Beginning ItalianTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, MAY 14 and 28, 7 PMWhether you have a vacation planned or have always wanted to learn, join us for beginning Italian. This is a three week series. Each week will feature a different theme.

Liz Taylor Movie MatineeFRIDAY, MAY 1, 2 PMTaming of the Shrew (1967 © Columbia Pictures Industries Inc.) NRThis movie is based on Shakespeare's comedy about courtship and marriage.

Folk Musician Bruce HuttonSUNDAY, MAY 3, 2 PMSing along with Old Time American Folk Musician, Bruce Hutton, as he introduces traditional music of the Southern Appalachians while playing antique and hand-crafted instruments (all ages).

"Who are the Scots-Irish?" with Bob McLarenWEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 7 PMJoin genealogist, Bob McLaren, as he discusses the various groups of Scots in Ireland and the migrations of the Scots-Irish to North America. Liz Taylor Movie MatineeFRIDAY, MAY 8, 2 PMNational Velvet (1944 © Warner Bros.) GThis movie tells the story of a young jockey, a girl and her horse and an attempt to win England's Grand National Sweepstakes.

Rescue Workers Storytime SATURDAY, MAY 9, 11 AMLearn about rescue workers and other community heroes in this special storytime. Meet local fire fighters and see their truck up close (all ages).

StorywalkSATURDAY, MAY 9, 2 PMChildren take a nature walk around our building to get inspiration then make their own small books in which to write their own stories (ages 8+).

Face Reading SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2 PMThe ancient art of face reading was mentioned often in Big Stone Gap. Join Rose Rosetree, an expert on the subject and author of The New Power of Face Reading, for a presentation about reading a person's character and talents from the face. Mother's Day TeaSUNDAY, MAY 10, 2 PMCelebrate Mother’s Day with sweet treats and floral fun! Join us for a tea party just for mothers and their children (all ages). Please call 703-746-1751 to register.

Author Talk with Adriana TrigianiTUESDAY, MAY 12, 7 PMBig Stone Gap author, Adriana Trigiani, joins us via Skype to discuss her book and answer questions.

Robot Pigs on the Run!TUESDAY, MAY 12, 7 PMIn the spirit of spunky pig Louella Mae, we are building our own mini porcine bristle bots with batteries, mini-motors and toothbrush heads, and seeing if they can go the distance (ages 8+).

Ciao! English/Italian Bilingual Preschool StorytimeWEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 11:30 AMJoin Ms. Gretchen and Mr. Giovanni for a special bilingual preschool storytime in English and Italian. Please arrive early, as space is limited (ages 3-5).

Buddie Ford Nature Center Presents Virginia Animals WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 4 PMNaturalist Jane Yeingst, from the Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center, is coming to teach us about Virginia animals. The program features live animals (ages 6+).

BEATLEY CENTRAL5005 DUKE STREET

AboutAll Alexandria ReadsFacilitated by the Alexandria Library, this program is designed to create shared experiences through reading. Everyone is invited to read the featured title and selected books for younger readers. Join the events and discussions that relate to the themes of Big Stone Gap.

AboutBig Stone GapFROM LIBRARY JOURNAL:Ave Maria’s life in Big Stone Gap, VA, is essentially the same as it’s been for all 35 years of her life, but after her mother’s will reveals that the man Ave thought was her father isn’t, she begins to lose hold of her routine. Before long, she’s had two surprise marriage proposals, the clerk at her pharmacy has decided to quit, and her embittered aunt has decided to sue her. In between panic attacks and shouting matches, Ave tries to figure out what all these changes mean in her life.

SIMILAR “READ-ALIKE” BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS

PICTURE BOOKLouella Mae, She’s Run Away!by Karen Beaumont Alarcón

CHAPTER BOOKThree Times Luckyby Sheila Turnage

Library Events

Genealogy Program: “Writing Your Family History” with Paul PhelpsWEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 7 PMJoin Paul Phelps as he discusses techniques for writing your family history.

King Street BluegrassSUNDAY, MAY 17, 2 PMEnjoy the music of the Appalachians with a performance from King Street Bluegrass (all ages).

Liz Taylor Movie MatineeFRIDAY, MAY 22, 2 PMCat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958 © Warner Bros.) NRBased on the Tennessee Williams play, this movie tells the story of a southern ex-football player, who reconciles with his dying father.

Stories, Songs, and Oinks: A Pig StorytimeSATURDAY, MAY 23, 11 AMListen to Louella Mae, She’s Run Away!, our All Alexandria Reads picture book selection, as well as other fun pig books. We will sing songs, do fingerplays, and have tons of fun (all ages).

Awesome American AnimalsSUNDAY, MAY 24, 2 PMWildlife Ambassadors will teach us about the animals in our own backyards and how we can help and not hurt our native wildlife. This show features live animals (all ages).

Build a Box GuitarTUESDAY, MAY 26, 7 PMLearn about the science of sound, some different types of traditional Appalachian music, and make your own box guitar to take home (ages 8+).

Estate Planning: Taking ActionWEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 7 PMFrom living wills and trusts to avoiding probate and titling your home, learn how to protect yourself and your family. Call 703-746-1751 to register.

3, 2, 1 Blast Off!SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2 PMIn the 1970s, space exploration soared to new heights! Celebrate these space successes by building your own paper rocket and launching it above the tree-tops with our special rocket launcher (ages 8+).

Operation Paws for HomesSUNDAY, MAY 31, 2 PMAn adopted animal friend can be a wonderful, loving addition to your family. Meet some sweet dogs who are up for adoption, hear stories, and make a cute craft (all ages).

The Style of Big Stone GapSATURDAY, MAY 2, 10:30 AMJoin Fashion Historian Deb Fuller for a program on clothing of the 1970s, with models wearing samples from Amalgamated Classic Clothing and Dry Goods.

Dead Men’s Hollow Band SATURDAY, MAY 2, 12 PMJoin us for the unique sound of harmony vocals backed by traditional bluegrass instruments. The group’s repertoire comprises an array of original and traditional music (all ages).

Appalachian Music by Bill JenkinsTHURSDAY, MAY 7, 4 PMAppalachian music program with American instruments: spoons, washboards, banjos and more! Come and be part of an authentic jug band (ages 3+).

70s Dance Party THURSDAY, MAY 14, 4 PMIt’s easy as “A-B-C”--come and dance with us to some of the best music of the 1970s. For ages 3 and up, but parents and younger siblings are invited to dance along today.

Historical Pharmacy TUESDAY, MAY 19, 7 PMLearn the history of Ave Maria’s profession. Kenneth Miller, docent at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and PhD in Pharmacology, will give a presentation with examples from the collections of the Museum.

Italian Wine and Cheese Tasting at Au DomaineWEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 5-8 PM Celebrate Ave Maria’s heritage at Au Domaine Wine Store in Old Town at 802 North Fairfax Street (adults 21+ only).

Alexandria in the 1970sTUESDAY, MAY 26, 7 PMGeorge Combs, Branch Manager of Special Collections, will discuss photographs of Alexandria in the 70s. See how the landscape of Alexandria has changed.

Face Reading SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2 PMThe ancient art of face reading was mentioned often in Big Stone Gap. Join Rose Rosetree, an expert on the subject and author of The New Power of Face Reading, for a presentation about reading a person’s character and talents from the face.

BARRETT BRANCH717 QUEEN STREET

Library Events

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS

BARRETT BRANCHMONDAY, MAY 11, 7 PM

BURKE BRANCHWEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2 PM

DUNCAN BRANCHWEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 7 PM

BURKE BRANCH4701 Seminary Road

Knuckle DustersSATURDAY, MAY 2, 2 PMScott Spearly, Paul Mackrell and Captain Richard Pryor are the core trio from the band Knuckle Dusters. They perform traditional American fiddle tunes and bluegrass (all ages).

Let’s Build with LegosMONDAY, MAY 4, 4 PMUse your creativity, imagination and hands to build cool Lego structures. The theme for this session is “Magic Mountains” (ages 6-12).

Tales from the HillsSATURDAY, MAY 9, 2 PMJoin native Virginian storyteller, Gary Lloyd, as he spins some Appalachian Folktales for the whole family (all ages).

Remembering the Past of Nicholson HollowMONDAY, MAY 11, 7 PMDr. T. Mills Kelly, George Mason University history professor, will present the history of the people expelled from their homes to make way for Shenandoah National Park.

Animal AnticsTUESDAY, MAY 12, 4 PMJoin Naturalist Jane Yeingst as she shares fun facts about the amazing animals that live in Virginia (ages 6-12).

Lulu’s FateSATURDAY, MAY 16, 2 PMLulu’s Fate performs a mix of music from the Appalachian, and country blues traditions, as well as original tunes and covers (all ages).

Movie MatineeMONDAY, MAY 18, 4 PMThe Hunger Games (2012 © Lionsgate) PG-13Katniss Everdeen takes her sister’s place in a game in which players fight to the death (Grades 6 and up).

Finding Your Path to CollegeTHURSDAY, MAY 21, 7 PMAre you new to the college process and don’t know where to begin? In this presentation by Patricia Gonzalez, you will learn about the different types of colleges, degree and certificate programs, and what you will need to to begin your journey to academic success.

You Rock!SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2 PMMake your own tissue box guitar and rock out to tunes from the Appalachian region (ages 5-12).

Movie MatineeWEDNESDAY, MAY 27 4 PMO Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000 © Buena Vista Pictures) PG-13In the Deep South during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.

Pajama Storytime Read AloudTHURSDAY, MAY 28, 7 PMJoin us for a read aloud of the All Alexandria Reads picture book: Louella Mae, She’s Run Away!. Story will be followed by a craft activity. Pajamas are optional (ages 3-7 with an adult).

Genealogy Basics via the Library’s DatabasesFRIDAY, MAY 29, 10 AMDiscover your family history! Join us for a hands-on overview and demonstration of genealogy databases. Please call 703-746-1771 to register.

Peter McCorySATURDAY, MAY 30, 2 PMPeter McCory is well known for his one-man band musical shows for children, but he also enjoys singing and playing folk music that celebrates our country’s rich musical roots.

DUNCAN BRANCH2501 Commonwealth Avenue

Bill Jenkins: The Roots of America’s MusicTUESDAY, MAY 5, 3:30 PMJoin us for a special performance by Bill Jenkins and his amazing collection of musical instruments. Everyone will get to try the instruments and make music together (all ages).

Kids CraftingWEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 3:30 PMCreate a special craft highlighting themes from our selections. Caregivers are invited to participate with their school-aged child.

Margaret Chatham: StorytellerTHURSDAY, MAY 7, 3:30 PMStoryteller Margaret Chatham invites families to join her for Appalachian Folktales (all ages).

Empowering Women in FinanceSATURDAY, MAY 9, 2 PMJoin us for this free financial seminar. Call 703-746-1781 to register.

Elizabeth Taylor Movie NightMONDAY, MAY 11, 6:30 PMJoin us to choose and then screen one of Elizabeth Taylor’s best movies. Please call 703-746-1781 for more information.

Jane Dorfman: StorytellerTHURSDAY, MAY 14, 3:30 PMStoryteller Jane Dorfman invites families to join her for Appalachian Folktales (all ages).

Explore the Natural WorldWEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 3:30 PMA naturalist from the Buddie Ford Nature Center will talk about the natural world. This program features live animals (grades K-5).

All Alexandria Reads is made possible through a generous grant from the James M. Duncan, Jr. Library Foundation, Inc.

SponsorsAll Alexandria Reads is made possible through a generous grant

from the James M. Duncan, Jr. Library Foundation, Inc.

Additional sponsors and partners include the Friends of Alexandria Library groups and the following local businesses and organizations:

Questions to think about

¤ How do you think the book would have changed if the setting was today instead of the 1970s?

¤ How does Ave Maria’s name reflect or contradict her character?

¤ Otto has the opportunity to tell Worley the truth about their relationship in person. How would things have been different if Ave Maria’s mother had told her the truth before she died?

¤ Some might think that Ave Maria is unlucky in love. Is that a true statement? If so, how and when does her luck change?

¤ Ave Maria refers to herself in the book as a “spinster.” What are the negative and positive connotations of that status?

¤ Have you ever felt like a foreigner in your own hometown, as Ave Maria did in Big Stone Gap? Why?

¤ Ave Maria takes great comfort in books and in her weekly visits to the bookmobile. Has there been a book in your life that has either changed how you thought about something or comforted you?

AUTHOR TALK WITH ADRIANA TRIGIANI

VISIT ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY, ITS WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE, FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS INITIATIVE AND OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

www.alexandria.lib.va.us

Questions to think aboutwhile reading Big Stone Gap

Tuesday, May 12, 20157 PM - Beatley Central

Big Stone Gap author, Adriana Trigiani, joins us via Skype to discuss her book

and answer questions.