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Growing Up is Hard to Do

A handful of coming-of-age novels

Vivid, urgent, and often aching -- growing up is anything but easy. And even though we all do it, everyone experiences the process differently. Such complexity and variability, as well as the way the experience can loom large even after adulthood is reached, makes growing up a rich topic to explore in fiction. Here, a few personal favorites -- in large part drawn from literary fiction -- that only begin to hint at the wealth of powerful coming of age novels out there.

Image of "Hola" in Text Bubble

Spanish Conversation Club

¿Quieres hablar español?

Interested in practicing your Spanish language speaking skills in a casual environment? Join the Georgetown Neighborhood Library this May, as we offer Spanish Conversation Club sessions every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The sessions will be led by instructor Luz Verost, and all levels of Spanish speakers are welcome! Questions? Email julia.strusienski@dc.gov.

Peabody Bust

Unveiling of George Peabody Bust

By Georgetown Artist Jeannette Murphy

Join us on Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m. for the unveiling of a new bust by Georgetown artist Jeannette Murphy of the Peabody Room's namesake, George Peabody, in honor of his recent 220th birthday!  

Cover image: The Invention of Wings

'The Invention of Wings'

Georgetown Book Club's May Selection

Sue Monk Kidd's 2014 novel The Invention of Wings opens in Charleston in 1803, as Sarah Grimké is given young slave Hetty "Handful" Grimké as a gift for her 11th birthday.

Travelwalk by Cary Kamarat

National Poetry Month: Cary Kamarat reads 'Travelwalk'

Celebrate National Poetry Month with travel-related poems

On Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m., the Georgetown Neighborhood Library will continue its National Poetry Month celebration with a reading from local poet and photographer Cary Kamarat. Mr. Kamarat is the author of the recent poetry anthology Travelwalk, a collection of travel-related poems and images.

Cover of "The Last Ruanway"

New Book Club!

Tenley Book Club

Looking for a book club? Then join the fun with other litterati at the new Tenley Book Club. Our club will read new & noteworthy fiction and the occasional talked-about non-fiction title. We will discuss Tracy Chevalier's The Last Runaway for the kick-off meeting in June.

Cover of Fake Mustache

Middle Grade Humor Books

Hilarious chapter books

When Internet memes and cute cat videos are not enough, it's time to turn to a hilarious book for a good laugh. The following list is guaranteed to make you fall out of a seated position laughing.  Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger

Historical illustrations of the French in America

Jacques Bodelle Author Talk

Book Hill French Market

Take a break from the Book Hill French Market and learn something, too! Scientist Jacques Bodelle will speak about his most recent book on Saturday, April 25th at 2 p.m. in the library.

The Library Returns to Baked & Wired

Join us there on first Wednesdays beginning in May

Need a library card and a latte? A book and a baked good?  Then get ready! Because with the warm weather comes the return of the Georgetown Neighborhood Library's monthly visits to Baked & Wired (1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW)! Beginning on May 6, you can drop by the locally owned coffee shop and bakery from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month and use our Library Takeout service to sign up for a library card, check out materials, and more.

Versailles Gardens

The 17th & 18th Century -- Far West and Far East

Book Hill French Market

Art Historian Vanessa Badré will discuss her research on the art & architecture of Versailles Palace on Friday, April 24 at 12 p.m. The talk is part of our festivities held in honor of the Book Hill French Market.

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