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Image for event: Sweet As Sin: The Unwrapped Story

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Sweet As Sin: The Unwrapped Story

How Candy Became America's Favorite Pleasure
2020-02-15 14:00:00 2020-02-15 15:00:00 America/New_York Sweet As Sin: The Unwrapped Story A lecture examining the African American role in American candy making. Space is limited. Registration required. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Saturday, February 15
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2020-02-15 14:00:00 2020-02-15 15:00:00 America/New_York Sweet As Sin: The Unwrapped Story A lecture examining the African American role in American candy making. Space is limited. Registration required. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

A lecture examining the African American role in American candy making. Space is limited. Registration required.

Author and historian Susan Benjamin discusses candy’s incredible history. The story of candy is also intertwined with African American history via the sugar cane industry—infamous for its widespread use of enslaved labor. Within that story are the lives of compelling people, from unknown African Americans who invented machines to process pecans to Norbert Rillieux, the renowned mid-19th century engineer who invented a sugar evaporate, still in use today. They also include African American abolitionists, who developed alternatives to cane sugar and propelled the free product movement; and Delta Blues musicians of the ’20s, whose stories launched classic candies such as the Charleston Chew.

Susan Benjamin is the founder of True Treats Candy, the nation’s only historic candy company. The author of nine books, Benjamin is also a journalist, former college professor and radio show host, and a member of the Culinary Historians of Washington.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Seniors | Adults |

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

TAGS: | History | food | black history month |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
Hours
Mon, Mar 31 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 03 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Apr 04 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Apr 05 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Apr 06 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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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

Beatley Friends' Book Sale - $10 Bag Day
Mon, Mar 31, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Get a whole bag of books, DVDs, CDs, and more for just $10!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Even When It's Cold! - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Mar 31, 11:00am - 11:30am
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 0-5 with an adult.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Mar 31, 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.
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Tue, Apr 01, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Tue, Apr 01, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Tue, Apr 01, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Apr 01, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Apr 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Join us for a play hour to build, create, and explore! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Únete a nosotros en una hora de juego para construir, crear y explorar. De 5 a 12 años.
Money Talk for Women
Tue, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Board Room
Money Talk for Women is a series aimed at enhancing financial literacy and empowering women to make informed financial decisions.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Wed, Apr 02, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Wed, Apr 02, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Wed, Apr 02, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
1s and 2s Time - Outdoor Adventure - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:05am
Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time - Outdoor Adventure - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Periodicals Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2
Paws to Read
Wed, Apr 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Story Room
Do you want to practice reading aloud? Do you like dogs? Sign up for a 15-minute reading slot to read to a dog by calling (703) 746-1753 or by stopping by Beatley's Children's Desk. Ages 6-12.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 02, 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.
Alexandria Artists Meet and Greet - Ages 12-18
Wed, Apr 02, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Engage with other amateur and professional Alexandria artists to talk about personal and community needs for successful art careers.
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Alexandria Artists Meet and Greet - Ages 18+
Wed, Apr 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Engage with other amateur and professional Alexandria artists to talk about personal and community needs for successful art careers.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Thu, Apr 03, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Thu, Apr 03, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 03, 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.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Thu, Apr 03, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s) - ¡Que salten los bebés!
Thu, Apr 03, 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Apr 03, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Learn to code with hands-on fun!
Thu, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Teen Volunteer Orientation
Thu, Apr 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library.
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Fri, Apr 04, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Fri, Apr 04, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Fri, Apr 04, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Sat, Apr 05, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Sat, Apr 05, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sat, Apr 05, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Teen Advisory Group - Monthly Meeting
Sat, Apr 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
Ages 12-18. Make a difference in your library and community by sharing your opinions, volunteering, and more!
Board Game Cafe - Café con juegos de mesa
Sat, Apr 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
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Apr 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Board Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Poetry Month Activity Area
Sun, Apr 06, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Sun, Apr 06, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Tiny Art Show Opening
Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Artists' tiny art creations, inspired by the All Alexandria Reads theme of "ADVENTURE", will be on display.
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Apr 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!
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Sun, Apr 06, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Mon, Apr 07, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Mon, Apr 07, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Mon, Apr 07, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Apr 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
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 0-5 with an adult.
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Apr 07, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Large Meeting 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.
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Tue, Apr 08, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Tue, Apr 08, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Tue, Apr 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.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Tue, Apr 08, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Apr 08, 11:00am - 11:45am
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.
Tuesday We Play (ages 5-12) - Martes de juegos (De 5 a 12 años)
Tue, Apr 08, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Room
Join us for a play hour to build, create, and explore! Ages 5-12. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Únete a nosotros en una hora de juego para construir, crear y explorar. De 5 a 12 años.
Money Talk for Women
Tue, Apr 08, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Large Meeting Room
Money Talk for Women is a series aimed at enhancing financial literacy and empowering women to make informed financial decisions.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Wed, Apr 09, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Wed, Apr 09, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Wed, Apr 09, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
1s and 2s Time - Outdoor Adventure - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:05am
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2
1s and 2s Time - Outdoor Adventure - Tiempo para niños de 1 y 2
Wed, Apr 09, 11:30am - 12:05pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for stories, songs, and activities for your active, growing little ones – all with the theme of outdoor adventures! Ages 1-2
English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Apr 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.
Knit Nite! - A knitting club for kids ages 8-18.
Wed, Apr 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn to knit under the guidance of experienced knitters. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8-18.
Blackout PoeTREE Take and Make - Teen Poetry Month Celebration
Thu, Apr 10, All day
Ages 12-18. Stop in and pick up supplies to decorate our Teen Area PoeTREE! Available while supplies last.
Poetry Month Activity Area
Thu, Apr 10, All day
Ages 0-12. Celebrate Poetry Month with our poetry magnet board and a poetry packet of ideas!
English Language Learning (ELL) 1 Workshop - Beginner Conversation
Thu, Apr 10, 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.
Twice Loved Plushies - Adopt a gently used plushie and give it a new home.
Thu, Apr 10, 10:00am - 8:00pm
Start a new adventure and adopt a gently used plushie. Plushies have been cleaned and refreshed. Come by the circulation desk and request yours today. One plushie per person while supplies last.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-12 months and their caretaker(s) - ¡Que salten los bebés!
Thu, Apr 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.
Preschool Storytime
Thu, Apr 10, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Periodicals Room
Join Miss Amy for stories, songs, movement, and activities just right for preschool children. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Apr 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Small Conference Room
NEW EXTENDED TIME! 3-5 PM! Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Apr 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Periodicals 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.
Coding Game Night - ages 6-12 - Learn to code with hands-on fun!
Thu, Apr 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Author Talk: "Morningside" by Aran Shetterly - NEW DATE!
Thu, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join us for an author talk, book signing, and reception with Aran Shetterly as he discusses his new book, "Morningside," about the 1979 Greensboro Massacre.
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