Saturday, May 30, 2:00-4:00pm

Join us for a talk by author Jeff Bennett about his book The Black Belt of Virginia: Untold Stories of African American History. You'll get the chance to talk to the author afterwards, purchase books, and get them signed!

The Black Belt of Virginia reveals the hidden legacy of Black Virginians. For instance, did you know that from 1865 to 1877, over 80 Black politicians served across the state? This book will share these histories and more!

Learn about a brave Black woman who spied on Confederate President Jefferson Davis while disguised as an enslaved worker. Learn about the history of more than 70 Black communities lost in Virginia. Read the story of a 135-year-old church and the meaning behind land passed down through generations.

Bennett’s book shows the strength and impact of Black families before and after slavery. Perfect for history lovers and older readers, this collection brings forgotten voices back to life.

Friday, June 5, 5:00-8:00pm

Game Night invites shoppers and diners to “play their way through downtown” during First Friday. Participating businesses will host a simple, fun game or interactive activity, creating a lively, self-guided experience that encourages guests to explore multiple stops throughout the evening. When you visit Dragonfly, we have a variety of games and puzzles that you can choose from, and you can also engage your searching skills for our in-store scavenger hunt!

Guests will collect stamps, stickers, or other markers as they visit each location, then enter a drawing for downtown prizes.

Sunday, June 7, 2:00-5:00pm

Every first Sunday, we invite creators of all types to hang out at Dragonfly and get their craft on. Bring your crochet or knitting, coloring books, journals, models, and more!

Our only restriction: No glitter please!

Monday, June 8, 5:30-6:30pm

Join like-minded readers for our book club, held on the second Monday of each month. June’s read is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, and it is sure to lead to some interesting discussions!

In general, book club meetings last around one hour, but they sometimes extend a bit beyond that timeframe.

If you are interested in signing up for the Dragonfly Book Club email list, please use the link below.

Saturday, June 13, 2:00-4:00pm

Join us for a talk by author Michael West about his novel Lost in the Holler. You’ll get the chance to talk to the author afterwards, purchase books, and get them signed!

A disillusioned RJ Burnett returns home to Gizzard’s Holler - where belonging is both comfort and constraint - to reconnect with kin and community. Soon whispers of a murder from decades ago begin to surface. Drawn deeper into the tangled history of his family, RJ must decide whether truth is worth the cost of breaking the code that binds them all.

Lost in the Holler is an atmospheric, character-driven novel about roots, reckoning, and the price of finally knowing where you come from — and what it means to choose truth over all else.

Saturday, June 20, 2:00-4:00pm

Join us for a talk by author Wendy Welch about her newest book Nine Lives at a Time: The Inside Story of an Appalachian Cat Rescue. You’ll get the chance to talk to the author afterwards, purchase books, and get them signed!

When bookstore owner Wendy Welch was swept into the world of cat rescue, she found friends and felines in unusual places. The rescue operation coalesced within a rural Appalachian county that faced challenges in financial support and substance misuse. A plucky band of volunteers founded a nonprofit by thinking outside the box—while scooping inside the boxes.
Appalachian Feline Friends associates soon found themselves learning to spell and treat coccidia; encountering members of the public who had great expectations; bottle-feeding orphaned infants; and figuring out how 300 cats per year could be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and adopted. The antics and adventures of well-meaning, untrained do-gooders are by turns hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Cat lover or people watcher, these stories showcase human nature’s finest moments.

Saturday, June 20, 3:00-5:00pm

Every third Saturday of the month we invite writers of all types - from published and aspiring authors to poets to journalers, and more - to hang out at Dragonfly with like-minded folks. This is a great space to share your creativity with others, network with other writers, get feedback on your work, and get inspired. Each gathering begins with a 10-15 minute writing prompt exercise, but then the rest of the time is guided by the participants. Join us and get writing!

If you are interested in signing up for the Word Nerds Writers’ Gathering email list, please use the link below.

Friday, June 26, 5:00-8:00pm

Every fourth Friday, we invite fellow puzzlers and board/card gamers to hang out with us throughout the evening. You can bring your own puzzles and games, or borrow some of ours!

Saturday, July 11, 2:00-4:00pm

Join us for Dragonfly Book Bar’s Local Author Showcase & Social !

With each Local Author Showcase & Social, we will feature several local or regional authors, giving them time to talk about their book and a table for selling and signing their books while they are here. The featured books will then be available at Dragonfly until the next Showcase event!

Monday, July 13, 5:30-6:30pm

Join like-minded readers for our book club, held on the second Monday of each month. July’s read is Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, and it is sure to lead to some interesting discussions!

In general, book club meetings last around one hour, but they sometimes extend a bit beyond that timeframe.

If you are interested in signing up for the Dragonfly Book Club email list, please use the link below.