Supporting COMMUNITY.  Inspiring DISCOVERY.  Promoting LITERACY.

Library News and Events October 1, 2025
The library will be closed Monday, October 13,
for Indigenous Peoples' Day.

NEWS FLASH
Oddball Cinema three film screenings Oddball Cinema:
Quatermass Horror Movies
Saturday, October 4 at 2 pm
Saturday, October 11 at 2 pm
Saturday, October 25 at 2 pm
Registration Required  
Oddball Cinema is coming to MRSPL! This series of eclectic science fiction horror movies includes viewings of The Quatermass Xperiment, Quatermass 2, and Quatermass and the Pit. Oddball Cinema presents the kind of obscure, unusual, and independent movies that you won't find at your local multiplex!

Used Book and DVD sale
Used Book & 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. 
 
FEATURED SERVICE
library to your door Library to Your Door
Library to Your Door provides no-cost home delivery of library materials to any City of Falls Church resident who may be unable to come into the library due to a temporary or permanent disability. Homebound patrons may borrow books, magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks for a loan period of four weeks. Patrons may request up to five items each week (up to a total of 20 items checked out). Library staff will fulfill requests for specific titles, or select materials based on reading interests, and check out, deliver, and then later retrieve the material before their due dates. If you would like to utilize this service, please call 703-248-5031 (TTY 711). 
 
 ADULT PROGRAMS
silent reading club
Film screening of How Not to Age
Silent Reading Club
Wednesday, October 1 at 6 pm 
Drop-In
Bring a book to the Main Reading Room on the first Wednesday evening of every month this autumn and enjoy a quiet hour reading to yourself in the company of fellow book lovers! Give yourself the gift of focused reading time (and maybe pick up some good book recommendations, too).
Film: How Not to Age 
Wednesday, October 8 at 2 pm 
Registration Required
Join us for a film screening of How Not to Age, Dr. Michael Greger’s presentation of strategies for how to get healthier as you get older!
In this video, based on his New York Times bestselling book, Dr. Greger presents simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to increase health span and longevity through the foods we eat every day. 

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. His numerous competitive achievements include Mundial and ADCC victories, dozens of Grapplers Quest championships, and winning The Ultimate Fighter’s Season 22 competition.
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. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba classes are called exercise in disguise!

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. Some games may help you receive guidance for yourself and other participants, but this gathering will not include an opportunity for formal readings or readings from the coordinators. 
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. Under ACL guidelines for Conflict of Interest, this presentation is not meant for health insurance broker or agent education.

Crooked Sparrow concert
Author Talk: Cara Gormally
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. 
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. This event is cosponsored by the Falls Church City Schools Pride Alliance and is co-hosted with Bards Alley Bookshop. Copies of the author's books will be available for sale at the program or you can reserve copies by calling Bards Alley at 571-459-2653. 

Cybersecurity Cleanup for iPhone and Apple devices
Health Talk: Jaw and Pain TMD
Cybersecurity Cleanup
Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 pm 
Registration Required
Join us for a practical training session designed to help you keep your IPhone and IPad more secure and running smoothly. Keep your IPhone and IPad updated, understand location and data tracking settings, and ensure your digital life stays safe and efficient. Bring your IPhone and/or IPad 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, explaining the role of physical therapy in treatment and describing how small changes can make a big difference.

cooking demonstration with chef daniel powers from the kensington
thinking ahead: boosting brain health and when to see a neurologist
Chef Demo: Baby Greens with Turnips and Walnuts
Saturday, November 1 at 2 pm 
Registration Required 
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. Leafy green vegetables are among the most nutrient-dense foods, offering more protective vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals per calorie than any other food group. Come learn why cooking leafy dark greens makes it easy to enjoy their full health potential!
 
Thinking Ahead: Boosting Brain Health & When to See a Neurologist
Saturday, November 8 at 2 pm
Registration Required 
Join us for an informative discussion on how to keep your brain healthy and how to know when it might be the time to seek a neurologist's care. 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. 
 
Recurring Events
New Yorker Discussion Group
Thursday, October 2 at 2 pm
Hybrid Program / Email for Zoom invite
 
Board Game Sunday
Sunday, October 5 at 1 pm
The first Sunday of the month
Drop-In
 
Italian Conversation Group
Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30 pm
Registration Required
 
Spanish Conversation Group
Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30 pm
Registration Required
 
Great Books Discussion
Tuesday, October 14 at 7 pm
Tuesday, October 28 at 7 pm
Virtual Program / Email for Zoom invite 
View all meeting dates and reading selections for the 2025-2026 discussion series.
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
 
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 
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Tuesday Morning
Book Discussion
Tuesday, Oct. 7
10:30 am 
UL Conference Room
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
View all upcoming book discussions...
 

Check out our events calendar for
more adult programming!

 KIDS & TEENS PROGRAMS
operation earthwatch
Hip-Stangs Reading club
Operation EarthWatch
Wednesday, October 1 at 3:30 pm 
Grades K-5 / Registration Required 
Operation EarthWatch is a environmental action program open to students K-5 and gives children the opportunity to learn about and promote environmental action at home and in the community. 
Hip-Stangs Reading Club
Saturday, October 4 at 10:30 am & 11 am 
Grades K-5 / Registration Required 
The Hip-Stangs Reading Club is a reading buddy program led by high school volunteers. We encourage you to arrive a few minutes before your reading time to choose which book you would like to read with your buddy. 

Teen Craft Club: Halloween mask painting
Lego Club
Teen Craft Club: Halloween
Mask Painting 
Monday, October 6 at 6:30 pm 
Grades 6-12 / Registration Required
Join us to enjoy snacks and a different artsy activity every meeting! 
Lego Club 
Wednesday, October 8 at 4 pm 
Grades K-5
Calling all Master Builders to come and create at the library! Preschoolers are welcome when supervised at all times by an adult. 

Hip-Stangs Math Club
Family Movie Night
Hip-Stangs Math Club 
Saturday, October 18 at 10:30 am & 11 am
Grades K-2 / Registration Required 
Kids are invited to sign up for a time slot during which they can work on their math work with the help of a high school student. 
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 a fun movie. This program is a great way for families to enjoy an evening out together! 

Family Coloring Club
Crafternoon: Cotton Ball Ghosts
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.  
Crafternoon: Cotton Ball Ghosts
Wednesday, October 29 at 3:45 pm 
Grades K-5 / Registration Required 
Join us for music and a spooky 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
Annual Coat Drive for Oglala Lakota residents of Pine Ridge, SD
Annual Coat Drive 
October 7-14, 2025
The annual Re-Member coat drive benefits the Oglala Lakota residents of Pine Ridge Reservation. A donation bin will be provided in the front vestibule of the library for gently-used or new winter coats and hoodies of all sizes and blankets for all ages. Other acceptable new items include: socks, bars of soap (without plastic wrapping), toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving products, feminine care products, and diaper sizes 4-5-6.  Many thanks for your contributions!
 

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.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, October 15 at 6 pm
Visit the Library Board of Trustee's webpage to view agendas, minutes, and more information. To view recordings of past meetings, visit the City's webcasts website, scroll to the Archives section, then the Webcasts section and scroll to find meetings. 


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

www.mrspl.org