"Lift" by Rebecca O'Connor

Saturday, December 12, 3:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

The culmination of a ten-year career in falconry, "Lift" is a memoir that illustrates the journey and life lessons of a woman navigating a man's ancient sport. Captivated by a chance meeting with a falconer's peregrine as a child, the indelible memory eventually brings the author's life full circle to flying a peregrine of her own. [event details »»]

"The Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual" by the Network of Concerned Anthropologists

Sunday, December 13, 3:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

At a moment when the U.S. military decided it needed cultural expertise as much as smart bombs to prevail in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s Counterinsurgency Field Manual offered a blueprint for mobilizing anthropologists for war. The Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual critiques that strategy and offers a blueprint for resistance. Written by the founders of the Network of Concerned Anthropologists. [event details »»]

"K Blows Top: A Cold War Comic Interlude Starring Nikita Khrushchev, America's Most Unlikely Tourist" by former Washington Post writer Peter Carlson
This event has been rescheduled. Please note new date:

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 7:00pm Central Library

Nikita Khrushchev’s 1959 trip across America was one of the strangest exercises in international diplomacy ever conducted--"a surreal extravaganza," as historian John Lewis Gaddis called it. Former Washington Post writer Peter Carlson captures the times in "K Blows Top: A Cold War Comic Interlude Starring Nikita Khrushchev, America's Most Unlikely Tourist" as the Soviet leader threw tantrums, sparked a riot in a San Francisco supermarket, wowed coeds in Iowa, and ogled Arlington's own Shirley MacLaine. [event details »»]

Watch an interview with the author from Book TV

Author Event: Zoe Weil

Sun, July 26, 2:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

Zoe Weil, author of "Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life" Weil will speak about the Seven Keys to the "MOGO" (most good) principle through an interactive presentation that can inspire listeners to make their lives an expression of their deepest values. Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE). She is the author of several books including "Most Good, Least Harm"; "Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times"; "The Power and Promise of Humane Education," and Moonbeam Award winner for juvenile fiction, "Claude and Medea." You can read her blog at www.zoeweil.com
[event details »»]

"The Prohibition Hangover" by Garrett Peck

Wednesday, September 9, 7:00pm Central Library

Arlington author Garret Peck will read from his new book, "The Prohibition Hangover," which explores America’s tense and often-contradictory relationship with alcohol, from the end of Prohibition through the 21st century. Books will be available for sale and signing.
http://www.prohibitionhangover.com/index.html
[event details »»]

"Pentagon 9/11" by Diane Putney and others

Thursday, September 10, 7:00pm Central Library

Diane Putney of the history office of the Secretary of Defense discusses "Pentagon 9/11," a documented history based on more than 1300 interviews about the attack on the Pentagon. Books will be available for sale and signing. This program is co-sponsored with the Arlington Historical Society.
[event details »»]

"Orson Welles and the Unfinished RKO Projects" by Marguerite H. Rippy

Sunday, September 20, 3:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

Inspiration for the ongoing Shirlington series "Films of Orson Welles," author Marguerite H. Rippy will discuss her pioneering in-depth examination of early film and radio projects shelved by RKO or by Welles himself. Book-signing to follow at the Shirlington Busboys and Poets. [event details »»]

Author Event: Baseball with Paul Dickson

Monday, September 21, 7:00pm Central Library

Paul Dickson discusses his recent books "The Dickson Baseball Dictionary," "The Unwritten Rules of Baseball," "Baseball's Greatest Quotations," and "The Joy of Keeping Score." [event details »»]

Read an article about "The Dickson Baseball Dictionary" from Memories and Dreams magazine:

Click each image above to view full-sized version.

Reprinted with permission of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, from the magazine, Memories and Dreams, the official magazine of the Museum's membership program. Members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum receive free admission to the Museum, as well as access to exclusive programs, such as the Voices of the Game Series. Additionally, members receive a subscription to the Hall of Fame's bi-monthly magazine, Memories and Dreams, the 2009 Hall of Fame yearbook and a 10% discount and free shipping on retail purchases. For information on becoming a member, please visit baseballhall.org or call 607-547-0397.

"Eye of My Heart" by Barbara Graham and Kate Lehrer

Tuesday, September 22, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

In "Eye of My Heart," 27 smart, gutsy writers explode myths and stereotypes and tell the whole crazy, complicated truth about being a grandmother in today's world. [event details »»]

"Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans" by Dan Baum

Saturday, September 26, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

In a collection of nine linked profiles, Baum tells the life story of New Orleans between Hurricane Betsy in 1965 and Katrina 30 years later. Baum covered the post-Katrina city for the New Yorker. Presented as part of Northern Virginia's "Fall for the Book" festival.
http://fallforthebook.org/
[event details »»]

"Heart of the Game" by Sports Illustrated senior writer S.L. Price

Monday, September 28, 7:00pm Central Library

Sports Illustrated senior writer S.L. Price discusses his celebrated new book "Heart of the Game: Life, Death, and Mercy in Minor League America." In July 2007, longtime minor league baseball standout Mike Coolbaugh was killed by a foul ball shortly after transitioning into his first coaching job. Price examines the lives of Coolbaugh and Tino Sanchez Jr., the man who hit the ball, to create a definitive portrait of professional and personal dedication. [event details »»]

"Living in More Than One World: How Peter Drucker’s Wisdom Can Inspire And Transform Your Life" by Bruce Rosenstein

Tuesday, September 29, 7:00pm Central Library

Local author Bruce Rosenstein will read from his new book "Living in More Than One World: How Peter Drucker’s Wisdom Can Inspire And Transform Your Life." The book applies the principles of Drucker, whom many consider to be the “Father of Modern Management." It's an approach that stresses individual self development by encouraging the pursuit of a more multidimensional life. Books will be available for sale and signing. [event details »»]

"Lies My Mother Never Told Me" by Kaylie Jones

Wednesday, September 30, 7:00pm Central Library

Kaylie Jones, daughter of literary legend James Jones ("From Here to Eternity," "The Thin Red Line") will discuss her new memoir, "Lies My Mother Never Told Me." Jones writes about trying to cope with the twin parental legacies of fame and alcoholism. Books will be available for sale and signing. [event details »»]
Watch video interview with the author on YouTube »»

"From Veils to Thongs: An Arab Chick's Survival Guide to Balancing One's Ethnic Identity in America" by Dalel B. Khalil

Wednesday, September 30, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

Kahlil's book has been described as a lighthearted survival guide that explains how to retain one's sanity in the battle of the ultimate culture clash. [event details »»]

"Difficult Beauty" by Luis Alberto Ambroggio

Saturday, October 10, 3:00pm Central Library

Argentine poet Luis Alberto Ambroggio will read from his new book, "Difficult Beauty," and with his editor, Yvette Neisser Moreno, the two will discuss the connection between bilingualism and identity. [event details »»]

"Lost and Found: A Memoir of Mothers" by Kate St. Vincent Vogl

Thursday, October 15, 7:00pm Central Library

Vogl, a fiction writer and writing teacher in Minnesota, reflects on finding her birth mother after he adoptive mother died of cancer. [event details »»]

"Ophelia Joined a Group of Maidens Who Don't Float" by Sarah Schmelling

Wednesday, October 21, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

"Ophelia Joined the Group Maidens Who Don’t Float" is a humorous “retelling” of classic lit inspired by Facebook, bringing more than 50 works and authors of classics--from "The Odyssey" to "Gatsby" back to life and online using news feeds, profile pages, groups and quizzes…even those 25 random things lists. [event details »»]

"Record Makers and Breakers" by John Broven

Thursday, October 22, 7:00pm Central Library

"Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers" is a remarkable, almost-encyclopedic look at the creative and sometimes shadowy men (and a few women) who built the independent record labels that captured the foundations of rock 'n' roll. Far more than a reference book, John Broven's "Record Makers" is important popular history. Books will be available for sale and signing. [event details »»]

"Edgar Allan Poe" by Edgar Allan Poe

Wednesday, October 28, 7:00pm Central Library

He just turned 200 and is a bit moody. Celebrate the master of macabre as Edgar Allan Poe haunts Central Library for a Halloween Week performance of his classic poems and short stories including "The Raven," "Annabel Lee," "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "Spirits of the Dead." Mr. Poe will also engage the audience with some humorous repartee. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 7.

Starring Scott Craig Jones of the Traveling Jones Theater. Learn more about Mr. Poe
[event details »»]

"Heart of a Patriot: How I Found the Courage to Survive Vietnam, Walter Reed and Karl Rove" by Max Cleland

Thursday, November 19, 7:00pm Central Library

Arlington resident and former U.S. senator from Georgia Max Cleland will discuss his new book, "Heart of a Patriot: How I Found the Courage to Survive Vietnam, Walter Reed and Karl Rove."

By the time he had reached middle age, Max Cleland thought he had nothing to live for: a grenade explosion in Vietnam had left him a triple amputee, he had lost his Senate seat in a bitter campaign, and in the grip of his depression his fiancée left. But instead of giving up, Cleland reached deep into his soul and discovered that he had what it takes to survive.

Books will be available for sale and signing following the event. [event details »»]

"From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America" by Steven V. Roberts

Monday, November 23, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

The Planet Arlington Lecture Series presents journalist and author Steven V. Roberts discussing his new book on the immigration experience, "From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America." This event is co-sponsored by Signature Theatre; the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Cultural Affairs; Busboys and Poets and the Global Exchange Store. Tickets are available at the Signature Theatre Box Office. [event details »»]

"The Advance Man: A Journey Into the World of the Circus" by Jamie MacVicar

Monday, November 23, 7:00pm Central Library

Jamie MacVicar, author of "The Advance Man: A Journey Into the World of the Circus" will discuss the world of the circus and his years as a promotions man for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Books will be available for sale and signing following the event. [event details »»]

"Past Due: The End of Easy Money and the Renewal of the American Economy" by Peter S. Goodman

Monday, November 30, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

New York Times national economics writer Peter S. Goodman discusses "Past Due: The End of Easy Money and the Renewal of the American Economy."

The book chronicles the roots and consequences of the recent recession, exploring the technology bubble of the 1990s, China's breakneck development and the American real estate bubble. Goodman also explores how the nation may construct a more sustainable economy, perhaps focused on renewable energy and life sciences. [event details »»]

"In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke's War on the Great Panic" by David Wessel

Wednesday, December 2, 7:00pm Central Library

The Boston Globe says David Wessel's "In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke's War on the Great Panic"--the story of the recent global finance upheaval-- "masterfully weaves together economics, politics, history, and high finance, infusing the story with personalities and anecdotes."

Wessel is economics editor for The Wall Street Journal and writes the Capital column, a weekly look at the economy and forces shaping living standards around the world. [event details »»]

"Growing Up in Iran" by Alexander Malakhoff

Saturday, December 5, 1:30pm Glencarlyn Branch Library

Arlington and Glencarlyn neighborhood resident Alexander Malakhoff was a Russian boy who lived in Iran between 1935 and 1956. His book tells a story of Iranian society as it began to transform itself. For more information, call 703-228-6548. [event details »»]

"In Spite of the Gods" by Edward Luce

Monday, December 7, 7:00pm Shirlington Branch Library

Edward Luce's "In Spite of the Gods" looks at the forces shaping India as it tries to balance the stubborn traditions of the past with an unevenly modernizing present. Deeply informed by scholarship and history, leavened by humor and rich in anecdote, it shows that India has huge opportunities as well as tremendous challenges that make the future "hers to lose."

The event is free and open to the public and takes place at Signature Theatre, next door to the Shirlington Branch Library. A book signing will follow at Busboys and Poets.

This event is presented in partnership with the Cultural Affairs Division of the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department, Signature Theatre, Busboys and Poets and the Global Exchange Store. [event details »»]

"Breathing the Fire" by CBS News Correspondent Kimberly Dozier

Tuesday, December 8, 7:00pm Central Library

The 2009 Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library presents CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, discussing her book "Breathing the Fire."

In 2006, Ms. Dozier was almost killed by car bomb in Baghdad that took the lives of her cameraman, soundman, a U.S. Army captain and his translator. She recovered after multiple surgeries and is currently assigned to the network's Washington bureau. Books will be available for sale and signing at the conclusion of this event. [event details »»]