Not a bad spot to tuck into a bestseller. | Photo by NOVAtoday
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
Where would one go in NOVA?
Our vote?Arlington Ridge Park + Potomac Park. There’s plenty of space to find a quiet spot in the grass, gorgeous backdrop views, and the gentle sounds of the Potomac floating by.
Where would you like to see an outdoor library in NOVA? Let us know — we’ll share your ideas in a future newsletter.
Asked
Asked
Where would you put an outdoor library in Northern Virginia?
We’d love to share your ideas in a future newsletter.
Wiz Khalifa & Sean Paul | 6:30 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow | $37+ | Hear these famous rappers on their “Good Vibes Only” tour, as they are joined by special guest DaBaby.
“Footloose: The Musical” | Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington | $16+ | It’s the final weekend to watch the powerful story of rebellion, community, and dancing — the Saturday matinee has ASL interpreters.
Columbia Pike Movie Nights | 8:30 p.m. | Arlington Mill Community Center | Free | Jinkies — pack a Scooby Snack and watch an outdoor screening of the anthropomorphic 2002 cult classic.
Saturday, July 26
Writer’s Group | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Courthouse Library, Arlington | Free | Meet fellow wordsmiths every other week to hone your craft, offer support, and give + receive feedback.
Viva Peru | 8 p.m. | The Salsa Room Tysons, McLean | $28+ | Celebrate Peruvian Independence Day with salsa classes, a DJ, and more cultural reflection and celebration.
Sunday, July 27
Science Behind “Harry Potter” | 1-5 p.m. | Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Alexandria | $15 | Learn more about the scientific roots of the fictional magical world of potions and herbology.
Judy Collins | 7:30 p.m. | The Birchmere, Alexandria | $60+ | End your weekend listening to the legendary singer-songwriter’s decades of hits which have inspired folk musicians for six decades.
The DC Council is expected to hold its first vote on plans to build a new Washington Commanders stadium at the site of RFK Stadium, per reporting from the Washington Business Journal. Reports suggest Council Chairman Phil Mendelson wants to reach a finance adjustment agreement with the team.
Development
Arlington keeps going up. Literally. The local council approved zoning changes for 1,246 housing units spread across three major development projects in Rosslyn, Ballston, and Shirlington. We’ll be keeping our eyes on this one. (ARLnow)
Weather
The Merrymen may have been on to something with their 1988 hit. With a heat advisory in place across NOVA today, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay inside when you can, and check on your neighbors, as advised by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
Announced
A pair of modernizing projects is in the works across NOVA. Annandale’s George Mason Library is getting significant interior upgrades, with designers currently finalizing their vision. And in Alexandria, officials have approved a framework for the city’s only skatepark to get improvements in safety, appearance, and functionality. (FFXnow + ALXnow)
Outdoors
Occoquan and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources are hosting an event aimed at capturing an invasive species of fish — the northern snakehead. The Occoquan Snakehead Roundup is an opportunity for licensed anglers to stem the growing population of the species on Sunday, Aug. 3 at River Mills Park. (Inside NOVA)
Kids
With the seemingly endless summer break ongoing, it can be hard to fill the days before the school bell rings again. The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair is one way to keep the kiddos busy from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 3. Head to Frying Pan Farm Park for nostalgic fun, fair eats, tractor demos, and live animals.
Quoted
“Parks, sides of the road, schools, yards people let me search.” That’s where one NOVA local has spent the past two years scouring for treasures with a metal detector. And they’ve built quite the collection of coins, civil war relics, and much more.
Read
Tangle is a rare political newsletter that doesn’t take sides — it lays them out. Every day, it delivers balanced reporting on major political stories, minus the bias. Subscribe for free.*
Fact or Fiction
The color of your car impacts your car insurance rate. Fact or fiction? Luckily for Nicki Minaj, this is fiction. Still, rates can change for other reasons, so experts advise shopping around regularly. See if you could save with this quick questionnaire.*
Post of the Day
Did anyone spot this group of blokes at Nationals Park earlier this week?
After the national rugby team of England played against the US last week, the lads stayed in town for a few days to catch a ballgame. Hopefully someone explained the rules to them.
Amazon’s deals are still rolling, and we’re here for it. Shop more picks while the sales last:
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💺 Upgrade your home office chair for a high-back leather version while it’s 38% off.
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📚 Get a like-new version of Kindle’s latest model, the Paperwhite, for 26% off.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Wait, where’s Ava? Your wonderful newsletter editor will be back soon — I’m just covering while she shows her mom around town and takes some exceptionally well-earned time off. Say hi if you’d like.
I hope you like dad jokes, history tidbits, and pictures of my dogs, because that’s what’s in store. Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon.
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