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

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.



Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

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
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
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
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 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
image of bags and books
November 19, 2019
The new books are part of a special “World Languages Bags” collection. Worried about reading to children in your native language? Don’t be. It is easy for children to learn to read, write and speak English if they have a strong foundation in any language. For adults who may be more comfortable reading to children in Arabic, Chinese, Urdu or Tamil, the library offers World Languages Bags, a project funded by the Fairfax Library Foundation, Friends groups and other community donations. These bags are available with picture books, board books and easy readers. Each bag contains eight books that adults can read again and again to and with children. The library’s collection already supports children and adult books in Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese. “The library is committed to ensuring residents in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax have equitable access to library materials,” said Dianne Coan, Director of Operations for the library. “By starting with early literacy materials, including bi-lingual books, the new World Languages Bags support parents, grandparents and caregivers who want to read to young children — a proven strategy for ensuring children are ready to read by the time they enter kindergarten.” The World Languages Bags are one more element in the library’s comprehensive support of early literacy education. In addition to its popular early literacy storytimes the library offers early literacy outreach, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, picture books and other educational books and resources — including the Ready-to-Read newsletter — for families raising young children. The library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages families to read 1,000 books to children before they start elementary school. Studies show the more vocabulary and oral language children have, the better prepared they are to learn how to read and write when they enter kindergarten. Instructions for placing a hold on the World Languages Bags in the library’s new catalog: Type in “picture book bag” on the search bar next to “Keyword search” at the top of the page. Then click the search icon.  The picture books will populate the page. Choose the language you are interested in under “subjects” on the left side of the screen. Select “PLACE HOLD” to the right of the picture book bag you want.  Follow the directions to enter your user information, password and the library branch where you’d like to pick up the book bag. If you need additional assistance, please ask at the library information desk where staff are happy to connect you with the World Languages Bags in your preferred language. *As of January 2024, Fairfax County Public Library has added Nepali to the World Languages Bags collection.
Light Up Card Craft
November 8, 2019
Warm Up to Crafts in November and December As the temperatures outside drop, head to your library for fun indoor activities to keep your hands warm and your creativity flowing — and maybe even DIY a few gifts to start crossing names off your holiday shopping list! From social gatherings and jewelry making to DIY wrapping paper, ornaments and more, many branches have crafting projects and events for kids and adults alike taking place throughout the season. See the full, up-to-date list of events in the library calendar, and check out some crafting highlights below. Asterisk (*) indicates registration required. Learn, Make and Take Handcraft Club Open House Monday, November 18, 7 p.m. at Oakton Drop in anytime and bring your favorite handcrafting project or start a new one. Learn from other handcrafters about skills like crocheting, knitting, weaving, and jewelry making. Beginners welcome. Teens-adults. Make and Take* Wednesdays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, 5 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 23, 2:30 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Reuse materials and craft supplies to make your own unique masterpiece. Age 6-12. Let's Fly Away!* Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 p.m. at Sherwood Make some paper airplanes and learn about flying. Grades 4-8. Make Your Own Pet Rock Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 p.m. at George Mason Regional Transform an ordinary rock into a book character like Dog Man or Harry Potter, or make a one-of-a-kind pet. Supplies provided. Ages 6-12. Treat Yo'Self 101: DIY Lip Balm* Friday, November 22, 5 p.m. at Sherwood As part of the teen Treat Yo'Self 101 series, you'll learn how to make your own lip balm using a few simple ingredients and a microwave. Grades 7-12. Saturday Crafterday: Marimo Moss Jars Saturday, November 23, 2 p.m. at John Marshall Make your own terrarium with Marimo moss (while supplies last). Adults and teens. Crafternoon Wednesday, November 27, 3 p.m. at Patrick Henry Don't spend your day off from school moping around at home — head to the library to make crafts galore. We'll provide the supplies and space, you provide the creativity. All ages. Handcraft Club Speaker Series: Toothbrush Rug Braiding Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Learn the art of making a Toothbrush Rug using an old Scandinavian technique. Feel free to bring your own lightweight fabric and scissors or use what we have available. The fabric will be torn into 1-inch strips and pieced together and you will leave with coaster. Adults. Passport to Fun* Friday, December 6, 4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Travel the world exploring different languages and cultures through crafts and games with the Chantilly High School Language Honor Societies. Grades 1-6. Crafternoon Saturday, December 7, 2:30 p.m. at Dolley Madison Make and take a unique statement necklace that is as fun to make as it is to wear. Space is limited. Adults and teens. Make a Gift with Perler Beads Saturday, December 7, 2:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Create key chains and magnets of your own design out of Perler beads. Teens. Pottery with Clay Cafe Studios* Saturday, December 7, 2:30 p.m. at George Mason Regional Make a mug for yourself or as a gift in this pottery workshop by Clay Cafe Studios. Kids will be given a 30-ounce mug that they can decorate. Grades 3-6. Jewelry Making* Monday, December 9, 7 p.m. at Reston Regional Tania Ebrahimian will teach the basics of jewelry making and participants will create an original piece in this hands-on workshop. The library will provide the materials. Adults. Saturday Crafterday: Paper Circuit Cards Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m. at John Marshall Make your own light-up card with copper tape and LED lights. Supplies provided. Adults and teens. Stories and Crafts PJ Library Book Buddies* Wednesdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m. at City of Fairfax Regional 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. The Snow Queen Celebration Saturday, November 16, 2 p.m. at Pohick Regional Celebrate Hans Christian Anderson's epic tale, "The Snow Queen" — the inspiration for many frozen princesses and snowmen — with storytelling, treats, crafts and games. Costumes encouraged. All ages. Stories and More* Tuesdays, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m., at Martha Washington Fun with stories, crafts and activities for preschoolers. Age 3-5 with adult. Toddler Storytime Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m. at Woodrow Wilson An interactive storytime for toddlers with songs and a craft. Age 18 months to 3 years with adult. Pajama Party Storytime Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Wear your pajamas, listen to bedtime stories and make a simple craft. All ages. PJ Library Book Buddies Storytime* Thursday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. at Chantilly Regional Enjoy stories and fun with movement and crafts that relate to Jewish culture traditions and holidays. Age 2.5 to 5 with caregiver. Siblings welcome. Hang Out and Create Maker Table During open hours at Chantilly Regional Create, Invent and Learn: Visit the Maker Table behind the Information Desk for self-directed projects that change each month. STEAM activities often included. Supplies provided. All ages. Teen Chill Zone Thursday, November 21, 3:30 p.m. at Centreville Regional Take a break from homework and hang out at the library. Grab a snack, try some relaxing crafts and activities and chat with other teens. Grades 7-12. Teen Chill Zone: Virtual Reality Thursday, November 21, 4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Feeling stressed out? Take a break at the library! This month there will be Virtual Reality and Google Cardboard sets available to play around on, plus the usual board games, relaxing crafty activities and snacks. Come with a friend, or meet some new ones. Grades 7-12. Craft and Chat Thursdays, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at Kings Park Work on your favorite craft or try out a new one in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. Refreshments served. Adults. Teen Chill Zone Fridays, Nov. 22 and Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Head to the library to hang out, play games or do a craft activity. Age 13-18. Celebrate the Season Adult Holiday Craft Event: Book Folding* Saturday, November 23, 1:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Make and take a tree or heart using donated books; they're perfect for a holiday decorating. Adults. Family Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. at Lorton Celebrate the start of winter with winter-themed crafts and games. Light refreshments provided. All ages. Holiday Open House Saturday, December 7, 1-4 p.m. at Great Falls Enjoy festive musical performances by the Langley High School Madrigals, crafts for kids and adults, holiday games and seasonal treats. All ages. Adult Craft Night: Light Up Holiday Cards* Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Create a unique holiday card that lights up. All supplies provided. Adults. Wheel of the Year: Yule Saturday, December 14, 3 p.m. at John Marshall It's the shortest day and longest night. Make a craft with us to celebrate the yuletide. Supplies provided. Adults. Noon Years Eve Party Tuesday, December 31, 11 a.m. at Kingstowne Celebrate the New Year with arts and crafts and a countdown to noon. All ages. Holiday Bookmarks Tuesdays, December 3 and 10, 7 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Make colorful, glittery, festive bookmarks, celebrating any holiday or event of your choice. All ages. DIY: Holiday Ornament Making Friday, December 6, 1 p.m. at Reston Regional Make and take home personalized holiday ornaments. All materials are provided. Adults. Holiday Gifts Make and Take Thursday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Make a gift for someone special or even for yourself. Ages 5-11 with Adult. Make Your Own Wrapping Paper Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson Get artistic this year and create your own wrapping paper. Transform plain white butcher paper into personalized gift wrap using crayons, markers, stickers, glitter and more. All ages. Knitting Chantilly Knitting Club Tuesdays, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Bring your knitting or other crafting projects. Share tips and enjoy conversation. No formal instruction, but chances are someone in the group can teach you to knit, or help you when you get stuck on a project. Adults. Yarn-aholics Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m. at George Mason Regional Calling all knitters and crocheters: join fellow yarn-aholics to discuss, learn and share ideas and projects. Teens and adults. Knitting Group for All Monday, December 9, 1 p.m. at Patrick Henry Bring your knitting projects, share tips and enjoy conversation. Adults. Twisted Stitchers Tuesday, December 10, 7 p.m. at Burke Centre Get together to knit, crochet, loom or craft while meeting new people. We make items for ourselves as well as items for donation to charity groups. Adults. Knit 2Gether Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at Centreville Regional Bring your knitting projects, share tips and enjoy conversation. Adults. *Registration Required

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