Library Alert:
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Patrick Henry Temporary Library and Future Vienna-Carter Library | The current Patrick Henry Library is one of the busiest community locations in the Fairfax County Public Library system, operating at a level of a small regional. The new Vienna-Carter Library, approved by a bond referendum in 2020, is a proposed joint development project between Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna to renovate the library and provide additional parking structures for the library and the town. Construction of the new library is set to begin this summer.When will the current Patrick Henry Library location close?The last day of service at the current location, which opened in September 1971, will be May 9, 2025. There will be a period of approximately three to six weeks where both the old and temporary branches will be unavailable for service while books, furniture and shelves are transported and installed at the temporary location. Where can visitors go until the new Vienna-Carter Library is built?While this library is closed, customers are invited to visit the temporary location (details below) or a nearby full-service branch – close options include Oakton Library, City of Fairfax Regional Library and Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. Materials can be picked up or returned to any Fairfax County Public Library branch. What if I have holds in my account that will be sent to Patrick Henry Library?The last day to pick up holds at the 101 Maple Ave East location will be May 6, 2025. If you currently have Patrick Henry Library selected as your pickup location in your account, please change to another library until the temporary location opens. • Log into your library account. • Click Holds in the menu on the left, then select the item(s) for which you would like to change the pickup location. • Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Change Pickup Location, then select the new library from the dropdown menu and select Submit. Patrick Henry Temporary LibraryThis project will begin with the opening of a temporary branch in June in the Cedar Park Shopping Center, 262 Cedar Lane, Vienna. The site is approximately 2800 square feet and intended as a quick visit and convenient service location. Available at the temporary facility will be: • Small browsing selection • Ability to pick up holds or return books • Public Wi-Fi • Chromebooks for onsite use • Some programming (e.g. storytimes) Future Vienna-Carter LibraryThe future Vienna-Carter Library will replace the existing Patrick Henry Library with an approximately 19,000 SF one-story library and a 209-space four-level parking structure on the existing site, 101 Maple Avenue, Vienna. The proposed facility will include a state-of-the-art library space that will support the current and future programmatic and operational needs of the library users and staff, an outdoor reading and gathering space, and a flexible community space that will be open during and after library business hours. The garage will provide 125 parking spaces for the library users and staff, and an additional 84 parking spaces for the public. The project has a goal to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification, 50% energy reduction over current ASHRAE standards, Net Zero energy design and will utilize all electrical systems and equipment. The project includes Photovoltaic (PV) panel system and Geothermal heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and achieve Net Zero energy. Project construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and occupancy of the new library in early to mid 2027. Will there be a celebration of the current Patrick Henry Library location?A community celebration and open house took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, featuring remarks from community leaders, history activities, crafts, performances, commemorative giveaways and more, for all ages. The community was also encouraged to share their memories of Patrick Henry Library in short interviews with staff and members of Vienna Historic Inc. “We moved to Vienna before my children were born. Walking from the picture book area to the early readers and juvenile readers, to teen books is like a walk through our family’s life,” said one celebration visitor. Another shared, “This library has been the living room for the community for so many years.” |
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Read full article | April 11, 2025 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/PH_Moving_Hero.png | 1 | Center |
It’s Free at Your Library - Celebrate National Library Week at FCPL! | Every year during the month of April, the American Library Association dedicates one week to honoring the important work of libraries and library staff around the country. Since its first official celebration in 1958, National Library Week has sought to highlight “the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.” For its 2025 celebration, which runs April 6-12, Fairfax County Public Library wants to remind you of all the amazing things you can do FREE at your library.
You can share with us what your favorite free library resource is, or simply what you love most about the library, by visiting any of our 23 branches throughout the week to fill out a notecard. Can’t make it to a branch? Submit your comment online. Looking for more reasons why libraries are so great? Check out this booklist all about the joy libraries, librarians and reading bring to our world. |
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Read full article | April 2, 2025 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/NLW_2025_hero.jpg | 1 | |
FCPL Recognizes Outstanding Employees with Annual Staff Excellence Awards | During their monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 12, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees took time to honor several library employees with staff excellence awards. From Feb. 1-14, library users nominated staff members for recognition. A board committee reviewed submissions and selected 21 winners from more than 115 nominations. This year’s winners include:
Photos of the ceremony and the recognized staff can be found here. |
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Read full article | March 18, 2025 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Staff-Excellence_Award_TW.jpg | 1 | Center |
Fairfax County Public Library is crushing it! |
Did you know that glass bottles and jars are not accepted in most curbside recycling programs throughout the region?The good news is that Fairfax County residents can bring their empty, clean and dry glass containers to purple glass recycling collection containers anytime. Glass deposited in these purple cans throughout the county is used to make food and beverage containers, fiberglass insulation, and reflective materials. On Thursday, February 27, Fairfax County celebrated its 26th and newest location for consumer glass recycling with a ribbon-cutting and bottle-recycle at Chantilly Regional Library.
"This is our second purple can in Sully District. I'm really excited that we provide these services to the community so that the world is a better place for future generations," said Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith. Since the program's inception in 2019, to date, over 50 million pounds of glass have been collected in the county's purple collection containers. That's approximately 42 pounds of glass from each of our 1.2 million county residents. Always good for a fun tip, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Deputy Director Eric Forbes explained to the crowd what the numbers and letters on your glass containers really mean. "N is for North America and then there's numbers associated with it. If it has a number 13 or 30 that means it was actually processed and made here in Virginia." Check out a few bottles or jars in your own home today and see what letters and numbers they have! Library users and the community can currently recycle glass with FCPL at three locations:Chantilly Regional Library, Dolley Madison Library and Great Falls Library. |
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Read full article | February 27, 2025 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Glass_Bins_Hero.png | 1 | Bottom |
Discover Black History Month Happenings at FCPL | This February (and beyond) join Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) as we explore the diverse history of African Americans and highlight the many contributions they have made in this country from its very beginnings. With author talks, history presentations, storytimes and more for all ages, check out a small sample of what is on the schedule at your local library in celebration of Black History Month. *Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.
For a complete list of Black History-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_BHMEvents. You can also celebrate and honor by selecting a new read from our specially curated Black History Month booklists for adults and kids. |
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Read full article | February 1, 2025 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/hero-slideshow/BHM_25_Hero.png | 1 | Center |
Fairfax County Public Library's Top Checkouts of 2024 | ![]() 2024 marked the 85th anniversary year for Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). On February 1st, 1939, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted for a $250 allocation to fund a public library for the first time. It’s hard to imagine that small amount of money, which eventually became a traveling bookmobile, could sustain a free public library. Fast forward to today and it is the largest and busiest public library system not only in Virginia but also the entire southern United States, with an average circulation of over 12 million items.
TOP DIGITAL ITEMS FOR 2024
Top 5 Adult eBooks: Top 5 Adult eAudiobooks: Top 5 Childrens and Young Adult eBooks: Top 5 Childrens and Young Adult eAudiobooks: Top 5 eMagazines: TOP PRINT MATERIAL CHECKOUTS FOR 2024
Top 5 Print Childrens/Young Adult: LIBRARY OF THINGS In 2024, FCPL added two new offerings to the Library of Things collection: Light Pollution Monitoring Kits and Family History Kits. TECHNOLOGY AND MAKING @ FCPLFCPL provides free access to the internet at each of their 22 branches — whether on a County-provided computer or your own mobile device or laptop. Connect Kits (Chromebooks) are also available for check out that include free Wi-Fi hotspot devices for on-the-go connectivity.
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Read full article | December 31, 2024 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/2024.png | 1 | Center |
Show Your Appreciation For Veterans and Military Families at Your Local Library | Fairfax County is home to a large and thriving military community. According to an article from the county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, which coordinates the Veteran and Military Families Commission, more than 45,000 active-duty military, selected reserve members, and an estimated 65,000 veterans live in Fairfax County. To honor these members of our community, Fairfax County Public Library will be celebrating National Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month this November. Throughout the month, library visitors can join us at branches around the county to connect with and celebrate our military neighbors with programming that includes author talks, storytimes, demonstrations and more. Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you: *Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information. Blue Star Family Play Date – Sherwood Regional Library – Sunday, November 3 Special Storytime with Sergeant Victor Melendez – Kings Park Library – Wednesday, November 6 Marine Corps Silent Rifle Drill Team – Centreville Regional Library – Wednesday, November 6 Meet Author Lt. Col. Les Carroll – Multiple Locations – Multiple Dates (registration required) Fitness Tips for Military Families – Sherwood Regional Library – Thursday, November 14 Celebrating Military Families – Lorton Library – Saturday, November 23 (registration required) For a complete list of related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_MilitaryFamilyAppeciation. |
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Read full article | November 1, 2024 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/hero-slideshow/Military_Family_24-Hero.png | 1 | Top |
National Friends of the Library Week 2024 | Thanks for Being a Friend! FCPL Honors Friends of the Library Week National Friends of the Library Week is an opportunity for Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) to thank our many Friends groups for their contributions throughout the year. These individual groups support, assist and promote library activities for the local community. Every Friends group makes valuable contributions to the entire library, as well as their own branch. Most Friends groups hold book sales, and the proceeds are donated back to the library to help the library acquire books and equipment as well as sponsor programs and exhibits beyond the library's operating budget. Please watch this video message from our Acting Director Christine Jones, featuring a few of our Friends members.
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Please the link below the play in VLC, Quicktime, or other media player: https://dl.ebmcdn.net/fairfax/flash/16AF_1024_LibraryWeek.mp4
2024 Friends Choice Awards The Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees and community members recently gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to celebrate the library’s Friends groups and recognize members nominated by their peers for their service. This year’s Friends Choice Awards were held at Chantilly Regional Library and featured a program honoring 32 awardees. Board of Trustees Chair Suzanne Levy led the program, praising the Friends groups for their contributions to the library over the last year and honoring each recipient for their contributions. The photo gallery from the awards ceremony is available here. This year’s list of honorees include:
Community members wishing to become part of a Friends groups can find out more information on the library’s website. This page includes a list of the different Friends groups throughout Fairfax County as well as details on membership and how to join. You can become actively involved or simply have the satisfaction of supporting a worthwhile cause. Consider donating your used books to the library for sale during Friends' book sales!
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Read full article | October 18, 2024 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Friends-Library-Week_Hero.png | 1 | Top |
Fairfax County Public Library Announces New Director |
Eric Carzon has been appointed director of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL), effective Monday, Nov. 4. Carzon brings over 27 years of experience in library management, having most recently served as regional manager for Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). He succeeds Jessica Hudson, who left the position earlier this year. In his role at MCPL, Carzon oversaw various leadership positions, including business manager and branch manager, before advancing to regional manager. He played a significant role in launching MCPL’s first Library of Things Music in 2018, a project that expanded access to diverse resources. Additionally, he contributed to numerous capital projects aimed at enhancing library services and facilities across the region. Carzon has been a leader on several initiatives that received national recognition. Notable among these is the Library Refresh Capital Improvements Program, which focused on modernizing library spaces to better serve community needs. He also helped establish a successful partnership with KIDMuseum, which provided innovative educational programs for local youth. Carzon holds master’s degrees in library information science and public management from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Library Association and the Public Library Association. |
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Read full article | October 1, 2024 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/New%20Director_Updated.png | 1 | Center |
Honor Hispanic Heritage Month at Your Local Library! | Tracing back to a week-long celebration in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was officially recognized in 1988 by President Ronald Regan and honors the significant roles Hispanic/Latino Americans have planned in shaping the United States since the beginning of the county. From September 15 to October 15, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is joining several others in celebrating the many contributions to our country made by people of Hispanic and Latino ancestry with presentations, musical performances, storytimes, crafts and more. Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you: *Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information. Create a Yarn Doll – Thomas Jefferson Library – September 20-21 Hispanic Heritage Celebration - Herndon Fortnightly Library – Saturday, September 21 Flamenco Performance with Furia Flamenca – Culmore (Woodrow Wilson) Library – Saturday, September 21 (registration required) Amate Art – John Marshall Library – Monday, September 23 (registration required) Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia – Richard Byrd Library – Friday, September 27 Mr. Lilo – City of Fairfax Regional Library – Saturday, September 28 ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States – Sherwood Regional Library – Tuesday, October 22 For a complete list of Hispanic Heritage-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_HispanicHeritage You can also celebrate by participating in our Hispanic Heritage Month Genre Bingo Challenge on Beanstack! Learn more about the challenge and sign up to participate here. |
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Read full article | September 19, 2024 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/hero-slideshow/2024Hispanic-Heritage-Hero.png | 1 | Center |