All events are free to attend unless otherwise stated! Please give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.
If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you please do not attend in-person events. Instead, feel free to order the book over the phone so we can have it signed for you to pick up when you're out of the woods!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and book clubs!
If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you please do not attend in-person events. Instead, feel free to order the book over the phone so we can have it signed for you to pick up when you're out of the woods!
Sign up for our weekly newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and book clubs!
Story time with chiara colombi
@ oakton library, 10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA
monday, april 1, 2:30pm
Join us at Oakton Library for visiting author Chiara Colombi, a debut kidlit author from California. She will be reading her upcoming release Rocket Ship, Solo Trip at the library on Monday, April 1st starting at 2:30pm. This story time is open to all, but best fits children ages 4-12.
Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is a fact-filled rhyming book perfect for younger and older readers, with facts and figures to keep little readers engaged! Great for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and readers with their eyes toward the stars! Rocket is embarking on her first solo mission. Her goal? Place a satellite into orbit to take pictures of the beautiful unknown. With a few words of encouragement from Ground Control, Rocket sparks ignition and blasts off to discover all the beauty of outer space. But when it’s time for reentry, she wonders if she can do it alone. With Ground Control’s parting words in mind, Rocket trusts that she knows exactly what to do. She returns home at hypersonic speed and excited for her future expeditions…maybe next time, to the moon.
With delightful rhyming stanzas, and pictures by New York Times bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon, Rocket Ship, Solo Trip explores all the complicated emotions of big firsts and reminds readers that no matter how far they go, the ones they love are always close by. Chiara will be signing copies of her book after the reading.
Rocket Ship, Solo Trip is a fact-filled rhyming book perfect for younger and older readers, with facts and figures to keep little readers engaged! Great for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and readers with their eyes toward the stars! Rocket is embarking on her first solo mission. Her goal? Place a satellite into orbit to take pictures of the beautiful unknown. With a few words of encouragement from Ground Control, Rocket sparks ignition and blasts off to discover all the beauty of outer space. But when it’s time for reentry, she wonders if she can do it alone. With Ground Control’s parting words in mind, Rocket trusts that she knows exactly what to do. She returns home at hypersonic speed and excited for her future expeditions…maybe next time, to the moon.
With delightful rhyming stanzas, and pictures by New York Times bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon, Rocket Ship, Solo Trip explores all the complicated emotions of big firsts and reminds readers that no matter how far they go, the ones they love are always close by. Chiara will be signing copies of her book after the reading.
Books 'n Brews: A boozy book fair
presented by bards alley and caboose brewing
@ caboose tavern, 520 mill st. ne, vienna, va
sunday, april 7, 4:00-6:00pm
Join us at Caboose Tavern on Sunday, April 7th for a boozy book fair! You've been asking, and we're delivering -- we will be on-site at Caboose selling books and other goodies between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. This is our debut book fair with Caboose, so we hope you're as enthusiastic about it as we are.
Happy hour will be offered during that time period as well; Caboose will be offering $1 off of food, $2 off of beer, and $3 off of wine and cocktails. We will be selling a general array of books, including current fiction and nonfiction bestsellers (and staff picks!), horticulture books to get into the Spring vibe, cookbooks and drink/cocktail books, upcoming book club selections, and more! We will also be suggesting book pairings with some of Caboose's beer on tap, so check out our list and match your drink with a book. No RSVP required, just stop in any time between 4-6pm!
This is the first of what's bound to be an exciting collaboration! Our next Books 'n Brews events will be on Sunday, June 2nd (theme: Pride & Summer Reading) and Sunday, September 8th (theme: Back-to-School), so stay tuned for additional details!
Happy hour will be offered during that time period as well; Caboose will be offering $1 off of food, $2 off of beer, and $3 off of wine and cocktails. We will be selling a general array of books, including current fiction and nonfiction bestsellers (and staff picks!), horticulture books to get into the Spring vibe, cookbooks and drink/cocktail books, upcoming book club selections, and more! We will also be suggesting book pairings with some of Caboose's beer on tap, so check out our list and match your drink with a book. No RSVP required, just stop in any time between 4-6pm!
This is the first of what's bound to be an exciting collaboration! Our next Books 'n Brews events will be on Sunday, June 2nd (theme: Pride & Summer Reading) and Sunday, September 8th (theme: Back-to-School), so stay tuned for additional details!
Book Launch: Max Moyer
Tuesday, April 9, 6:30pm
Join us at Bards Alley for Vienna's newest local author, Max Moyer! His debut novel, Zodak, is the first in a new epic fantasy series Tempest Rising. Max will be in discussion with our Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club leader, Brent, and he will be signing copies of Zodak after the talk.
A courageous orphan. An ancient evil. A mysterious medallion. In the village of Laan, Zodak endures a bleak life of misery at the hands of his hateful cousins and aunt. His steadfast uncle Ardon is his only anchor. When a water sprite arrives, speaking of destiny and an epic journey that awaits, Zodak struggles to grasp how an adventure with goblins, krikkis, and dwarves could ever be his story.
But when his uncle falls in a kidnapping plot and entrusts Zodak with a mysterious medallion, Zodak flees into a vast, unknown world. Seeking answers about his past and the medallion he carries, Zodak finds himself drawn to the magnificent city Uth Becca. In his journey, he unearths a clandestine order, a corrupt Magistrate, and a sinister plot that threatens humanity's very existence. A great evil awakens. Dark hordes are on the march. In a world desperate for a hero, can an outcast be enough?
For fans of Brandon Sanderson, Martha Wells, and George R. R. Martin!
A courageous orphan. An ancient evil. A mysterious medallion. In the village of Laan, Zodak endures a bleak life of misery at the hands of his hateful cousins and aunt. His steadfast uncle Ardon is his only anchor. When a water sprite arrives, speaking of destiny and an epic journey that awaits, Zodak struggles to grasp how an adventure with goblins, krikkis, and dwarves could ever be his story.
But when his uncle falls in a kidnapping plot and entrusts Zodak with a mysterious medallion, Zodak flees into a vast, unknown world. Seeking answers about his past and the medallion he carries, Zodak finds himself drawn to the magnificent city Uth Becca. In his journey, he unearths a clandestine order, a corrupt Magistrate, and a sinister plot that threatens humanity's very existence. A great evil awakens. Dark hordes are on the march. In a world desperate for a hero, can an outcast be enough?
For fans of Brandon Sanderson, Martha Wells, and George R. R. Martin!
Book Launch: Senator Tim Kaine
Presented with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
@ Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Rd., Burke, VA
Tuesday, April 9, 7:00pm
Join us as we co-host Virginia Senator Tim Kaine in a launch event for his memoir Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside. We will be alongside the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club at Kings Park Library in Burke where Senator Kaine will discuss his book and experiences walking the Appalachian trail while reflecting on the 2019-2023 political climate. Books will be available for sale at the event and Senator Kaine will be signing copies after his discussion. RSVPs are required - linked below.
Walk Ride Paddle is a captivating memoir of one man’s physical journey through the Virginia wilderness—but it is also a unique and ultimately optimistic perspective on these pivotal moments in history, offering inspiration, wisdom, and hope. In 2019, Tim Kaine commemorated both his sixtieth birthday and his twenty-fifth year in public office by undertaking a three-part journey across the Virginia landscape as he hiked, cycled, and canoed across the state. His chronicle became an organic reflection of the extraordinary events occurring across America during that time, including two impeachment trials, a global pandemic, growing racial protests, the January 6 attack on the Capitol, and more.
Along the way, Kaine reflected on the events that have shaped both his life and the world around him, sharing his deep love for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations in a fascinating memoir that blends adventure, reflection, and political insight. With immediacy and honesty, Kaine pulls back the curtain to reveal his inner thoughts during such monumental times. Kaine’s storytelling gift and wise observations offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a seasoned politician and outdoor enthusiast.
Walk Ride Paddle is a captivating memoir of one man’s physical journey through the Virginia wilderness—but it is also a unique and ultimately optimistic perspective on these pivotal moments in history, offering inspiration, wisdom, and hope. In 2019, Tim Kaine commemorated both his sixtieth birthday and his twenty-fifth year in public office by undertaking a three-part journey across the Virginia landscape as he hiked, cycled, and canoed across the state. His chronicle became an organic reflection of the extraordinary events occurring across America during that time, including two impeachment trials, a global pandemic, growing racial protests, the January 6 attack on the Capitol, and more.
Along the way, Kaine reflected on the events that have shaped both his life and the world around him, sharing his deep love for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations in a fascinating memoir that blends adventure, reflection, and political insight. With immediacy and honesty, Kaine pulls back the curtain to reveal his inner thoughts during such monumental times. Kaine’s storytelling gift and wise observations offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a seasoned politician and outdoor enthusiast.
Rita feinstein in-conversation with liz lawson
sunday, april 14, 2:30pm
Join us at Bards Alley for local author and poet Rita Feinstein's debut novel-in-verse, Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension. She will be in-conversation with Liz Lawson, author of The Lucky Ones, and co-author of the Agathas Mystery series ('The Agathas', 'The Night in Question'). We will have a Q&A at the end of the discussion, and both authors will be available to sign copies of their books at the end of the event.
Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension is a one-of-its-kind Young Adult novel-in-verse and coming-of-age story accompanied by a writing style that makes an enchanting read. Inspired by the pandemic and rise in some of the most bizarre conspiracy theories, this novel explores the danger and humanity of conspiracy in a post-truth world through empathy, friendship, and forgiveness.
NASA has assured everyone the passage of rogue planet Malachite will be safe, but Crosby's been getting other messages—from a fortune teller and Malachite truther message boards. And now she believes that Malachite will kill everyone who doesn’t ascend to the fourth dimension—a higher plane that transcends physicality. She tries to prepare her friends and family to leave their bodies behind and raise their frequency by changing their diets, wearing the right crystals, and moving into her friend’s bunker before it’s too late. But no one is listening. The more time she spends trying to talk her roommate and her quirky friends into her apocalypse plans, the more Crosby is forced to face the cracks in everything she believes to be true.
Rita Feinstein's work has appeared in Willow Springs, Sugar House, Grist, and Permafrost, among other publications, and has been nominated for Best of the Net and Best New Poets.
Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension is a one-of-its-kind Young Adult novel-in-verse and coming-of-age story accompanied by a writing style that makes an enchanting read. Inspired by the pandemic and rise in some of the most bizarre conspiracy theories, this novel explores the danger and humanity of conspiracy in a post-truth world through empathy, friendship, and forgiveness.
NASA has assured everyone the passage of rogue planet Malachite will be safe, but Crosby's been getting other messages—from a fortune teller and Malachite truther message boards. And now she believes that Malachite will kill everyone who doesn’t ascend to the fourth dimension—a higher plane that transcends physicality. She tries to prepare her friends and family to leave their bodies behind and raise their frequency by changing their diets, wearing the right crystals, and moving into her friend’s bunker before it’s too late. But no one is listening. The more time she spends trying to talk her roommate and her quirky friends into her apocalypse plans, the more Crosby is forced to face the cracks in everything she believes to be true.
Rita Feinstein's work has appeared in Willow Springs, Sugar House, Grist, and Permafrost, among other publications, and has been nominated for Best of the Net and Best New Poets.
Story Time with Leah Moser
Saturday, April 20, 10:30am
Join us at Bards Alley for a story time event with local author Leah Moser following the publication of her debut picture book, I Am a Thundercloud. Note this story time is a little bit earlier than our usual, so make sure you're at the store at 10:30am for the start! Pre-orders are still available on our Square site and will also be linked below.
Having emotions, even angry ones, is a part of being human. In I Am a Thundercloud, a young child is having a bad day—they BOOM, ROAR, CRASH, and CRACKLE like an angry thundercloud. Tense body language, an inability to say the “right” words, the instinct to hide are like a brewing storm within the child. But like the sun breaking through, our protagonist processes big emotions by relaxing, asking for help, opening up, and pausing to permit themselves to breathe. This powerful picture book reminds us that having the ability to recognize how we are feeling not only increases our emotional intelligence and helps us process our own emotions, but it also allows us to recognize and empathize with others who are struggling with their emotions.
I Am a Thundercloud speaks to the emotional storms that every child -- and let's be honest, every person -- experiences. But if we find ways to focus on our breathing and redirect our attention, we can get to the other side of the storm.
Having emotions, even angry ones, is a part of being human. In I Am a Thundercloud, a young child is having a bad day—they BOOM, ROAR, CRASH, and CRACKLE like an angry thundercloud. Tense body language, an inability to say the “right” words, the instinct to hide are like a brewing storm within the child. But like the sun breaking through, our protagonist processes big emotions by relaxing, asking for help, opening up, and pausing to permit themselves to breathe. This powerful picture book reminds us that having the ability to recognize how we are feeling not only increases our emotional intelligence and helps us process our own emotions, but it also allows us to recognize and empathize with others who are struggling with their emotions.
I Am a Thundercloud speaks to the emotional storms that every child -- and let's be honest, every person -- experiences. But if we find ways to focus on our breathing and redirect our attention, we can get to the other side of the storm.
Independent Bookstore Day 2024
Saturday, April 27
Celebrate indies with the Bards Alley booksellers during the 11th annual Independent Bookstore Day!
Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is a yearly celebration of independent bookstores, small business, and readers alike. We're working hard to plan a spectacular day for all of our customers and the Vienna community - additional details and events to come, but we will have some IBD exclusives this year for you to shop as well as a morning activity for kids and raffles throughout the day, and the start of a NoVA bookstore crawl for the month of May!
Browse around, or ask staff for some of their recommendations. Head on down to one of the other small businesses on Church St. for a quick drink or meal after your shopping spree (we love The Sandwich Shop, Caffe Amouri, and the Pasty Shop!), or hang out on our patio and start your next read. We're so excited to celebrate this year with Vienna, and thank you for joining us for over six and a half years!
Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is a yearly celebration of independent bookstores, small business, and readers alike. We're working hard to plan a spectacular day for all of our customers and the Vienna community - additional details and events to come, but we will have some IBD exclusives this year for you to shop as well as a morning activity for kids and raffles throughout the day, and the start of a NoVA bookstore crawl for the month of May!
Browse around, or ask staff for some of their recommendations. Head on down to one of the other small businesses on Church St. for a quick drink or meal after your shopping spree (we love The Sandwich Shop, Caffe Amouri, and the Pasty Shop!), or hang out on our patio and start your next read. We're so excited to celebrate this year with Vienna, and thank you for joining us for over six and a half years!
Story time with Meghana Narayan
Saturday, May 18, 11:00am
Join us for a story time with DC-based kidlit author Meghana Narayan as she reads her upcoming release A Little Bit of Everything, gorgeously illustrated by Michelle Carlos. It is a part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection which includes books written by new authors from historically marginalized groups with the intention of recognizing and amplifying new and diverse voices with underrepresented perspectives. Books will be available to purchase after the story time, and Ms. Narayan will be signing copies.
In A Little Bit of Everything we follow young Amaya who was born on a winter night—and every experience and memory helps to build her identity. She is a little bit of Mama, whose family is far away in India, and a little bit of Papa, whose mother immigrated from China for a new life. She is a little bit of the salty ocean and a little bit of the rolling storm. A little bit of the stars in the sky, and a little bit of so many other things. When Amaya’s new sibling arrives, she knows just what to say about who she is, and what her sister will become.
With stunning, whimsical art, this lyrical book asks readers to celebrate their own uniqueness—and that of others. This is a lullaby to any child who is discovering who they are.
In A Little Bit of Everything we follow young Amaya who was born on a winter night—and every experience and memory helps to build her identity. She is a little bit of Mama, whose family is far away in India, and a little bit of Papa, whose mother immigrated from China for a new life. She is a little bit of the salty ocean and a little bit of the rolling storm. A little bit of the stars in the sky, and a little bit of so many other things. When Amaya’s new sibling arrives, she knows just what to say about who she is, and what her sister will become.
With stunning, whimsical art, this lyrical book asks readers to celebrate their own uniqueness—and that of others. This is a lullaby to any child who is discovering who they are.