TYSONS, Va. - Fairfax County leaders and community members gathered at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library on Saturday, Oct. 22 for the unveiling of a bronze statue donated by a longtime employee of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). Promila Chhabra worked for FCPL for more than 30 years and, upon her retirement, donated the “Girl Reading” statue along with her husband Dr. Krishan Chhabra. “[Promila] was very passionate about her job and loved to help and guide the patrons,” said Krishan. “Even before her retirement, she had a great desire to do something and give back to the community as well as to the library in appreciation of their service.”

In addition to Promila and Krishan, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, who led the initiative for the statue’s placement at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meetings, was also there to mark the occasion. “One of the things that really makes [Fairfax County] special is...our libraries,” he said addressing the crowd. “Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Chhabra for your generous contribution and for your lifetime of service to the libraries.” Sujatha Hampton, FCPL Board of Trustees representative for Tysons-Pimmit branch and Dranesville District, also spoke. “When our community understands and gives back like this to our libraries in honor of the people who work in our libraries and make it special, it's so wonderful,” she said. “Especially now, when we need as much support as possible to keep our libraries open and accessible to everyone.” Jessica Hudson, FCPL director, echoed this sentiment and applauded the statue as a testament to the hardworking people who make the library possible. “This beautiful statue is just one tiny piece of a remembrance for the great services that the people who work in our library do for our community.”

“Girl Reading” was designed by sculptor Dennis Smith. The statue can be viewed in front of Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library.