The Friends of the Oakton Library was founded in 2001 in response to community enthusiasm for creation of the new branch. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 8, 2006, and the Oakton Library opened on Sept. 29, 2007.
Mission
The mission of the Friends of Oakton Library is simple. It is to support and enhance library resources and services and to foster a strong connection between the library and the local community. As such, we are an incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Accomplishments
Since the Oakton Library opened, the Friends organization has raised funds through the sale of donated books, membership dues and individual monetary donations. These funds have enhanced the Oakton Library branch and the Fairfax County Public Library system as a whole in the following ways:
- Collections including books, eBooks, audio books, CDs, DVDs and magazine and newspaper subscriptions;
- Recognition and celebration of FCPL volunteers;
- Providing for updated furnishings and interior décor;
- Supporting youth including the popular Summer Reading Program as well as Brain Games, LEGOs Read/Build/Play, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the Easy Readers program and film screenings;
- Supporting Adult programming including speakers, educational and entertaining events;
- Supporting events such as Volunteer Fests, the Oakton Branch's 5th and 10th Anniversaries, FCPL's 75th Anniversary, the 2012 Fairfax Library Foundation Jubilee, annual Holiday Open Houses, Friends' Forums and Fall for the Book;
- Support of the Fairfax Library Foundation including the Scholarship Fund, the Changing Lives Through Literature and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs and its annual Jubilee fundraiser;
- Upkeep of the Branch's National Wildlife Federation-certified outdoor habitat including furniture, fixtures, native and ornamental plants; bird houses and feed; labor.
Current Friends' Choice Award Recipient
October 2019—Fay Fahs
Book Sale Information
Two major book sales are held each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. In addition, an ongoing book sale is available in the library lobby during all open hours offering selected youth and adult fiction and non-fiction. Occasional, smaller sales may be held, such as in December.
Book and Media Donations
Donations of clean, intact, gently used books, college-level textbooks, DVDs, CDs, audio books and especially children’s books are most welcome and may be left on the Friends’ green cart near the information desk.
Encyclopedia sets no more than 2 years old, collectible comics, and vinyl records in like-new condition will be accepted, as are like-new puzzles in original boxes. We cannot accept VHS tapes, cassettes tapes or magazines, however other Branches may accept these items. Donation receipts are available.
For larger donations, please arrange with an Oakton Library staff person to bring them to the back door. Up to 4 boxes/bags per day, per donor can be accepted due to our very small storage area. Each day, Friends volunteers sort and box your donations in preparation for the next book sale.
Oakton Friends Newsletter
Our informative quarterly newsletter is emailed to all members of the Friends of Oakton Library.
Membership
Membership is open to all. Annual dues are $10 for individuals and $25 for families. To become a Friend of Oakton Library, please visit the branch and pick up a form or email the Friends. We are always looking for new members, so please consider joining and helping fulfill our mission.
Meeting Dates
Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of most months at 7 p.m. in the library meeting room. The annual Membership meeting is held on the third Tuesday of January.
Friends Officers
President: Jane Sharnoff
First Vice President: Jayne Young
Second Vice President: Mary Colombi
Secretary: Pam Alexander
Treasurer: Fred Pitman
