Library

CONTACT INFORMATION: Office: 8:00–4:30 M–F. Branch hours vary. Please call your branch's direct line with account and eBook questions.
703-324-3100 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324
Fairfax, VA 22035
Jessica Hudson
Director

FCPL Newsroom

Department Resources

Library-related news and special events for you and your family to enjoy. For a full list of events at your library visit our Library Calendar. Stay connected to your library by following us on social media: Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram.

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


World Map in Watercolor

Start the Decade Making Cultural Connections at the Library
January 22, 2020
Free Library Events Begin the '20s with Celebrations and Observations of Culture and Community. With a new year and a new decade underway, what better time is there to embrace new opportunities to expand ourselves and our communities, explore the lives and perspectives of others and emphasize the values and experiences we have in common? Through holiday celebrations, guided conversations, educational lectures, social gatherings and more, events at Fairfax County Public Library this January-March do just that. Join us to start 2020 off on the right foot… and maybe learn something new by stepping into someone else’s shoes. All are welcome at the library, and all our programs are free. Find highlights of events offering a wide variety of cultural engagement and enrichment below and visit the online calendar for a full list. Asterisk (*) indicates registration required. Chinese Lunar New Year Lunar New Year Festival Saturday, January 25, 3 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library Join the Dolley Madison Teen Advisory Board for a celebration of the Lunar New Year. All ages. Chinese New Year: The Year of the Rat Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. at Patrick Henry Library Enjoy crafts, foods and fun for all ages in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Join the library and the Northern Virginia Experimental Chinese School for special performances and games, including guzheng music, folk dances, tai chi and yo-yo. Celebrate the Chinese New Year Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m. at Richard Byrd Library Welcome the Year of the Rat with crafts and activities. All ages. Chinese Lion Dance Saturday, February 1 10:30 a.m. at Burke Centre Library 1 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library 3 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library Saturday, February 8 10:30 a.m. at Lorton Library 1 p.m. at Kings Park Library 3 p.m. at Oakton Library Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Lion Dance performances that will demonstrate emotions such as fright, anger, grace and joy through movement in rhythm to the music of a drum, gong and cymbals. All ages. American Past, Present and Future World War I: Lessons and Legacies | Posters from the Smithsonian* Through February 25 at Patrick Henry Library In honor of America's entry into "The War to End All Wars" in 1917, the Smithsonian’s poster exhibition World War I: Lessons and Legacies explores The Great War and its lasting impact and far-reaching influence on American life. The war led to pivotal changes in America's culture, technology, economy and role in the world. It redefined how we saw ourselves as Americans, and its legacy continues today. The posters displayed in the branch’s meeting room are available for viewing when the room is not in active use for another program. Call the branch or check at the information desk for times. Adults. American Creed Community Conversation Sunday, February 16, 2 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library American Creed Community Conversations center around the PBS documentary “AMERICAN CREED” featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice coming together from different points of view to explore ideals of freedom, fairness and opportunity. The film screening will be accompanied by scholar-facilitated discussion designed to foster respectful dialogue about American ideals and identity across all types of deepening divides. Supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Adults and teens. Get to Know Your Muslim Neighbor Saturday, February 29, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library Meet new friends, celebrate diversity and learn about the culture and history of this community with discussions and a poster exhibit, Forgotten History: Muslims & Early America. Plus, enjoy hands-on activities, including calligraphy and henna, and sample international delicacies with a cup of coffee. All ages. Citizenship Classes and Ceremonies See calendar for dates and times at various branches Classes focus on topics such as American history, government and culture using library, USCIS and other resources. Exploring Religion International Hijab Day Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library Learn about the symbolism of the hijab and why Muslim women wear it. Then try one on, try your hand at Arabic calligraphy and enjoy snacks. Presented in partnership with the Islamic Circle of North America. All ages. PJ Library Book Buddies Storytime* Thursdays, monthly, 10:30 a.m. at Chantilly Regional Library All moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and children who love books are invited for stories and fun that relate to Jewish culture traditions and holidays. Enjoy movement and crafts along with stories. Ages 2 1/2 - 5 years with caregiver. Siblings welcome. PJ Library Book Buddies* Wednesdays, monthly, 10:30 a.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library Enjoy storybooks and crafts about Jewish holidays and values. Cosponsored by PJ Library and Growing Jewish Families of the JCC of Northern Virginia. Age 6 months - 5 years with adult. The World's Religions: Seven-Part Series Sundays, February 16-March 29, 2:30 p.m. at Centreville Regional Library Learn about the beliefs, values and practices of major world religions. Laura Shulman, Professor of Religion at Northern Virginia Community College, will present this seven-part series. Each session will include a lecture, Q&A and additional resources. Sessions: Judaism (1 of 7), Christianity (2 of 7), Islam (3 of 7), Hinduism (4 of 7), Buddhism (5 of 7), Sikhism (6 of 7) and Baha'i Faith (7 of 7). Adults and teens. A World of Perspectives Passport to Fun* Fridays, monthly, 4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library Travel the world exploring different languages and cultures through crafts and games with the Chantilly High School Language Honor Societies. For students in grades 1-6. Meet Henry Brinton, Author of City of Peace Saturday, February 29, 2 p.m. at Oakton Library City of Peace is a gripping murder mystery about a Methodist minister who is forced to confront his own demons and help his followers overcome today’s prejudices that divide people of differing cultures and faiths. Adults. Women in Jazz* Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. at Reston Regional Library Experience the history of women in jazz through lecture, trivia and live performance. Presented by master flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq. Adults. Autodidactics Discussion Group: Collaborative Self-teaching on Diverse Topics Thursday, March 5, 1 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library Join a group of curious learners in a wide-ranging discussion of themed topics. Quarterly themes are the chosen, with specific topics explored in depth each month in a friendly, collaborative learning group. March's discussion will focus on “family” and the meaning of family across cultures and time. Adults. Meet Shabnam Curtis, Author of My Persian Paradox Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library Shabnam Curtis’s My Persian Paradox: Memories of an Iranian Girl opens in 1978 when the Iranian Revolution began and ends in 2004 when the author left Iran for America. It is the story of an ordinary Iranian girl who, like millions of other girls, was confused but tried to make sense of the oppression of the regime and the rigid structure of the male-dominant culture and still pursued the dream of freedom. Books available for sale and signing. Adults.
Memory Depot Logo
Fairfax County Public Library Expands Memory Depot to Six Branches
January 9, 2020
The library’s popular Memory Depot stations, originally available at only two locations, has now expanded to a total of six library branches in Fairfax County. Memory Depot is a do it yourself (DIY) station which enables users to digitize materials such as photos and VHS cassettes. Customers can attend a Memory Depot orientation before reserving time at the stations. More details about the orientations are online. Six branches now offer Memory Depot stations:  Centreville Regional Library City of Fairfax Regional Library George Mason Regional Library Pohick Regional Library Reston Regional Library Sherwood Regional Library The library’s Memory Depot stations can now digitize the following formats: Photographic prints, negatives and slides Scrapbooks and other documents VHS and VHS-C video cassettes Audio cassettes Vinyl albums (only at Centreville Regional Library) 3.5" Floppy disks  Memory Depot users should bring the following items: Materials to digitize (photos, documents, etc.) An external hard drive or USB with enough capacity to save the digital files created at the station. Learn more about the capabilities of the systems and what you need to bring when you’re ready to start digitizing.    
Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Fairfax County Public Library Has Loaned Two Million eBooks and Audiobooks in 2019
January 9, 2020
Top 25 public library system worldwide in total digital circulation Fairfax County Public Library reached a new milestone in 2019, achieving a record-breaking two million digital book checkouts in one year. This accomplishment illustrates the continued growth and importance of library lending of eBooks and audiobooks along with the creative ways the library has served its community with digital services. Fairfax County Public Library is one of only 73 systems around the world that surpassed one million checkouts in one year through Rakuten OverDrive (complete list here). “FCPL is thrilled to reach 2 million checkouts for our digital library,” said Dianne Coan, Technical Operations Director at Fairfax County Public Library. "Hitting this milestone is a reflection of both our selection staff’s knowledge of our community and the voracious reading habits of that community! The library has such an amazing and supportive readership who provides feedback and suggestions regularly. We are honored to be among the few libraries in North America to reach this level of use.” Fairfax County Public Library has been providing readers 24/7 access to eBooks and audiobooks for nearly 15 years. Reader interest and usage has grown every year, reflecting popular trends and interests both locally and across the country. In the last decade, the highest-circulating title across both formats that Fairfax County Public Library readers borrowed through OverDrive was The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. The top-circulating genre, thrillers, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes romance, fantasy, children and young adult. The top 5 eBook titles borrowed through Fairfax County Public Library's digital collection in 2019: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Reckoning by John Grisham The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Fairfax County Public Library's digital collection in 2019: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Readers in Fairfax County just need a valid library card to access digital books from Fairfax County Public Library’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. Readers can use any major device, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and Windows®. With OverDrive’s Libby app, readers can also “send to Kindle®” devices and apps (US only). All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use. Also in 2019, Fairfax County Public Library introduced its new instant-access eAudiobook collection offered by RBdigital. This acquisition includes more than 34,000 always available, no waiting eAudiobooks for readers of all ages. Visit fairfax.overdrive.com or download the Libby app to get started and borrow ebooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
photo of Branch Out magazine with page turning to the Adults section on Hobbies
Branch Out Your Hobbies: Read the Winter Issue of the Library Magazine
December 3, 2019
Have You Explored Branch Out Magazine? Now available in library branches and other public Fairfax County Government locations throughout the county, the library’s first ever quarterly publication is designed to help community members make the most of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) resources and services. Each quarter features a unique theme through which library events, technology, collections, databases, activities and more can be discovered and explored. Full listings of branch events are available online and in each branch. The second issue of Branch Out magazine — the winter 2019-2020 issue covering December-February — focuses on the importance of hobbies and offers a host of ideas for how the library’s resources and programs can help kick-start a new hobby or expand existing ones.  Keep reading for an introduction to the Branch Out: Hobbies content, then visit a library branch to pick up a copy of the magazine. Hobbies Help Us Relax, Have Fun and Connect with Others Let the library help you find, renew or develop an activity you enjoy. Make Time for Pastimes If a hobby sounds like something you don’t have time for, researchers have advice for you: make time. Don’t say “in retirement I’m going to take up the guitar,” or “when the kids are grown, I’ll play Canasta again.” Not only do studies suggest that having hobbies can lead to better work performance and creativity, but they have also shown that hobbies can improve physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing. A hobby can be part of your self-care routine, a way of investing in yourself so you have more energy for the other people and tasks that compete for your time and attention each day. Hobbies help us de-stress, connect with others and set a positive example of living a balanced life for our kids and loved ones. Plus, many hobbies can involve the whole family or group of friends. Nurture Passions and New Pursuits If you already regularly practice a hobby, the library can support it with new ideas, information and events. Read through this issue of Branch Out to learn about the clubs, programs, materials and other opportunities available at the library to help you further develop and expand your hobby or just find other people who enjoy it as much as you do. Whether you decide to pursue a new hobby, renew one you enjoyed previously or just dive deeper into a current hobby, stop by your local library branch to find out how staff can help. You may be surprised at the breadth and depth of hobbies you can explore at the library. Pick up a copy of Branch Out to learn more and get inspired. Explore and Do More Throughout the magazine we share many ways you can explore hobbies using library resources, starting with the options listed here. Meet with Branch Staff Staff at library branches are trained to support the research needs and dreams of the public. If you are interested in a specific hobby and can’t find great resources on your own, reach out to your librarians. They can help you do the following and more: Plan a program or workshop at the branch, if there is interest in your community. Request a book or other material not currently in the library collection or access the library’s interlibrary loan program. Locate authenticated websites or teach you how to find or start local groups that share your interests and introduce you to ways of connecting with others, such as Facebook groups and Meetups Magazines In addition to magazines located at each branch, the library has an online magazine collection through RBdigital. Publications include BackPacker, History, Bicycling, Bon Appetit, Car and Driver, Family Handyman, Kiplinger’s, National Geographic Traveler, Popular Mechanics, PC Magazine, Writer’s Digest, Art News, American Craft, Do It Yourself and more. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/library, click on the + icon next to “Books | Movies | Audio,” then select “RBdigital (Magazine Collection)” to browse the full online collection. Databases The library has a treasure trove of databases to help you explore your interests. Access all our databases by visiting research.fairfaxcounty.gov and clicking the red “Go to A-Z List” button on the right of the page. Great Courses The library has popular courses on too many different subjects to list here, but — whether your interests lie in poetry, history, art, music, literature, photography or otherwise — there may be a “Great Courses” CD set (or other format) that you will enjoy.
high-angle-photo-of-person-reading-an-e-book with #eBooksForAll text
Fairfax County Public Library Takes a Stand Against Unfair eBook Practices by Macmillan Publishing
December 2, 2019
Due to new restrictions on libraries’ purchase of eBooks and eAudiobooks produced by Macmillan Publishing, the Fairfax County Public Library stopped purchasing eMaterials from Macmillan and its imprints November 1. The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is the 17th largest library, by circulation, in the United States according to the American Library Association. When FCPL’s eBook collection via Overdrive surpasses 2 million annual downloads this year, as predicted, it will be one of only about 20 libraries in the country to do so. Macmillan Publishing began limiting library access to its eBooks and eAudiobooks on November 1 by: Restricting libraries to the purchase of a single electronic copy of a title for the first 60 days after publication, regardless of the number of people the library system serves or the number of library branches in the system. Allowing libraries to purchase additional copies of the title after the embargo at inflated prices. Limiting the lifespan of these copies to two years, after which libraries must either re-purchase them at full price or lose access to them. The decision to stop purchasing eBooks and eAudiobooks from Macmillan was “not a decision we made lightly,” Library Director Jessica Hudson said. “But this new eBook policy unfairly impacts selected populations in the county and would have a significant negative impact on the library’s purchasing abilities by requiring us to spend additional funds on one format per title.” Digital material has changed the reading landscape over the last few years. The ability to manipulate font size and choose fonts has helped readers with vision loss and dyslexia. Library materials also provide equal opportunity for low income residents. The new restrictions impact the library’s ability to offer equal access to information for all. “We understand publishing is a business, and it’s not our objective to tell businesses how they can and should profit; however, libraries already pay higher costs than the general public, Hudson said. “The new policies would have increased the costs exorbitantly for titles under Macmillan, so our decision allows us to use those funds to expand the library’s collection where our dollar goes further. We have a duty to make taxpayer dollars go as far as possible in serving our over 400,000 cardholders.” FCPL will continue to purchase Macmillan titles in print and on compact disc, as federal law protects sales to libraries in those formats. FCPL joins many public libraries nationwide that have elected not to purchase eMaterials from Macmillan including Arkansas Digital Library Consortium (AR) Charleston County Public Library (SC) Columbus Metropolitan Library (OH) Des Moines Public Library (IA) King County Library System (WA) eLibraryNJ (NJ) Multnomah County Library (OR) Nashville Public Library (TN) Reading Library District (PA) Topeka andShawnee County Public Library (KS) Yolo County Library (CA) More information about library responses and impacts can be found on the American Library Association website, including the eBooks For All petition currently supported by nearly a quarter million signatures.
Photo of staff and families at a library holiday open house
Free Holiday Activities at the Library in December
November 25, 2019
Library branches host free holiday-themed events for kids, teens and adults. The countdown to winter break is on and Fairfax County Public Library invites families and friends to celebrate the season by spending time together enjoying free holiday-themed activities for all ages. Throughout the month of December, branches will host dozens of free events for kids, teens and adults. And that includes out-of-town guests! A library card is not required to participate in library events such as storytimes, author visits, holiday open houses, performances, craft activities and more, so FCPL encourages patrons to bring guests to visit the library. So, ditch the hustle and bustle of gift shopping, house cleaning and playing host and relax with some peace and quiet – or fun and excitement – at the library during the holiday season. Take part in fun and festive programs from crafting and book sales to cooking and yoga. Read on for highlights of holiday-themed programs and visit our online calendar of events to see the full list of activities taking place in December. Asterisk (*) indicates registration required. Holiday Highlights Wreath Making Made to Order* Monday, December 2, 7 p.m. at Lorton Library Foliage expert Cindy from Silverbrook Nursery will help you create a circle of holiday cheer for your home. We provide the wreath made from fresh festive evergreens and decorating materials, you bring the spirit and creativity. Adults only. Sponsored by Friends of Lorton Library. Holiday Bookmarks Tuesdays, December 3 and 10, 7 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Library Bring the whole family to make colorful, glittery, festive bookmarks, celebrating any holiday or event of your choice. Materials provided. All ages. Tuesday Night Special: A Book Club for Teens/Adults with Special Needs Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library Read or listen to a book with a holiday theme and come talk about it. Refreshments provided. Adults and teens. Mystery Book Club Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library This special seasonal meeting of the Mystery Book Club will include a holiday book exchange and high tea. Adults. Reston Friends Holiday Book Sale Thursday-Sunday, December 5-9, 10 a.m. (1 p.m. on Sunday) at Reston Regional Library Start your shopping early. Browse and buy lots of gift-quality books. Friends of Burke Centre Library Holiday Book Sale Friday-Saturday, December 6-7, 10 a.m. at Burke Centre Library Peruse a selection of gently used holiday-themed books and gift books, all carefully selected by the Friends of the Burke Centre Library. DIY: Holiday Ornament Making Friday, December 6, 1 p.m. at Reston Regional Library Make and take home personalized holiday ornaments. All materials are provided. Adults. Holiday Open House Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m. at Oakton Library Get in the holiday spirit with fun, music, food and activities for the whole family. All ages. Winter Holiday Open House Saturday, December 7, 12:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Library Join the library community for holiday music, children's crafts, light refreshments and a visit with Santa. All ages. Holiday Card and Gift Tag Making Saturday, December 7, 1 p.m. at John Marshall Library DIY some extra-personal cards and gift tags to shower your loved ones with cheer this year. Supplies provided. Ages 12 and up. Holiday Open House Saturday, December 7, 1 p.m. at Great Falls Library Enjoy crafts for adults and children, music including performances by the Langley HS Madrigals, holiday games and holiday treats. A Taste of the Holidays with Chef Cal Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library Join Chef Cal as he discusses special recipes that are sure to be a hit at your holiday celebration. Adults and teens. Toddler Yoga: Holiday Yoga* Monday, December 9, 10:15 a.m. Pohick Regional Library Join us for a yoga-inspired trip to a Christmas Tree farm. Age 1-3 with adult. Preschool Yoga: Holiday Yoga* Monday, December 9, 11:15 a.m. Pohick Regional Library Join us for a yoga-inspired trip to a Christmas Tree Farm. Bring a yoga mat. Age 3-5 with adult. Second Tuesday Book Group Tuesday, December 10, 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library Come prepared to discuss A Christmas Carol or other holiday favorite. Adults. PJ Library Book Buddies* Wednesdays, Dec. 11 and Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library Enjoy storybooks and crafts about Jewish holidays and values. Cosponsored by PJ Library and Growing Jewish Families of the JCC of Northern Virginia. Age 6 months to 5 years with adult. ESL Holiday Potluck Wednesday, December 11, 12 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library Gather with fellow ESL students and your families for a holiday celebration. Bring a dish to share, or just bring yourself. All ages. Family Movie Night: "The Grinch" Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library Jump into the holiday season with a showing of the 2018 animated version of Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch." Holiday Gifts Make and Take Thursdays, December 12, 4:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library Make a gift for someone special — or make something special for yourself. Age 5-11 with adult. Fireside Cafe Thursday, December 12, 6 p.m. at Burke Centre Library Hear beautiful music performed by Robinson Concert Orchestra while relaxing by our flickering fireplace and savoring hot chocolate at our Holiday Open House. All ages. Adult Craft Night: Light Up Holiday Cards* Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library Create a unique holiday card that lights up. All supplies provided. Adults. Holiday Crafts Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library Join us for make and take crafts for the whole family. All ages. Holiday Crooning with the Critters Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. at Centreville Regional Library GoodLife Theatre presents a unique holiday puppet show. All ages. Holidays Around the World Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library Join Cody and Bj to celebrate the winter holiday season with sing-a-longs, dancing and lots of fun. All ages with adult. Balloon Twister Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library Enjoy Mike and Marsha's hats, giant birds and dozens of other balloon creations as we celebrate the holiday season. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Reston Regional Library. All ages. Holiday Open House Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library Celebrate the winter season by hearing the tale of Hansel and Gretel along with gingerbread crafts, light refreshments and singers from George Marshall performing holiday classics. All ages. Reston Holiday Open House Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at Reston Regional Library Celebrate the holiday season with light refreshments, music, entertainment and fun. All ages. Holiday Desserts with Chef Cal* Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library Join Chef Cal to learn how to make scrumptious holiday desserts that will wow family and friends. Adults. Holiday Puppet Show: Crooning with the Critters Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. at Burke Centre Library Travel the world of imagination while singing holiday songs in this interactive musical show featuring puppets presented by the GoodLife Theater Company. Crooning with the Critters begins with the puppets whale watching near Greenland. All of a sudden, Rudolph comes in to view. He is running away because his friends were making fun of him. How can we convince Rudolph that Santa needs him? Will Christmas be ruined? All ages. Fairfax Genealogy Society's German Special Interest Group Monday, December 16, 1 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library Discuss German holiday traditions and learn how to use Dumont Bildatlas city maps for the larger German cities in conjunction with Kevan Hansen’s Map Guide to German Parish Registers. Adults. Poinsettia for the Holidays* Monday, December 16, 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library Paint poinsettia flowers on paper in the Nihonga Japanese painting style. Materials provided. Adults. Holiday Gifts Make and Take Tuesday, December 17, 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library Make a gift for someone special — or make something special for yourself. Age 12 and up. Pohick Evening Book Discussion Group Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library Enjoy a holiday celebration. No book will be discussed. Adults. Celebrate Three Kings Day/Dia de Los Reyes Magos: A Spanish holiday tradition Wednesday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library Learn about this special holiday celebrated in Mexico and throughout Latin America, plus fun family activities and a sweet surprise, too. All ages. Winter Holidays Open House Thursday, December 19, 5 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library Join us for crafts, music and holiday cheer. All Ages. Violin Concert: Music Celebrating the Holiday Season Saturday, December 21, 1 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Library Mason Community Arts Academy Violin Ensemble will perform music celebrating the holiday season. Free and open to the public. All ages. Holiday Karaoke Monday, December 23, 6 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Library "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..." Sing your heart out to one of your favorite winter or holiday songs with family and friends. All ages.
Book Covers
November and December Authors at your Library
November 20, 2019
Authors Offer Inside Looks at Books Connect with the creators of popular titles on history, culture, fiction and more at these author talks, book signings and events at various branches through December. Find branch addresses here, and follow links provided for venues outside the library system. NOVEMBER 5 TUESDAY | 7:00 P.M. Meet Author Stephen Harding. Meet Stephen Harding, author of Dawn of Infamy: A Sunken Ship, a Vanished Crew, and the Final Mystery of Pearl Harbor and his newest book, Escape from Paris: A Story of Love & Resistance in Wartime France. Books available for sale and signing. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 22.  Pohick Regional Library. 8 FRIDAY | 7-8:30 P.M. An Evening with Wendy Wan-Long Shang. Meet Wendy Wan-Long Shang, bestselling author of middle grade titles including The Great Wall of Lucy Wu, The Way Home Looks Now and This is Just a Test. Books available for sale and signing. Age 8 to adult. Registrations open at 7 p.m. Friday, October 25. Please sign up each child and adult separately. George Mason Regional Library. 14 THURSDAY | 7:00 P.M. Climate Change and the Military with Author Michael Klare. Renowned Security Expert Michael Klare will discuss his new book, All Hell Breaking Loose, an eye-opening examination of climate change from the perspective of the U.S. military. Reston Regional Library. 19 TUESDAY| 7-8 P.M. David Baldacci: Author Talk & Book Signing Reston Regional Library is thrilled to partner with Bards Alley bookstore to host New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci for an author talk and book signing. Join Baldacci as he introduces A Minute to Midnight, a new story featuring FBI Agent Atlee Pine. 100 signed, free copies of the book will be distributed to attendees. Books available for sale and signing. This event is made possible by the generosity and support of the Friends of the Reston Regional Library. Herndon Middle School, 901 Locust St, Herndon. 19 TUESDAY | 7:30-9:00 P.M. Civil War Historian William S. Connery. Meet the author of Mosby's Raids in Civil War Northern Virginia, as he discusses Col. John Singleton Mosby, the "Grey Ghost." Learn about his raids in Fairfax and Rose Hill, his service in Hong Kong as U.S. consul and his mentorship of George Patton. Books available for sale and signing. Patrick Henry Library. DECEMBER 7 SATURDAY | 12:30-1:30 P.M. Bread & Beauty: A Year in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve. Part cookbook, travelogue and history, with glorious recipes, photos and stories, Bread and Beauty celebrates Montgomery County’s success in preserving Maryland farmland. Discover how our agricultural heritage can help us meet the challenges of the 21st century. City of Fairfax Regional Library 7 Saturday | 1-4 P.M. Mystery Authors Extravaganza. Authors from the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime will present their 2019 novels and short stories. Books will be available for sale and signing. Seating is limited; arrive early. Reston Regional Library. 7 SATURDAY | 2-3:30 P.M. Meet Award-Winning Author Hena Khan. Patrick Henry Library is proud to partner with Bards Alley Bookstore to host award-winning children's author Hena Khan for an author talk, Q&A and signing for her new middle grade novel More to the Story. Please RSVP on the Bards Alley Facebook page. Seats will be available on first come, first serve basis. This event is made possible with the support of the Patrick Henry Library and the Friends of the Patrick Henry Library. Patrick Henry Library. 16 Monday | 7-8:30 P.M. Hear at Martha Poetry Reading. Local poets will read and discuss their work. Adults and teens. Martha Washington Library 17 Tuesday, 7:30-9 P.M. Genealogy and Adoptees. Shannon Combs-Bennett and Brianne Kirkpatrick will discuss their book The DNA Guide for Adoptees. Learn how to use genealogy and genetics to uncover your roots, connect with your biological family and better understand your medical history. Books available for sale and signing. Adults. Patrick Henry Library

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