News

Banned book speakeasy returning to Morrison House in Old Town

By James Cullum
The Study at Morrison House (via The Study at Morrison House on Facebook)

The Study at Morrison House (116 S. Alfred Street) is bringing back a banned book speakeasy next month.

The speakeasy will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to Saturday, Nov. 8, with $1 from every drink sold benefiting the Virginia Library Association. The event, last held in April, will spotlight several books on PEN America’s 2025 List.

The event features:

  • A banned book inspired cocktail menu, featuring new cocktails and mocktails spotlighting different banned books
  • Live piano music, setting the mood for an unforgettable literary escape
  • Creative ordering experience using a timed entry “Prologue Pass,” a secret phrase which is your key to slipping past the librarian and into the hidden world of forbidden tales

Photo via Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.