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

28,000 eAudiobook Titles Ready for Listening

May 15, 2019

According to a consumer survey, 74 percent of audiobook consumers listen in their car. Residents know what traffic can be like around the county and, though the library cannot do much about that, we can certainly help on the audiobook front. RBdigital Unlimited On May 1, Fairfax County Public Library introduced RBdigital Unlimited—its new instant access eAudiobook collection. This acquisition includes more than 28,000 always available, no waiting eAudiobooks for readers of all ages. You can find the new titles mixed in with all the other material available from RBdigital. Last year, Fairfax County readers checked out more than 1.7 million eBooks/eAudiobooks from the library. Readers also placed over 790,000 holds for digital copies. The library recognized waiting for eAudiobooks was a growing pain point and continued to look for ways to add to the collection while staying within the system’s budget for materials. Enter RBdigital Unlimited. This new offering provides instant access to eAudiobooks—no holds, no waiting. This acquisition is made up entirely of eAudiobooks from five publishers (Recorded Books, Tantor Media, Christian Audio, Gildan Media, and HighBridge Audio) and are twelve months old or more. So, while waiting on hold for a library eAudiobook released last week, you can find something of interest available right now. Sample titles from the new collection include: An American Marriage (Tayari Jones), The Overstory (Richard Powers, 2019 Pulitzer), Outlander (Diana Gabaldon), Night (Elie Wiesel), Prey / Lucas Davenport series (John Sandford), Alex Rider series (Anthony Horowitz), As well as many titles by authors like Garrison Keillor, Harry Turtledove, Walter Dean Meyers, Mercedes Lackey, Meg Cabot, Avi, Beverly Jenkins, Joanne Fluke, and so many others. The library works with multiple vendors for books and audiobooks, both print and digital. Many Fairfax County Public Library card holders are already familiar with OverDrive, and RBdigital is another digital vendor. Content in the RBdigital app comes from both the Library of Virginia and selections by Fairfax County library staff. It includes eMagazines, digital Great Courses, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and now also the instant access eAudiobooks. See all 28,000 newly added eAudiobooks on the RBdigital app, and start enjoying wait-free reading today! Loading...

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Fairfax County Public Library's Award-Winning Staff, Branches and Programs

July 17, 2019

Recognizing Outstanding Achievements Fairfax County Public Library's staff, branches and programs earn county, state, national and industry recognition for outstanding achievements and contributions to our customers and communities. The growing list below includes awards and grants for everything from individuals' support of fellow staff members and demonstrations of subject matter expertise to technology workshops and branch renovations. 2019 June Professional Associates Award | Sherwood Regional Branch Manager Linda Schlekau Linda Schledau, branch manager of Sherwood Regional Library, was presented the Outstanding Professional Associates Award at the Virginia Library Association’s June Council Meeting. The award recognizes excellence among the library Professional Associates in the Commonwealth of Virginia, honoring those who foster communication among library employees throughout the Commonwealth and advance and strengthen the image of Professional Associates. Linda received the award for providing significant support to her staff and championing library support staff in a Virginia library. Volunteer Service Award | FCPL Volunteer Program The Fairfax County Public Library Volunteer Program won the 2019 Volunteer Service Award for best Fairfax County Government Volunteer Program. This award is a testament to the library’s amazing volunteers as well as its volunteer coordinators and supervisors. April Hometown Media Awards | "You’re Making Me Read What?" Podcast Channel 16 received seven Hometown Media Awards from the Alliance for Community Media, including one in the Audio Programming category for Fairfax County Public Library’s “You’re Making Me Read What?” podcast. The podcast features lively book discussions between FCPL Director Jessica Hudson and Deputy Director Christine Jones — two librarians who love a great book but almost never agree on what makes a book great. March Public Library Association Leadership Academy | Early Literacy Services Coordinator Tina Mraz Tina Mraz, Early Literacy Services coordinator, was selected to participate in the Public Library Association (PLA) Spring 2019 Leadership Academy. She joined 27 other exceptional librarians in Chicago, Ill, for the dynamic, four-day event of interactive education and networking. The PLA Leadership Academy empowers public library professionals to become innovative and successful leaders of change, shifting their libraries from an internal approach—focused on organizational operations—to an external approach—focused on community needs. Allie Beth Martin Award | City of Fairfax Regional Library Youth Services Manager Sondra Eklund Sondra Eklund, youth services manager at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, has been awarded the PLA’s 2019 Allie Beth Martin Award. This award recognizes a public librarian for demonstrating a range and depth of knowledge about books and other library materials, as well as the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. Sondra maintains a book review blog and has personally reviewed more than 3,000 titles. She recently completed her work as part of the 2019 Newbery Award Selection Committee — which selects the “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children” each year — and started a Newbery Book Club for young readers at her library which will start up again in October. The 2018 Newbery Medal went to Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Find other Newbery winners online. Gordon M. Conable Award | FCPL Media Literacy Workshops with GMU Fairfax County Public Library was awarded the PLA’s 2019 Gordon M. Conable Award of $1,500, which honors a public library staff member, a library trustee or a public library that has “demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights.” Fairfax County Public Library partnered with the George Mason University School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution to develop and present a series of public workshops around media literacy and civil communication, aimed at decreasing political polarization. The popular workshops, called “News, Blues and How to Defuse,” launched in 2017 and continue to teach media literacy skills and respectful dialogue techniques to encourage civil discussions of hot-button issues. The library would like to recognize the committee for all its work on these community workshops. Committee members from FCPL include JJ Dickinson, Sarah Souther Rebecca Wolff and former employee Lorri Culhane. Committee members from George Mason include Julie Shedd and Samantha Borders. Grow with Google Free Workshops | Herndon Fortnightly Library Google and the American Library Association (ALA) hosted free workshops at Herndon Fortnightly Library — one of three sites in Virginia — aimed at creating economic opportunities through improving digital skills. The initiative, called Grow with Google, recognizes the critical role that libraries play in supporting workforce development. On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, Grow with Google staff led four different in-person workshops for job seekers and small business owners as well as library staff members. Read more. American Public Works Association Project of the Year Award | John Marshall Library Renovation The renovation and expansion of John Marshall Library was awarded the 2019 American Public Works Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Project of the Year Award. When the branch reopened in October 2018 after the 18-month, $6.3 million renovation, visitors were welcomed to a library with expanded public meeting space, newer and better technology (including a teen gaming station), a brighter and more open interior layout and numerous LEED®-qualifying green features. Read more. ASRT National Library Partnership Grant | FCPL The library was awarded $2,000 from the American Society of Radiologic Technologist’s (ASRT) National Library Partnership grant program. This allows the library to purchase books on medical imaging and radiation therapy to educate the public about radiologic technologists’ role on the health care team, patient safety measures and the science behind radiological procedures. Chantilly Regional, Kingstowne, Reston Regional, Sherwood Regional and Thomas Jefferson will host displays that focus on the subject area of Radiology—including books on Marie Curie, the Radium Girls and more. January ALA Mini-Grant and Promising Practice Award | Thomas Jefferson Library Thomas Jefferson Library was one of 250 school and public libraries awarded with $500 in microfunding from the ALA’s Libraries Ready to Code initiative, sponsored by Google, to help plan and implement coding activities during Computer Science Education (CS Ed) Week 2018 (Dec. 3-9). For its staff’s success in designing and hosting this Ready to Code program focused incorporating youth interests, engaging with communities and families, and demonstrating impact through outcomes, Thomas Jefferson Library subsequently received a “Promising Practice Award.” An ALA task force selected the Promising Practice recipients from the pool of 220 school and public libraries who participated in the grant-supported CS Ed Week programming, and Thomas Jefferson was one of only 10 libraries in the nation and one of only four public libraries recognized with this award. 2018 “The Great American Read” Grant | Reston Regional Library Reston Regional Library received a community programming grant from the ALA and PBS to host programs around “The Great American Read,” an eight-part television series and multi-platform initiative that celebrates the joy of reading and the books we love through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels. More than 220 public libraries applied for the $2,000 grants, which support public programs around the series. Reston Regional Library was one of just 50 libraries nationwide to be selected. In addition to advance screenings of the series, Reston Regional offered special programs with authors, a green screen photo booth for people to place themselves in their favorite books, and monthly literary trivia nights concerning the 100 books on the list and a five-part lecture series exploring themes from episodes of The Great American Read.

Library Board of Trustees Elects Officers

July 9, 2019

Chairman and Vice Chairman Re-Elected for One Year Terms Miriam Smolen was re-elected chairman of the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees at the Board’s June 12 meeting. Her second term will last one year — from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. A resident of Fairfax, Smolen has served as the Providence District representative to the Board since 2015. Miriam Smolen “I am grateful for the confidence in my ability that my colleagues have shown in electing me to serve as their chairman for a second term,” said Smolen. “I am particularly proud that I can continue to lead this board as we pursue the goals of Fairfax County Public Library’s strategic plan. We accomplished a lot last year, and I know we all look forward to working together again this year towards fostering a culture of creativity and forward momentum for our library staff, partners and users.” Fran Millhouser has been re-elected as vice chairman and will also serve a one-year term beginning July 1, 2019. Millhouser, a resident of Falls Church, has served as the Mason District representative to the Board since 2015. Fran Millhouser About the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for library policies and for making budget recommendations to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The 12-member volunteer Board comprises: one member from each of the nine supervisory districts in Fairfax County, each appointed by the district supervisor; one member-at-large, approved by the Chairman of the Board; one member appointed by the City of Fairfax Council; and one member nominated by the School Board. Library Board meetings are usually held the second Wednesday of each month (except August) at the George Mason Regional Library, located at 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Please visit the Fairfax County Public Meetings Calendar to confirm dates and locations. For more information visit the library’s Board of Trustees page.

Digital Book Club “Big Library Read” Ends July 1

June 10, 2019

Wartime novel A Dangerous Act of Kindness available as eBook for two weeks with no wait list or holds Digital Book Club “Big Library Read” Ends July 1 Join fellow readers in Fairfax County and globally for Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club. Download this summer’s selected book anytime June 17 through July 1 to start reading, then take part in online discussions with other participating readers. What’s a Digital Book Club? The Big Library Read digital book club is an international reading program that connects millions of readers around the world simultaneously with an eBook or audiobook through the library. How do I Participate? Readers can take part in the two-week program by downloading A Dangerous Act of Kindness by LP Fergusson from the library's OverDrive page. Enjoy it as an eBook or eAudiobook with no wait lists or holds from June 17-July 1. Then join an online discussion about the book at BigLibraryRead.com. When is the Book Club? Between June 17 and July 1, Fairfax County Public Library users will be able to borrow a digital version of LP Fergusson’s A Dangerous Act of Kindness—no waitlist! What is A Dangerous Act of Kindness About? What would you risk for a complete stranger? When widow Millie Sanger finds injured enemy pilot Lukas Schiller on her farm during World War II, the distant war is suddenly at her doorstep. Compassionate Millie knows he’ll be killed if discovered and makes the dangerous decision to offer him shelter from the storm. On opposite sides of the inescapable conflict, the two strangers forge an unexpected and passionate bond. But as the snow thaws, the relentless fury of World War II forces them apart, leaving only the haunting memories of what they shared, and an understanding that their secret must never see light. As Millie’s dangerous act of kindness sets them on paths they never could have expected, those closest to them become their greatest threats, and the consequences of compassion prove deadly. A Dangerous Act of Kindness is a beautiful, harrowing love story, perfect for fans of Rachel Hore and Santa Montefiore. Named Highly Commended in the Caledonia Novel Award 2018, it was chosen by a popular vote of readers and librarians worldwide to be the next Big Library Read. What Type of Device is Needed? A Dangerous Act of Kindness can be read and listened to on all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets, Chromebook™ and Kindle® without worrying about waitlists or holds. The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, and there are no late fees. What if I Don’t Have a Library Card? No library card? No problem. Sign up for a card or visit any Fairfax County Public Library branch. (Identification and proof of address required. For more information visit the Account Services page.)

Become a Better Gardener at Your Library

June 5, 2019

In addition to a wide-ranging variety of books, the library offers special events, ongoing plant clinics and soil testing to support Fairfax County gardeners—those with or without green thumbs. Keep reading to discover four things you can do this spring and summer: Attend an Event Culinary Herbs Workshop - Richard Byrd Library, Saturday, June 15, 10:30 a.m. – Noon Learn how to grow and use 13 common culinary herbs in this hands-on workshop with Herb Society of America member and horticulturist Peggy Riccio. Learn about cultural requirements, harvesting and preservation methods and quick and easy culinary uses. Each attendee will take home a handout that lists the herbs, several recipes, sources for buying plants and seeds, recommended herb books and magazines, herb organizations and local herb events and public gardens. Gardening with Native Plants - Martha Washington Library, Saturday, June 15, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Green Spring Master Gardeners will share the benefits and challenges of using native plants in your garden. Fall Gardening - Chantilly Regional Library, Monday, July 29, 7 – 8 p.m. Robert Shulman of Green Spring Gardens will talk about which vegetables to plant for fall harvests and for overwintering. Registration for this event begins July 1. Ask a Question at a Plant Clinic Do you have a question for a Fairfax County Master Gardener? You can find them at multiple library branches throughout the summer. Learn more about Fairfax County Master Gardeners online. Get Your Soil Tested Soil Testing Kits are available at all library branches. Healthy soil leads to healthy plant growth , and soil testing allows you to determine if your soil lacks nutrients and needs fertilizing. The acidity of your soil and availability of aluminum also determines the color of flowers like hydrangea. Learn more about soil testing. Borrow a Book (or two or three) Of course, we don’t have to tell you about the hundreds of titles we offer about gardening— including books on herb gardening, organic gardening, container gardens, gardening in miniature, gardening with succulents, presidential gardens and memoirs of gardeners. You could also search our catalog by the plant you are trying to cultivate, like hydrangea, azalea, vegetables, foliage and native plants. Or you can search by the type of wildlife you would like to attract to your garden, including butterflies, bees or birds. If you’re looking for something specific, ask your library staff; they are always happy to help you find the perfect book. Here are a few recent titles to get you started: A Way to Garden, Gardening with Emma (a kid to kid guide) and Deer Resistant Design.

Three Steps to Get Started in Family History Research

May 15, 2019

Genealogy Research Takes You on a Journey Back in Time Documenting an ancestor at a certain place and time are the building blocks of genealogy research. Here are three steps to get you started on your family history research. Step One: Determining What You Know Already Effective researchers begin with what they know and work backward in time toward the unknown. And, you probably know more than you think. Are you the keeper of the family history? Do you have boxes and scrapbooks of photographs and newspaper clippings? Reach out to family elders, friends and neighbors to interview them about your ancestors. Ask specific questions such as “What grade were you in when the family moved?” Record all the answers, even those that don’t make sense. They will probably start to make sense as you dig deeper. Step Two: Start Organizing Your Material Now, what do you do with the information you have culled from scrapbooks and interviews? Acquiring a three-ring binder for each family surname, i.e., your father’s last name and another for your mother’s maiden name and three-hole punch plastic sheet protectors for documents, clippings and photos is a simple way to start. To help you organize your material, go to Ancestry.com to access its free forms. The “Ancestral Chart” and “Family Group Sheet” will be most useful to a new genealogist or go digital with a Google search for “genealogy software reviews.” There are several different options for organizing files. Step Three: Start Your Research Online with Library Databases Have your library card ready and go to the library webpage at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library. Navigate to “Research Center,” then “A-Z Resources” for Heritage Quest. Ancestry Library is another great source, but you must be in a library branch to access it. More resources you can find online: Chronicling America offers free access to almost 15 million pages of U. S. newspapers. FamilySearch requires registration but allows researchers to search records and the Wiki without charge. Find A Grave provides free cemetery information. Register online to acquire a Library of Virginia account in order to explore military records on Fold3. There you have it! You are off to a great start putting together your family tree and learning about your ancestors. continue your genealogy research To continue your genealogy research, staff at the Virginia Room suggest the following: Search WorldCat and the FCPL catalog to discover the thousands of genealogy books that are not found online. Go to the library or use Interlibrary Loan to look at them. Don’t forget the most important resources—a genealogy reference librarian and various classes and events offered throughout the year. Visit the library’s Virginia Room page and the library’s Event Catalog for more information.

Fairfax County Public Library Acquires Read-Along Books to Encourage Early Literacy

April 1, 2019

More Than 1,000 Books Available for Check-Out In March, Fairfax County Public Library introduced a collection of more than 1,000 all-in-one read-along books aimed at developing reading skills in children. The books are available at all 23 branches of the library in Fairfax County, which will be the first system in Virginia to have the all-in-one read-alongs. “Read-along books bring the words on the page to life for children,” says Tina Mraz, early literacy outreach manager for Fairfax County Public Library. “They give children the opportunity to observe the narrative structure of stories, understand language and learn new and rich vocabulary. It also gives them the opportunity to hear their favorite books multiple times, fostering a love of reading.” Called VOX™ Books, the read-along books are part audio book and part print book. Each book has a permanently attached reader with simple controls that plays an audio recording of the corresponding book with the push of a button. There’s no need for computers, tablets or CDs. The all-in-one read-along books are ready to be distributed to branches around the county. The library has purchased 1,158 of the read-along books, including 64 different titles—22 of which are nonfiction and five of which are in Spanish. Each branch of the library will initially have 50 to 60 copies of these readers available to customers. The collection includes popular children’s picture book titles like Goodnight Moon, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. There are also Spanish language versions of five titles, including Nancy La Elegante (Fancy Nancy) and Si Llevas un Ratón a la Escuela (If You Take a Mouse to School). Early reader nonfiction books are also available on subjects like airplanes, diggers, frogs, butterflies, chocolate and crayons. View all VOX™ Books in the library’s online catalog. The library offers additional digital read-along resources through its subscriptions to two online databases. Early World of Learning offers read-along stories in English and Spanish. Overdrive also offers more than 100 read-along titles as eBooks. Additional Resources on Early Literacy from Fairfax County Public Library: Early literacy resources, including Ready to Read Newsletter, What’s New in Children’s Picture Books, and Run with Reading publications. Online databases for young children. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, designed to prepare children for success in school. Library events for young children.

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