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Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion

"The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride

2024-02-01 13:30:00 2024-02-01 14:30:00 America/New_York Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the newest titles on our shelves! James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Thursday, February 01
1:30pm - 2:30pm

Add to Calendar 2024-02-01 13:30:00 2024-02-01 14:30:00 America/New_York Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the newest titles on our shelves! James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library - Beth Patridge Meeting Room

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

Beth Patridge Meeting Room

Do you have afternoons available? Join us at the library for some coffee, confections, and conversation about the newest titles on our shelves!

This month we will be discussing "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride:

"In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows.

As these characters' stories overlap and deepen, it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins struggle and what they must do to survive. When the truth is finally revealed about what happened on Chicken Hill and the part the town's white establishment played in it, McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community-heaven and earth-that sustain us."

✨ Because this is a newer title be sure to put it on hold in advance either in book, e-book, or audiobook form by clicking on the book title above or by downloading the Libby App! 

👈 Register for book club reminders! 

James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library

kpayne@alexlibraryva.org
Phone: 703.746.1705
Fax: 703.746.1785

Hours
We're closed Friday May 17 due to Staff Day
Mon, May 13 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 14 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 16 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 17 Closed
(Staff Day)
Sat, May 18 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 19 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

Parking: There is a small lot with 9 spaces.  On street parking is available.

Public Transit:

  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1.3 miles) and King Street Stations (1.5 miles)
  • Metrobus: 10A, 10B
  • DASH Bus: 33

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

Upcoming Events

Thu, May 16, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Toddler Rock N' Read roars through the month of May with Mr. Josstin. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, May 16, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Toddler Rock N' Read roars through the month of May with Mr. Josstin. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, May 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18

Thu, May 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
⭐ Please email Ally Zomchek at azomchek@alexlibraryva.org if interested in joining ⭐

Thu, May 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Teen Area
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Sat, May 18, 10:15am - 10:45am
Children's Area
Join Mr. Josstin for a Pop Up, Pop In Story Time at 10:15am. This will be a singular spectacular story time on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Ages 0-5

Sat, May 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
In 1976, Tony Wilson sets up Factory Records and brings Manchester's music to the world.

Mon, May 20, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wibble, Wobble, Clap it's Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, May 20, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Wibble, Wobble, Clap it's Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for Ages 0-14 Months.

Mon, May 20, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Teen Area
Tabletop games where teens can socialize, learn critical thinking and strategy. Introduction to Dungeon and Dragons also available upon request. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18

Mon, May 20, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Does your 1st-6th grader want to practice reading with a dog? We have 3; 15 minute slots from 5:30-6:30PM. Come read with our furriest friends! Please call to register. Ages 6-12

Tue, May 21, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
In the very merry month of May we sang for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, May 21, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
In the very merry month of May we sang for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5

Tue, May 21, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join Miss Katie for a selection of Pre-K stories and themed craft each week. Ages 3+ with a caregiver. Siblings welcome! Recommended Ages 3-5

Tue, May 21, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Introducing the community to D&D through introductory sessions, one-shots, and campaigns. Email Dungeon Master Josstin at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org if you're interested in joining. Ages 12-18

Wed, May 22, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Spitfire club, Summer Session. Changing the world, one book at a time! Kindergarten - 3rd Grade.

Wed, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Join us for a spring themed DIY where we take pressed leaves and flowers and arrange them to make a unique design that you get to keep!

Thu, May 23, 10:15am - 10:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Toddler Rock N' Read roars through the month of May with Mr. Josstin. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, May 23, 11:15am - 11:45am
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Toddler Rock N' Read roars through the month of May with Mr. Josstin. Great for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5

Thu, May 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome! Ages 12+

Thu, May 23, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
2704 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
“Fascinating for contemporary art lovers and skeptics alike. At the heart of Bianca Bosker’s intelligent book is the author’s burning curiosity, and it’s contagious.”

Sat, May 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
An American television film based on the novel of the same name by Ernest J. Gaines starring Cicely Tyson as the strong woman who fought for freedom at every turn - well into her 100's.

Sun, May 26, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Beth Patridge Meeting Room
Bring your preschooler to the Duncan Library on Sunday afternoons to explore STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)! Recommended ages 3-6