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For media queries, contact Marketing & Communications Director Sara Prohaska at sara.prohaska@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees Welcomes Two New Members

October 14, 2020

The Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees welcomed two new members at its October board meeting. Dranesville District Supervisor John W. Foust appointed Sujatha Hampton to represent that district, which includes the Dolley Madison, Great Falls, Herndon Fortnightly and Tysons-Pimmit Regional library branches. Lee District Supervisor Rodney L. Lusk appointed Keith Foxx to represent that district, which includes the John Marshall and Richard Byrd library branches. Hampton currently works as the education chair for the Fairfax County NAACP. She is the author of the novel As It Was Written, published in 2010, and has held a variety of faculty and consultant appointments at the University of Virginia (UVA) and the George Washington University (GW). She holds a Ph.D. in special education from The University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in special education from GW and a bachelor’s degree in French from UVA. Foxx currently works as an engineering program management consultant executive for RK&K in Washington, D.C. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Howard University and sits on the board of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington. The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for library policies and for making budget recommendations to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The 12-member volunteer board comprises: one member from each of the nine supervisory districts in Fairfax County, each appointed by the district supervisor; one member-at-large, approved by the chairman of the Board of Supervisors; one member appointed by the City of Fairfax Council; and one member nominated by the Fairfax County School Board. The library board’s policies support One Fairfax, Fairfax County’s social and racial equity policy. One Fairfax commits county government and public schools to intentionally consider equity when making policies and delivering programs and services based on the premise that all residents deserve an equitable opportunity to succeed — regardless of their race, color, sex, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, disability, income or where they live. Library board meetings are usually held the second Wednesday of each month (except August) at the George Mason Regional Library, located at 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Meetings are currently being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the Fairfax County public meetings calendar to confirm dates and locations.

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My True Love Gave to Me book cover on photo of couple holding hands in the snow

Cozy up With 12 Holiday-Inspired Short Stories for Teens

December 18, 2020

Fend off winter chills and social-distancing slumps with a collection of heartwarming, bite-size tales. By Cristina Olson, School-Age and Teen Services Assistant Light on Length, Big on Fun Are you looking for a great read but don’t have the free time (or, perhaps, the inclination) to read a long book? Turn to short stories! For a collection that’s filled with all the holiday feels, check out My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by the international bestselling Stephanie Perkins. A dozen short stories by 12 bestselling young adult writers all wrapped up into one book makes this the perfect read for those in the mood for winter romance, catharsis or just a dose of the warm and fuzzies. As these stories take you through almost every emotion, you may find yourself crying, laughing, feeling angry or joyful —but always wanting more as you read each distinct tale. The well-known young adult authors featured include Holly Black, Matt de la Pena, Laini Taylor and more, and a highlight of the collection is their engaging characters. These authors introduce us to unique, diverse teens and showcase some compelling family dynamics. There is something (and someone) for every reader. My True Love Gave to Me has a little bit of every genre — from realistic fiction and fantasy to mystery. Skip around to read all of your favorite kinds of stories or challenge yourself to read straight through and maybe discover a new favorite genre. For added entertainment, search for the couples from each of the stories skating on the pond on the cover of the book! Whose story will be your favorite this season? "If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you're going to fall in love with My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by the international bestselling Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Years, there's something here for everyone. So, curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love." (Provided by publisher) Click here to find My True Love Gave to Me as a book, eBook or eAudiobook in our catalog.

three photos show hands typing on a laptop, woman knitting, hands using a power tool on wood

Three Ways to Get Creative With Digital Library Resources

September 30, 2020

Leverage Fairfax County Public Library’s electronic resources to mix things up and make the most of time with yourself and your home. By Andrea Spira, Great Falls Library Branch Manager Whether you have spent the past six months bingeing hours of Netflix, finally reading all those “want to read but not enough to actually read” books you have lining your bookshelves, or manically cleaning out closets, garages and basements, chances are that at this point you’re looking back on that time at home and wondering if you could have used it differently — perhaps a tad more creatively or a bit more effectively. Fortunately, FCPL has you covered when it comes to ideas, resources and tools to inspire and enable a whole slew of new activities and projects. With a library card, some imagination and a little time, you can get those creative juices flowing and those DIY projects moving forward. Get Creative OK, you aren’t Shakespeare (who famously wrote King Lear while in isolation from the Black Death plague), but what better time to dust off that screenplay or map out your version of the great American novel than now? FCPL’s digital collection on OverDrive has nearly 20 electronic titles on writing, including classics like Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King, and The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr. For a more systemic approach, turn to the Universal Class online database. It offers nearly 60 courses in general writing skills and more than 15 courses in creative writing, including: Novel Writing 101; Romance Writing; Mystery Writing; Writing the Great American Short Story; Humor Writing; Poetry Writing; and even Paranormal Romance Writing. There is, quite literally, something for everyone. All courses are self-paced, and library cardholders can sign up for multiple courses at a time. Choose to enroll in courses “video only” (essentially like auditing a course) or take the full course with assignments, tests and access to student forums. Get Crafty As an industry, arts and crafts has experienced a boom during the pandemic. Sales of crafting kits skyrocketed and how-to videos on YouTube — like those created by FCPL staff — are racking up record high views. No doubt about it; Americans are getting crafty, and you can be too! OverDrive offers how-to eBooks on a wide range of arts and crafts for kids and adults alike, from knitting, crocheting and quilting to stamping, mosaics and papercrafts. You name it, the library can help you make it. So, knit away with titles such as Cast On, Bind Off by Leslie Ann Bestor and French Girl Knits Accessories by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes, or try your hand at other activities with Washi Tape Crafts by Amy Anderson or Sweet Paper Crafts by Molly Greene. Universal Class also offers structured courses on handicrafts that will help you bring out your inner creative. Options include Knitting 101, Acrylic Painting 101, How to Draw, Western Calligraphy, Soap Making and Photography 101. Get Home Handy For many of us, our homes have never been more integral in our lives than they are now. While they serve as safe havens and sources of comfort, staying safer-at-home has meant plenty of time to notice all those less-than-ideal things — big and small — that could use a little attention. A great place to start your research and planning is the Home Improvement Reference Center online database. Log in with your library card to access a collection of books, magazines, images and videos to help with basic home maintenance, renovation and improvement as well as a library of indoor and outdoor projects to tackle. FCPL's e-magazine collection is another valuable home improvement resource. Download current and back issues of Dwell and Architectural Digest for inspiration and Do It Yourself Magazine and Family Handyman for the detailed how-to. Finally, if you discover you need something done in your home that you can’t tackle yourself, be sure to take a look at Consumers' Checkbook. You’ll find unbiased reviews and undercover price research on services in the Washington, D.C., area, to help you navigate the challenges of finding the right companies to help with those larger or more difficult projects. Normally available in-branch only, Consumers' Checkbook is accessible at home while the library operates under the express service model. So, no more excuses. Log in, sign up and get started today!

Shipping pallets and boxes in the library's Technical Operations Center

Library Pandemic Logistics: A Summer Rush for the Receiving Team

September 28, 2020

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have taken on tasks that aren’t usually their responsibility — and the library is no different. During Fairfax County’s initial coronavirus response, FCPL’s receiving department became the library’s hub of logistics. Instead of processing books, this team received shipments of various disinfectant supplies, masks, face shields and more. They then ensured distribution to all branches. While most county employees teleworked, FCPL’s receiving team remained open at least one day a week to accept deliveries of new books. The library shifted its purchasing to digital titles in response to the governor’s stay-at-home and safer-at-home orders, but printed materials ordered prior to March were still incoming. FCPL re-opened to the public for Express Services on July 13, at which point the receiving team returned its focus to books just in time for a major rush. This year, the team’s busiest month was August, since publishers had postponed the releases of many books from April, May and June to later in the summer. During August, the FCPL receiving department accepted and confirmed more 23,000 items, representing about 2,400 titles. That meant opening and unpacking more than 800 boxes. During one four-day period, nine pallets of books and additional smaller shipments were received. Now you know the behind-the-scenes work that has gone into making your library continue to function and your favorite titles remain available during this year's stay-at-home and safer-at-home routines. For more behind-the-scenes looks at how books become library books, check out the Collections Development story from the summer issue of Branch Out magazine, and stay tuned for the next installment coming in the winter issue for a closer look at the receiving process!

Virginia Library Association Awards Miriam Smolen 2020 Trustee Library Award

September 25, 2020

The Virginia Library Association (VLA) awarded Miriam Smolen its 2020 Trustee Library Award, which recognizes distinguished service to libraries or a library in Virginia. Smolen joined the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees in 2014 and is its immediate past chair; she continues to serve on the board as the Providence District representative. “Our libraries are a foundation of our public life, and I wanted to support this jewel of a public resource,” Smolen said. Smolen has worked diligently, building relationships and bridging divides, to accomplish her present and future goals of both expanding ongoing funding for FCPL and expanding community access to library services by increasing branch hours. “Trustee Smolen’s guidance and dedication the last several years has been invaluable,” said FCPL Director Jessica Hudson. “During her tenure as chair, we received support from the county’s Board of Supervisors to expand and standardize library hours. Although we won’t see that happen this year due to pandemic-related budget changes, it’s clear that our community’s assessment of FCPL’s value has grown under Trustee Smolen’s leadership.” That advocacy is her most important contribution, Smolen said. “I am most proud of the work our board has done in advocating for more library resources for our patrons and the whole community. Individually, and as a board, we have developed strong relationships with each supervisor, and educated them and the public on the huge variety of services provided by the library, but also the tremendous need for more access and materials,” Smolen said. During these challenging times for library funding and support, Smolen’s work will provide a strong foundation for budget planning when it is time to request funding for the library system in future fiscal years, according to the news release from VLA. Even during a global pandemic, FCPL continues to serve Fairfax County residents in innovative ways, Smolen said. “Our community should know that the Fairfax County Library is filled with devoted, creative and public-minded staff. They were, and still are, working through the COVID-19 crisis to keep providing services and books to residents stuck at home,” she said.

Job Hunt From Home With Help From Your Library

September 16, 2020

Access free online training and job search tools 24/7 with your library card. By Elaine Duke, Library Information Assistant at Herndon Fortnightly Library Support to Help You Stand Out Fairfax County Public Library’s nearly 100 research databases cover a wide variety of topics — from car repair and literature to genealogy — and include dozens of online resources for career training and job searches. Start with the databases below, and use the “Search for Databases” function in the blue bar at the top of the A–Z Online Resources page to quickly reach these and your other favorite databases. AtoZ Databases Looking for a job? Search AtoZ Databases for current openings. Thinking of starting your own business? Use it to see what companies already exist in the area. Click on the “Intro Videos” option on the menu bar at the top of the homepage to find videos that will provide guidance and help you maximize your search. Additionally, the Reference Desk tab on the top menu bar will link you to the AtoZU Training Center and a variety of webinars design to help you capitalize on the information compiled by AtoZ Databases. LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com for Libraries) Could your resume use a makeover? Do you need to update your interview skills? LinkedIn Learning offers video tutorials on resume writing, cover letters, networking, interview techniques and more. Browse the collection of courses to find hundreds of free training opportunities, including: “Finding a Job During Challenging Economic Times” “Job Search Strategies” “Skilled Trades: Resumes and Portfolios” “Job Hunter’s Networking Masterclass.” “Excel Tips Weekly” Need assistance accessing any of these resources? Ask Your Library!

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! StoryWalk station one: book cover

Explore New StoryWalks at Chantilly Regional and Martha Washington Libraries

September 15, 2020

Fall for two new stories displayed in interactive book trails at the Chantilly and Martha Washington library branches. Get the family outside, active and reading with a fun, social distance-friendly way to spend an autumn day — Fairfax County Public Library’s children's picture book StoryWalks®. Chantilly Regional Library's StoryWalk now features Being a Good Citizen by Mary Small. "In this endearing character education tale, readers learn about the different things they can do every day to be a good citizen, including having manners, strong values, and helping local government. Through charming illustrations and supportive, read-aloud text, young learners will discover a pride in their community and themselves" (publisher's note). To find it outside the branch, look for the flamingos and follow along to the left of the building. The latest story at Martha Washington Library's interactive trail is Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming. The book follows Mr. McGreely, who — after planting the garden he has dreamed of for years — tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables. Make an express stop in the branch after completing the StoryWalk to pick up the accompanying bunny nose take-and-make craft. StoryWalks combine the pleasure of reading and the joys and benefits of taking a walk outdoors. This self-directed learning opportunity consists of a deconstructed children’s book. Each page of the book is mounted separately, and families walk from one page to the next to read the story. These interactive trails build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy outdoor activity for both children and adults. StoryWalk® was created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson in Montpelier, Vermont. She was looking for ways to promote physical activity, early literacy and family time together in nature. With the help of Rachel Senechal, Kellogg-Hubbard Library and the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, StoryWalks were born. Contact your local branch to see if it offers a StoryWalk.

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