Supporting COMMUNITY.  Inspiring DISCOVERY.  Promoting LITERACY.

Library News and Events October 15, 2025

NEWS FLASH
Raise Some Dough: MRSPL Foundation Fundraiser with Panera
Raise Some Dough: MRSPL Foundation Fundraiser with Panera
Thursday, October 16, 4 pm - 8 pm
Grab a great drink, snack, or meal and help support the library! Panera Bread Cafe, located at 450 W. Broad St., will donate 25% of its sales during this time to the MRSPL Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting our library's programs and services. Please enter the promo code FUND4U at checkout to ensure your in-cafĂ©, drive-thru, pick-up, or delivery order is applied to the fundraiser! 

Community Building Blocks: Chapter 8 of the City of Falls Church's Comprehensive Plan
Pop-Up Info Table: City Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 Update
Friday, October 17, 1 - 4 pm
Drop by the City of Falls Church Planning Department table at the library to learn more about the Chapter 8 update of its Comprehensive Plan, which covers community facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and public services. The Comprehensive Plan helps guide physical development and investment in the City by establishing an overarching, long-range vision, generally covering a period of 20-25 years. You can also visit the project webpage to learn more about the chapter update process.

Autumn Concert: Crooked Sparrow
Autumn Concert: Crooked Sparrow
Saturday, October 25 at 2 pm
Registration Required
 
Enjoy the lively music of Crooked Sparrow, with its blend of Texas, Latin America, Folk, and Americana roots! This trio combines the talents of award-winning singer-songwriters Valeria Stewart and Kevin Dudley, joined by fiddler Jenny Smith.

FEATURED SERVICE
Reserve a Room
Reserve a Room
The library has two meeting rooms and two group study rooms available for private events and meetings. Explore the capacity and features of each room and then make an online reservation by room or by date. Be sure to read the Meeting and Study Room Policy and Terms of Use. 

 ADULT PROGRAMS
meet the wizard: a conversation with UFC fighter Ryan Hall
Get Ready to Zumba
Meet the Wizard: A Conversation with UFC Fighter Ryan Hall
Sunday, October 19 at 2 pm 
Registration Required
Join us for an exciting conversation with world-renowned Mixed Martial Arts competitor and UFC Fighter Ryan Hall! He will share his story, from his childhood in Northern Virginia to his discovery of martial arts and subsequent successful career as a competitor and instructor. 
Get Ready to Zumba!
Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 pm 
Registration Required
Ready to try a Zumba class? Zumba takes the "work" out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party! Combining all elements of fitness -- cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, and boosted energy -- this is a fun and effective total body workout. 

Tarot Game Night
Medicare 101
Tarot Game Night
Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 pm 
Registration Required
Join in the fun playing tarot-themed board games! Tarot Game Night is an opportunity to connect with other tarot readers and enthusiasts. All levels of tarot practitioners are welcome. Our time together will offer a fun way to strengthen reader skills and familiarity with the RWS deck. 
Medicare 101
Friday, October 24 at 2 pm 
Registration Required
Medicare 101 is for individuals who will soon be eligible for Medicare, their care partners, and those who already have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. This free class is taught by Fairfax County staff who are non-biased, state certified and SHIP (State Health Insurance and Assistance Program) Counselors. 

Oddball Cinema: Quatermass and the pit
Author Talk: Cara Gormally
Oddball Cinema:
Quatermass Horror Movies
Saturday, October 25 at 2 pm
Registration Required  
Watch the last film in this eclectic science fiction horror movie series, Quatermass and the Pit. Oddball Cinema presents the kind of obscure, unusual, and independent movies that you won't find at your local multiplex!
Author Talk: Cara Gormally
Sunday, October 26 at 2 pm 
Registration Required
Join Cara Gormally as they discuss their graphic memoir, Everything is Fine, I'll Just Work Harder, a story of living with the aftermath of trauma —and learning how to heal. Co-sponsored by the Falls Church City Schools Pride Alliance and co-hosted with Bards Alley Bookshop. The author's books will be available for sale on site or by calling Bards Alley.

Cybersecurity Clean up for IPhone and Apple devices
Health Talk: Jaw Pain and TMD
Cybersecurity Cleanup
Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 pm 
Registration Required
Keep your Apple mobile devices updated, understand location and data tracking settings, and ensure your digital life stays safe and efficient! Bring your iPhone and/or iPad to this practical training session and learn with Amy Burk of TechWise Coaching. 
Health Talk: Jaw Pain and TMD
Wednesday, October 29 at 6 pm 
Registration Required
Learn about the signs and treatments for 
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) at this Health Talk presented by Body Dynamics. Physical Therapist Jorge Villalobos will help you better understand your jaw.

Cooking Demonstration: Baby Greens with Balsamic Roasted Turnips Walnuts
Silent Reading
Chef Demo: Baby Greens with Turnips and Walnuts
Saturday, November 1 at 2 pm 
Registration Required 
Come learn why cooking leafy dark greens makes it easy to enjoy their full health potential! Chef Daniel Powers from The Kensington will show us how to "Harness the Power of Greens" with this recipe for Baby Greens with Balsamic-Roasted Turnips and Walnuts. 
Silent Reading Club 
Wednesday, November 5 at 6 pm
Drop-In
Bring a book to the Main Reading Room and enjoy a quiet hour reading to yourself in the company of fellow book lovers. You are welcome to bring a cup of your favorite tea or coffee; we'll provide the cookies! Held on the first Wednesday evening of every month this autumn.

Thinking Ahead: Boosting Brain Health and When to see a Neurologist
Simplify Your Space: A Practical Guide to Decluttering and Downsizing
Thinking Ahead: Boosting Brain Health & When to See a Neurologist
Saturday, November 8 at 2 pm
Registration Required 
Whether you are caring for a loved one, are interested in prevention, or simply want to learn more about brain health, this program offers helpful insights and resources for every stage of the journey. 
Simplify Your Space: A Practical Guide to Decluttering and Downsizing
Saturday, November 15 at 2 pm
Registration Required 
Start your journey toward a calmer, clutter-free life! Kitty Janney of Ararity Services will share  simple strategies for letting go of what no longer serves you, downsizing and organizing, and making mindset shifts for lasting change. 

Health Talk: Eating Well to be Well
November Author Talk: Timothy M. Gay
Health Talk:
Eating Well to Be Well 
Tuesday, November 18 at 6 pm 
Registration Required 
Head into colder weather with a renewed focus on nutrition and good health! Chip Coleman of Body Dynamics will discuss how to optimize your diet to maximize health and overall wellness. 
Author Talk: Timothy M. Gay
Saturday, November 22 at 2 pm
Registration Required 
Join Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Timothy M. Gay for a discussion of his most recent book, RORY LAND: The Up-and-Down World of Golf's Global Icon. This event is co-hosted with Bards Alley Bookshop. The author's books will be available for sale on site or by calling Bards Alley.

Recurring Events
Armchair Travel: Istanbul & "Hidden Turkey"
Tuesday, October 21 at 1:30pm
Drop-In
 
Falls Church Writers Group 
Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm
Hybrid Program / Email for Zoom invite
 
German Conversation Group
Monday, October 27 at 6:30 pm
Registration Required
 
Great Books Discussion
Tuesday, October 28 at 7 pm
Virtual Program / Email for Zoom invite 
Monday, November 10 at 6 pm
In person at the library 
View all meeting dates and reading selections for the 2025-2026 discussion series.
 
Board Game Sunday
Sunday, November 2 at 1 pm
The first Sunday of the month
Drop-In
Spanish Conversation Group
Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30 pm
Registration Required
 
New Yorker Discussion Group
Thursday, November 6 at 2 pm
Hybrid Program / Email for Zoom invite
 
Italian Conversation Group
Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 pm
Registration Required
 
English Conversation Class
Mondays at 6:30 pm
Drop-In
 
Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesdays at 10:30 am
Drop-In
 
Fiber Artists
Thursdays at 10 am
Drop-In 
 
Help Support the Library!
Many library programs and services are made possible through the
generous financial support of the MRSPL Foundation.
Learn more about this independent 501(c)(3) organization!

BOOK DISCUSSIONS 
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion
Wednesday, Nov. 12 
7 pm 
UL Conference Room
The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne 
Mystery
Book Discussion
Wednesday, Nov. 19
6:30 pm 
UL Conference Room
Northanger Abbey : (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by Jane Austen
Tuesday Morning
Book Discussion
Tuesday, Dec. 2
10:30 am 
UL Conference Room
View all upcoming book discussions...
 

Check out our events calendar for
more adult programming!

 KIDS & TEENS PROGRAMS
Family movie night
all aboard
Family Movie Night:
Kiki's Delivery Service
Monday, October 20 at 6 pm 
All Ages / Registration Required
Grab your favorite people and join us for a screening of Kiki's Delivery Service!
All Aboard! 
Tuesday, October 21 at 10:30 am 
Ages 2-4 / Drop-In until capacity is met
Join us for cooperative play with train toys. Siblings who are out of age range are welcome. 

Sing Books with Emily
Family Coloring Club
Sing Books with Emily 
Saturday, October 25 at 11 am
Ages 2-11 / Drop-In, Limited Space
Join Emily to sing songs from a wide range of musical styles accompanied by bespoke sing along track and Emily's fun Symphony of Silly Instruments. 
Family Coloring Club
Tuesday, October 28 at 3:45 pm 
All Ages / Drop-In 
Join us for coloring club! We will have crayons, coloring sheets, blank paper, and fun music. Make art and new friends while you color.  

Cotton Ball Ghosts
Hip-Stangs Reading Club
Crafternoon: Cotton Ball Ghosts
Wednesday, October 29 at 3:45 pm 
Grades K-5 / Registration Required 
Join us for music and a spooky craft! 
Hip-Stangs Reading Club 
Saturday, November 1 at 10:30 am & 11 am
Grades K-5 / Registration Required 
Kids below a second-grade reading level are invited to this reading buddy program led by high school volunteers. 

Teen Craft Club: Mosaic Picture Frames
Fold-a Frog: Action Origami
Teen Craft Club - Mosaic Picture Frames
Monday, November 3 at 6:30 pm 
Grades 6-12 / Registration Required 
Enjoy snacks and create a mosaic picture frame!
Fold-a-Frog: Action Origami
Tuesday, November 4 at 4:15 pm 
Grades 2-5 / Registration Required 
Hop over to the library for this fun origami craft. Learn how to fold a frog that can actually hop!

Operation EarthWatch
Crafternight: Fall Felt Masks
Operation EarthWatch
Wednesday, November 5 at 3:30 pm 
Grades K-5 / Registration Requested 
Learn about and promote environmental action through this free program!
Crafternight: Fall Felt Mask
Monday, November 10 at 6 pm 
Grades K-5 / Registration Required 
Come and create a fall-themed mask craft! 

Fall Storytime
Fall Baby Time
Fall Storytime
Mondays & Thursdays at 10:30 am 
Ages 18 months-4 years / Drop-In (Limited Space)
Join our children’s librarians for songs, stories, and rhymes! See children's desk for ticket upon arrival. Playtime with our Early Literacy toys will be available after storytime.
Fall Baby Time
Fridays at 10:30 am 
Ages 0-24 months / Drop-In (Limited Space)
Join us for a short circle time with a story, songs, and rhymes. See children's desk for ticket upon arrival. Stay and play with toys designed just for babies and mingle with other families.


Check out our events calendar for
more kids and teens programming!

 LIBRARY ODDS & ENDS
New Titles Book Club to Go Kits for Adults
New Book Club to Go Titles 
We've acquired new titles for our Book Club Collection! Check out any of these kits for your next book club meeting. Each kit contains 10 copies of the book with a discussion guide and can be borrowed for eight weeks. 
 
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each. Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession, and the blinding light of hope.
 
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 
A lone astronaut. An impossible mission. An ally he never imagined. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and Earth itself will perish.

Booklist Reader October 2025 issueBooklist Reader
Pick up a copy of the October 2025 issue of Booklist Reader while supplies last -- or browse it online! You can also explore the digital archive to catch up on any issues you've missed.
 
Hold Suspensions on Libby
Libby and Overdrive have simplified how hold suspensions work. Instead of selecting end dates for hold suspensions, you can simply un-suspend a hold when you're ready for it.  
shopping bagUsed Book and DVD Sale 
Discover great deals at our used book and DVD sale! We'll start with a preview sale on the afternoon of Friday, October 17, and continue through the weekend and until closing time on Monday, October 20. A special thank you to the MRSPL Foundation, whose support funded our moveable book sale shelves and whose volunteers help with the book sale setup and staffing. 

facebook
instagram
twitter
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church, Virginia 22046
703-248-5030 (TTY 711)

www.mrspl.org