From black holes to Dungeons & Dragons: 5 unique events at the UVA Library

By Molly Minturn | March 15, 2023

Sure, you can visit the University of Virginia Library to borrow books (we have more than 5 million of them!), to find a cozy study space, or even to use a 3-D printer, but did you know we offer events ranging from workshops to performances for UVA and the Charlottesville community throughout the year?

Below, check out five upcoming events for those who love music, science, crafting, and gaming. All Library events are free.

1. Making Noise in the Library

A woman in an elegant blue dress plays a grand piano on a dramatically-lit stage, as she looks directly at the audience and smilesThe Making Noise in the Library series brings artists into the Music Library for free performances. On March 17, come enjoy a concert by Carlehr Swanson, a jazz singer, songwriter, and UVA Ph.D. candidate. On March 31, spend the afternoon with Corey Harris, an accomplished guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader who has carved his own niche in blues. Both performances will be in the Music Library and are free of charge. Refreshments will be provided, no registration required.

 

2. Make a Book Safe Workshop

A book is open, revealing a hollowed-out cavity in the middleBring an old book to hollow out and turn into a safe place to store your valuables! A limited number of books will be available; all other tools will be provided. No experience is needed. It only takes an hour to make a safe, so you won’t need to stay for the whole workshop time. Registration is required.

 

3. What Happens Inside Black Holes?

This talk exploring what happens inside black holes is the second of three talks in a series on “Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe” by UVA astronomy professor Kelsey Johnson.

The three talks are the first in the new “STEM for Everyone” popular science lecture series. The STEM for Everyone lectures are designed for a general undergraduate audience and are open to the public. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be a small reception at the end of the talk. There will also be a prize drawing for attendees (prizes include a signed edition of Johnson’s book, Constellations for Kids,” which is listed consistently in Amazon’s top 10 children’s astronomy books, as well as a signed art print by Johnson). Registration is required.

Read more about the three-lecture series.  

 

4. Tote Bags & T-Shirts

Design your own tote bag! Pick from different sizes, sew your tote bag together, and learn how to upcycle old T-shirts to make interesting graphics. Materials will be provided, but if you have old T-shirts with cool graphics that you don’t mind cutting up to put on your tote bag, feel free to bring those along.

No sewing experience required. Drop in anytime between 3 – 7:30 p.m. to make your tote bag. Registration is required.

 

5. Intro to Mini Making and D&D Basics

A small rat figurine, wearing a backpack; an alien creature with a long sword; and an orange muscled alienHave you ever been curious about the tabletop gaming hobby? Heard of Dungeons & Dragons, but not sure how it works? Want to paint a tiny figurine that you can show off to your friends? In this workshop, we’ll be discussing the basics of tabletop gaming as a form of group storytelling, learning how to build characters, and painting mini-figures for use in play.

All materials are provided and no prior experience needed. Registration is required.