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The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius

with David Epstein

2026-10-13 14:00:00 2026-10-13 15:00:00 America/New_York The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius Join us for an inspiring virtual conversation with bestselling author David Epstein as we explore his latest book, Inside the Box, and redefine how to approach our greatest challenges! Virtual - Virtual

Tuesday, October 13
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Virtual

Virtual

Join us for an inspiring virtual conversation with bestselling author David Epstein as we explore his latest book, Inside the Box, and redefine how to approach our greatest challenges!

We are constantly told to "think outside the box" to innovate, solve complex problems, and reach our goals. But what if the secret to true breakthrough creativity and peak performance actually lies in working within our limitations? In Inside the Box, David Epstein draws on science, research, and fascinating real-world case studies to demonstrate how constraints, boundaries, and structure can become powerful catalysts for ingenuity and mastery. Epstein challenges traditional ideas about skill acquisition, focus, and problem-solving, revealing how top performers and innovators across industries turn rigid limits into unmatched strengths.

Register now to learn how to reframe everyday obstacles and apply science-backed performance strategies to your career and personal life.

Join us LIVE for a chance to win a copy of Inside the Box! The giveaway link will be in the Resources area under the broadcast screen during the live event. Please ensure you are watching on your library's webpage for the chance to participate. 

About the Author: 

David Epstein is the author of three New York Times bestsellers — The Sports Gene, Range, and most recently Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. He was previously an investigative reporter at ProPublica, and before that a senior writer at Sports Illustrated. Prior to becoming a writer, he was living in a tent in the Arctic training to become an environmental scientist. Like many of the characters in Range, he has had a winding career path.

This program is sponsored by the Alexandria Library Foundation.

Register for upcoming book talks and stream previously broadcast book talks here.

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Author Talks |

TAGS: | |

Virtual


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We're closed Monday October 12 due to Indigenous People's Day
Mon, Oct 12 Closed
(Indigenous People's Day)
Tue, Oct 13 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Oct 14 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Oct 15 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Oct 16 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Oct 17 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Oct 18 9:00AM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Upcoming Events

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Tue, Oct 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join us for an inspiring virtual conversation with bestselling author David Epstein as we explore his latest book, Inside the Box, and redefine how to approach our greatest challenges!Register

Tue, Oct 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
EcoAmbassadors will explain recent Virginia legislation that has approved balcony solar panels and how you can take advantage of this new energy option. Register

Wed, Oct 14, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Virtual
Something wicked this way reads. Join us virtually this month as we dive into a spooky mystery. Register

Wed, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual
Read and discuss the best of today's Virginia literature—including books by Library of Virginia Literary Award winners and finalists in fiction and nonfiction.Register

Thu, Oct 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual
Join us for this spooky but informative virtual event about the relationship between archives, history and ghost stories.Register

Thu, Oct 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join us on Zoom the third Thursday of each month! We are currently discussing selections from "Counterparts", a Great Books Foundation collection. Click on the event title for more info.Register

Wed, Oct 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Zoom
This Halloween, join us online for a chilling seasonal exploration of the Commonwealth's most haunted hotels and the restless spirits that still roam their corridors. Register

Wed, Oct 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a virtual panel discussion about the history of death industries, the records these entities leave behind, and what we can learn by exploring these records.Register

Fri, Oct 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Zoom
Please join best-selling author and organizing expert Jamie Novak to learn how to organize a successful sale. Register

Tue, Oct 27, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a virtual talk on the evolving landscape of public engagement with the director of programming at Congressional Cemetery, Anthony “A.J.” Orlikoff.Register

Tue, Oct 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a transformative conversation with relationship expert Mark Groves as we discuss his groundbreaking book, Liberated Love.Register

Wed, Oct 28, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual
Join us for a virtual book talk with author Richard Kopley on his new biography, “Edgar Allan Poe: A Life,” the most comprehensive critical biography of Poe yet produced.Register