Tuesday
October 7
Please Note: All events on this day are either online or in Fairfax County Public Library Branches.
2:15 PM
After losing the love of his life and then contracting a debilitating mysterious illness, Brian Buckbee, stumbles upon an injured pigeon destined to save his life. In this heartwarming memoir, We Should All Be Birds, written with the help of editor Carol Ann Fitzgerald, we learn how nurturing wounded birds in Buckbee’s self-made bird rehabilitation center, brings him out of isolation to explore his own chronic illness and grief in connection with the beauty of the natural world. As author Lia Purpura states, “Brian Buckbee has discovered a slower, more openhearted, humble stance toward living and creating, where small joy is in no way insubstantial, and where attention given freely—to the birds he cares for who ultimately care for him . . . creates unexpected forms of love and devotion.” This event is part of Fall for the Book’s festival lineup. For the full schedule, visit fallforthebook.org/schedule. Sponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
This a livestreamed event and will be held via Zoom. Register for your free ticket on Eventbrite.
7 PM
In Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA, former CIA intelligence officer Christina Hillsberg tackles the complex history of trailblazing women in the male-dominated spy organization. Hillsberg’s experience and in-depth research, coupled with interviews with current and formal female CIA officers exposes the historic fight for gender equality at the Agency, as well as the ongoing issues of sexual harassment and assault. Author Jo Piazza says Agents of Change is an “earth-shattering account of the badass women of the CIA that’s equal parts infuriating and inspiring. Hillsberg holds the spy organization’s feet to the fire, demanding accountability for the decades-long toxic culture of masculinity and sexual assault.” Anne Lauer, George Mason professor and Fall for the Book Board Member, will moderate this conversation. Sponsored by Friends of Pohick Regional Library.
Location: Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke VA
7 PM
Five historians with deep roots in Fairfax tell the powerful history of Black Communities of Fairfax. From the 1820s and the Free Black population of Fairfax Court House, to the growth of segregated neighborhoods including School Street, to the perseverance through the Jim Crow era, this history includes powerful tales of our region. The book was co-authored by Etta Willson, Rita Colbert, Jenee Lindner, Linneall Naylor, and Rondia Prescott. Sponsored by the Friends of Richard Byrd Library.
Location: Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA
7 PM
Historian Thomas Wolf is back with another incredible book about America’s favorite pastime. In Baseball in the Roaring Twenties: The Yankees, The Cardinals, & the Captivating 1926 Season, Wolf explores the Golden Age of Sports within the context of the nation’s exuberant excess, corruption, and the encroaching economic collapse. From allegations of game-fixing, to the World Series, to the success of the Negro League, and the rise of sports gambling – this history is a must for baseball fans. Sponsored by the Friends of Burke Centre Library.
Location: Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke VA
7 PM
Two psychological thrillers explore tales from both sides of serial killings: the hunter and the hunted. In Marie Still’s My Darlings, affluent DC stay-at-home mom and philanthropist, Eloise, spends her stolen moments stealing lives. But when the role is reversed and she becomes prey, everything changes. Jennifer Fawcett’s Keep This for Me follows the daughter of a serial killer’s victim. When the killer denies his guilt, Fiona goes back to her hometown where history repeats itself. Sponsored by Friends of Kings Park Library.
Location: Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015