug 22 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Aug 23 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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Tue, Aug 25, 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, Aug 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Second Floor
Come join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Sigfried Hache, in discussing the commissioning of NASA’s newest flagship observatory: The Roman Space Telescope set to launch August 30.

Thu, Aug 27, 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, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Sat, Aug 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Second Floor
The author of eight Old Town Loves Mysteries will discuss his new book: "Patriots Circle."

Mon, Aug 31, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Second Floor
Adults and teens are encouraged to create the worst pieces of art they have ever seen to win a prize for worst artwork!
This event is full

Tue, Sep 01, 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, Sep 01, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Wed, Sep 02, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Thu, Sep 03, 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, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
This event is full

Sat, Sep 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Second Floor
Develop and exercise your Spanish conversation skills. Ages 14+

Tue, Sep 08, 11:00am - 11:40am
Youth Services Area
Just right for ages 0-23 months. Songs, games, movement activities, and bubbles.

Wed, Sep 09, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Youth Services Area
A lap-sit and playtime just for babies ages 0-12 months and their grownups.

Thu, Sep 10, 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 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Second Floor
Looking to join a Dungeons and Dragons group? Look no further!
Registration opens Friday, August 28 2026 at 9:00am

Sat, Sep 12, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Second Floor
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.