Fairfax County Public Library's partnership with local PBS member station WETA provides easy access to free video streaming services* for FCPL’s visitors, customers and cardholders. The mission and vision of public television and public libraries are closely aligned – to inform, engage and inspire our communities with trusted sources of information and entertainment that respect a diversity of views, culture and heritage.
Here is a selection of programs, we think that you’ll enjoy watching this month!
Library of Congress National Book Festival
The Library of Congress National Book Festival is an annual literary event that brings together best-selling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings and more. The 2025 lineup included Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Justice Amy Coney Barret, Rick Atkinson, R.L. Stine and others. WETA will be adding new author interviews from the 2026 festival this fall.
Great Adaptations
In this episode, the screenwriters behind Arrival, Kubo and the Two Strings, and I Love Dick discuss book-to-film adaptations and translating themes and literary devices to the screen. The art of writing them is as advantageous as it is demanding especially within the constraints of a 90-minute film.
Independent Lens: The Librarians
When lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.
POV: How to Build a Library
Since 1988, POV has been the home for the world’s boldest contemporary filmmakers, celebrating intriguing personal stories that spark conversation and inspire action.
WETA Staff Pick: Shiro and Wachuka have never tackled a project like this before, but their determination to redefine what the formerly whites-only McMillan Memorial Library can be pushes them through each challenge. Their friendship gives us a glimpse into their warm personalities, and their candidness about their frustrations draws us into their journey, making us feel like we’re right there with them.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate Hispanic culture and history with these great documentaries.
- Becoming Frida Kahlo - In a striking three-part series, Becoming Frida Kahlo strips away the myths to reveal the real Frida - a passionate and brilliant artist living through extraordinary times.
- Episodes 101 and 102 (9/05-9/18)
- Episode 103 (9/12-9/18)
- VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos
- Echoes of Empires - Episode101 (9/12-10/10)
- Threads in American Tapestry - Episode 102 (9/19-10/17)
- Solidarity in a new Era - Episode 103 (9/19-10/10)
- American Masters: Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined (9/16-10/14)
- Dia de los Muretos (9/26-10/24)
- VOCES: Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva (9/29-10/27)
Man in the Red Bandana
This one-hour documentary film tells the inspirational story of a 9/11 American hero - Welles Remy Crowther. The young man worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower and saved at least ten people on September 11th. Tragically, Welles died that day, but his heroics became known eight months later as a result of an ordinary item - his signature red bandana.
Remembering Dolly Parton
Let's Get Cooking
