Library

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703-324-3100 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324
Fairfax, VA 22035
Jessica Hudson
Director

Start the Decade Making Cultural Connections at the Library

World Map in Watercolor

Free Library Events Begin the '20s with Celebrations and Observations of Culture and Community.

With a new year and a new decade underway, what better time is there to embrace new opportunities to expand ourselves and our communities, explore the lives and perspectives of others and emphasize the values and experiences we have in common?

Through holiday celebrations, guided conversations, educational lectures, social gatherings and more, events at Fairfax County Public Library this January-March do just that. Join us to start 2020 off on the right foot… and maybe learn something new by stepping into someone else’s shoes.

All are welcome at the library, and all our programs are free. Find highlights of events offering a wide variety of cultural engagement and enrichment below and visit the online calendar for a full list. Asterisk (*) indicates registration required.

Chinese Lunar New Year

  • Lunar New Year Festival
    Saturday, January 25, 3 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library
    Join the Dolley Madison Teen Advisory Board for a celebration of the Lunar New Year. All ages.
  • Chinese New Year: The Year of the Rat
    Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. at Patrick Henry Library
    Enjoy crafts, foods and fun for all ages in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Join the library and the Northern Virginia Experimental Chinese School for special performances and games, including guzheng music, folk dances, tai chi and yo-yo.
  • Celebrate the Chinese New Year
    Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library
    Welcome the Year of the Rat with crafts and activities. All ages.
  • Chinese Lion Dance

    Saturday, February 12020 Year of the Rat Happy New Year
    10:30 a.m. at Burke Centre Library
    1 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
    3 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library

    Saturday, February 8
    10:30 a.m. at Lorton Library
    1 p.m. at Kings Park Library
    3 p.m. at Oakton Library

    Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Lion Dance performances that will demonstrate emotions such as fright, anger, grace and joy through movement in rhythm to the music of a drum, gong and cymbals. All ages.

American Past, Present and Future

  • World War I: Lessons and Legacies | Posters from the Smithsonian*
    Through February 25 at Patrick Henry Library
    In honor of America's entry into "The War to End All Wars" in 1917, the Smithsonian’s poster exhibition World War I: Lessons and Legacies explores The Great War and its lasting impact and far-reaching influence on American life. The war led to pivotal changes in America's culture, technology, economy and role in the world. It redefined how we saw ourselves as Americans, and its legacy continues today. The posters displayed in the branch’s meeting room are available for viewing when the room is not in active use for another program. Call the branch or check at the information desk for times. Adults.

World War I Lessons and Legacies SI historical image

  • American Creed Community Conversation
    Sunday, February 16, 2 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library
    American Creed Community Conversations center around the PBS documentary “AMERICAN CREED” featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice coming together from different points of view to explore ideals of freedom, fairness and opportunity. The film screening will be accompanied by scholar-facilitated discussion designed to foster respectful dialogue about American ideals and identity across all types of deepening divides. Supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Adults and teens.
  • Get to Know Your Muslim Neighbor
    Saturday, February 29, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library
    Meet new friends, celebrate diversity and learn about the culture and history of this community with discussions and a poster exhibit, Forgotten History: Muslims & Early America. Plus, enjoy hands-on activities, including calligraphy and henna, and sample international delicacies with a cup of coffee. All ages.
  • Citizenship Classes and Ceremonies
    See calendar for dates and times at various branches
    Classes focus on topics such as American history, government and culture using library, USCIS and other resources.

Exploring Religion

  • International Hijab Day
    Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library
    Learn about the symbolism of the hijab and why Muslim women wear it. Then try one on, try your hand at Arabic calligraphy and enjoy snacks. Presented in partnership with the Islamic Circle of North America. All ages.
  • PJ Library Book Buddies Storytime*
    Thursdays, monthly, 10:30 a.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
    All moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and children who love books are invited for stories and fun that relate to Jewish culture traditions and holidays. Enjoy movement and crafts along with stories. Ages 2 1/2 - 5 years with caregiver. Siblings welcome.
  • PJ Library Book Buddies*
    Wednesdays, monthly, 10:30 a.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library
    Enjoy storybooks and crafts about Jewish holidays and values. Cosponsored by PJ Library and Growing Jewish Families of the JCC of Northern Virginia. Age 6 months - 5 years with adult.

Person in red robe with hands in prayer

  • The World's Religions: Seven-Part Series
    Sundays, February 16-March 29, 2:30 p.m. at Centreville Regional Library
    Learn about the beliefs, values and practices of major world religions. Laura Shulman, Professor of Religion at Northern Virginia Community College, will present this seven-part series. Each session will include a lecture, Q&A and additional resources. Sessions: Judaism (1 of 7), Christianity (2 of 7), Islam (3 of 7), Hinduism (4 of 7), Buddhism (5 of 7), Sikhism (6 of 7) and Baha'i Faith (7 of 7). Adults and teens.

A World of Perspectives

  • Passport to Fun*
    Fridays, monthly, 4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library
    Travel the world exploring different languages and cultures through crafts and games with the Chantilly High School Language Honor Societies. For students in grades 1-6.
  • Meet Henry Brinton, Author of City of Peace
    Saturday, February 29, 2 p.m. at Oakton Library
    City of Peace
    is a gripping murder mystery about a Methodist minister who is forced to confront his own demons and help his followers overcome today’s prejudices that divide people of differing cultures and faiths. Adults.
  • Women in Jazz*
    Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. at Reston Regional Library
    Experience the history of women in jazz through lecture, trivia and live performance. Presented by master flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq. Adults.
  • Autodidactics Discussion Group: Collaborative Self-teaching on Diverse Topics
    Thursday, March 5, 1 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library
    Join a group of curious learners in a wide-ranging discussion of themed topics. Quarterly themes are the chosen, with specific topics explored in depth each month in a friendly, collaborative learning group. March's discussion will focus on “family” and the meaning of family across cultures and time. Adults.
  • Meet Shabnam Curtis, Author of My Persian Paradox
    Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library
    Shabnam Curtis’s My Persian Paradox: Memories of an Iranian Girl opens in 1978 when the Iranian Revolution began and ends in 2004 when the author left Iran for America. It is the story of an ordinary Iranian girl who, like millions of other girls, was confused but tried to make sense of the oppression of the regime and the rigid structure of the male-dominant culture and still pursued the dream of freedom. Books available for sale and signing. Adults.

Book cover My Persian Paradox and photos of author Shabnam Curtis

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