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Fairfax, VA 22035
Eric Carzon
Director

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New Name, Same Great Library!

Culmore Community Library - New Name, Same Great Library!
September 1, 2024
Woodrow Wilson Library is now Culmore Community Library. In their July 10, 2024 meeting, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the Woodrow Wilson Library the Culmore Community Library. At several Board of Trustees meetings, residents of the Mason District where the library is located testified during public comment that a name change for this branch location at 6101 Knollwood Drive, Falls Church, was desired and warranted. The Library Board recently amended its Policy P to strengthen the recommendation that “all new or renamed branch libraries shall be named for the geographical area in which they are located.” The current name of this location, Woodrow Wilson Library, did not convey its location, possibly causing confusion among FCPL users who are new to the county and the library system. During its March 13 meeting, the Library Board then established a committee to investigate the Woodrow Wilson Library name change as requested by residents. That committee convened in May to discuss budget impacts, as well as review information gathered by local history expert Christopher Barbuschak, manager of FCPL’s Virginia Room, regarding the history of the area and possible naming conventions. The recommendation from the committee was to consider Culmore Community Library as the new name for this facility. The report was presented to the entire board as part of their June 12 board package and is publicly available on-line. The Woodrow Wilson Library occupied three different storefronts in Culmore Shopping Center from 1961-1966 before relocating to the present permanent library building in 1967. Pictured here is the second storefront location which opened in 1962. This library is located in the Culmore area of Bailey’s Crossroads. The origins of the Culmore name are traced to John N. Campbell (1898-1958) a Washington area real estate developer and building contractor. In 1947, he began construction on the first section of a planned 1,000-unit apartment complex he christened “Culmore Apartments”.  Campbell, a native of Culmore village in Londonderry, Ireland, named the project after his birthplace. Culmore comes from the Gaelic An Chúil Mhór, which means “big corner”. In 1938, the Campbells moved to Fairfax County and rented a farm on Lee Highway in Centreville. Around this time Campbell established John N. Campbell, Inc., a building and development firm based in Arlington. Over the next decade, he built housing developments in Arlington and Fairfax. In October 1945, Campbell purchased 118 acres on Leesburg Pike near Bailey’s Crossroads from the Alexandria Water Company. He planned to build an extensive apartment project of 1,000 one- and two-bedroom units that he named Culmore Apartments. In 1949, Campbell announced he would build a $300,000 10-store shopping center on Leesburg Pike to service the Culmore Apartments. The Culmore Shopping Center opened in early 1951, and the Woodrow Wilson Library later called it home from 1961-1966. In 1950, Campbell gave six acres of his Culmore property to Fairfax County Public Schools for the future construction of Bailey’s Elementary School which opened on September 2, 1952. To the right of the school property was an additional six acres owned by Campbell. Eventually, 1.6 acres of the property was given to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in July 1964 for the construction of the present Woodrow Wilson Library which opened in 1967. Before the Library Board voted to name the Woodrow Wilson Library in 1960, it was originally referred to as the “Culmore-Bailey’s Crossroads Library” or “Culmore-Bailey’s Library”. This name change was reflected across the library starting September 1, 2024, but exterior signage installation is still in process. An official sign unveiling with Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez is set for October 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
a young man sits at a library desk with two laptops open in front of him and a hand held pensively to his chin
Seven Tips for a Successful School Year
August 15, 2024
Did you know the library can help students study, write reports and do homework? Let us be your partner in academic success! Use these seven tips to maximize your learning this school year with services and resources available for free from Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). Tip #1 - Get support and guidance from library staff. You are not alone at the library — or wherever you are with internet access or a mobile device! Library staff are trained to help students find legitimate information sources in branch and online, including historical newspapers, speeches, reference databases, trusted websites and more. Visit the Information Desk at a branch for in-person support with research and help finding physical materials. Need a different way to reach us? Call your local branch or send us an email at wwwlib@fairfaxcounty.gov. Tip #2 - Take advantage of free tutoring sessions. While the library does not provide tutoring services, we can connect you with them — including virtual and in-branch sessions! Brainfuse HelpNow provides live, online tutoring and homework help for students in grades K-12. Tutors are available to meet virtually in English and Spanish every day between 2-11 p.m. A library card is required to use HelpNow outside the library. Tip #3 - Access 24/7 homework help online. The library's Homework Resources guide is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you find free resources to explore new ideas and get help with homework topics. Find a variety of online resources offering research material for papers and homework help separately tailored for students in grades K-6 and grades 7-12. Writing a paper? No problem. Check out the writing resources section for help with style, vocab, proper source citation and more. Plus, visit Brainfuse HelpNow's online Writing Lab for assistance and feedback in virtual study spaces. Tip #4 - Find books, magazines and newspapers. Whether you’re studying classics, history, current events or any other subject, with a library card you have at your fingertips more than 2.3 million items in the library's collection of digital and physical materials. Print books can be checked out in person or placed on hold and picked up later. Digital books are available 24/7 via OverDrive and the Libby App Access magazines and newspaper articles in print or online. Tip #5 - Check out library items with just your name — and no fines! FCPL provides all Fairfax County Public Schools students in pre-K through grade 12 with a fine-free public library virtual account called a Library Equity Access Pass (LEAP). All you need is your name to check out physical materials at a branch, and you can check out up to three items at a time for six weeks each. Tip #6 - Use library resources to prep for fall SATs and ACTs. Several different online sources offer test preparation for SAT, ACT, AP and SOL exams. Start with LearningExpress Library for a wide range of options (library card required). Tip #7 - Access free Wi-Fi and computers. Whether you have your own device or not, simply log in to do just about any online research and project preparation needed for school assignments. Bring your own laptop, tablet or mobile device and connect to free Wi-Fi from inside any branch and even from outside many of them.  Can't bring your own hardware? Use ours! The library offers more than 400 public computers at our branches, all equipped with Microsoft Office apps, internet access and printing and scanning capabilities. Rather work at home? Check out one of our Connect Kits. The kits contain a Chromebook and mobile hotspot that can be borrowed by adults (cardholders ages 18+) for two weeks at a time with no renewals. Connect kits can be put on hold for pick up at any of FCPL's 22 locations.
Fairfax County Public Library Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
FCPL Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage
May 3, 2024
Tracing its origins to a Congressional Resolution in 1977, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month was officially established in 1992 to honor people of AANHPI ancestry in the United States, their history and culture, and their many contributions to our country. To celebrate, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is hosting presentations, workshops, storytimes, crafts and more throughout the month, highlighting members of the AANHPI community and their heritage.  Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you:   *Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.     Learn To Play the Ukulele – Lorton Library – Tuesdays, May 7-21 (registration required)  Celebrate Hawaiian culture and learn to play the ukulele in this three-week series taught by a professional instructor from Potomac Music. Ukuleles will be provided for use in class.   AANHPI Stories: Ginger, Bok Choy, Soy Sauce, Oh My! – Burke Centre Library – Tuesday, May 7 (registration required)  Join cookbook author and Asian cooking expert Pat Tanumihardja as she demystifies the ingredients comprising popular Asian dishes like Pad Thai, Kung Pao chicken, Bulgogi and more.  Tangram Puzzling – Sherwood Regional Library – Monday, May 13 (registration required)  What can you make with only seven pieces? Design and play with your own tangram puzzles, a type of puzzle invented in China in the 3rd century.  Batik Workshop – Thomas Jefferson Library – Friday, May 17 (registration required)  Learn this Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to the fabric to create exclusive patterns and designs. Participants will use this technique to create their own batik scarf.  Intergenerational Japanese Folding Fan – City of Fairfax Regional Library – Saturday, May 18  Embrace the diverse cultures, heritage and traditions inspired by AANHPI Heritage month as we introduce you to the history and art of the Japanese folding fan. Participants will then make and decorate your own paper folding fan.  Sticky Fingers Cooking – Dolley Madison Library – Friday, May 24 (registration required)  Experience an immersive experience where participants will learn to craft dishes and beverages, culminating in a shared meal and stimulating conversations on pertinent AANHPI/Jewish Heritage themes.  Pellet Drums – John Marshall Library – Saturday, May 25  Make some noise and learn about the pellet drum, a popular instrument used throughout East Asia. Then stick around to make one of your own with paper plates and beads  For a complete list of AANHPI-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_AANHPIHeritage.  You can also celebrate by participating in our AANHPI Genre Bingo Challenge on Beanstack! Learn more about the challenge and sign up to participate here.
Reston Regional Library Exterior
Reston Regional Library Closing for Facility Renovation This Summer
April 25, 2024
RESTON, VA -- Fairfax County Public Library’s Reston Regional Library branch will close for an anticipated ten-week facility renovation this summer. The last day of service to the public will be Friday, June 28, with work beginning on Monday, July 1. This brief and necessary refresh will enhance library visitors’ experiences and complete important facility modernizations to ensure that it remains usable, clean and safe for the duration of the building’s lifespan. Work anticipated as part of this refresh includes: Full ADA updates and refurbishment of the main public restrooms; Updates to all public and staff area lighting fixtures; Replacement of carpet in key areas such as the entry way and teen area; Cleaning and updates to the public meeting rooms; Paint, cleaning, blind repair, etc; and Replacement of the drinking fountain and addition of a bottle filling station. Reston Regional Library staff will be shifted to other locations during this closure. While this library is closed, customers are invited to visit a nearby branch – close options include Herndon Fortnightly Library, Great Falls Library and Chantilly Regional Library. Staff can assist customers with redirecting holds for pick up at nearby locations and materials may be picked up or returned to any Fairfax County Public Library branch.   A new Reston Regional Library facility, previously approved in a bond referendum, is moving forward and it is planned to be constructed in the next few years. Land acquisition and design of the new facility is in the development phase. For more information on what your Fairfax County Public Library has to offer, and to find a list of library locations, please visit fairfaxcounty.gov/library.  
Light Pollution Monitoring Kit Now Available in the Library of Things
Monitor the Skies with a Light Pollution Monitoring Kit During Dark Skies Week!
April 1, 2024
By Fairfax County Park Authority In celebration of Dark Skies Week, the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) are proud to unveil a joint initiative aimed at combating light pollution: the Light Pollution Monitoring Kit. As part of the Citizen Science initiative, residents are encouraged to participate in the preservation of our night skies by contributing valuable data through this innovative program. Light pollution affects both humans and wildlife. It obscures our view of the stars and results in wasted energy, disrupted sleep patterns and ecological disturbances. From disrupting migratory bird paths to affecting the hunting habits of nocturnal creatures, the adverse effects of light pollution are far-reaching and profound. The Light Pollution Monitoring Kit, also known as the Dark Skies Kit, empowers citizens to fight light pollution by providing them with the tools needed to measure and monitor light levels in their communities. Starting April 2, twenty-five Light Pollution Monitoring Kits will be available as part of FCPL’s Library of Things. Kits can be placed on hold for pickup at any branch through the Fairfax County Public Library online catalog and can be borrowed for up to three weeks. Each kit contains a Sky Quality Meter, planispheres for locating constellations in English and Spanish, instructions and a red-light flashlight, enabling users to assess the brightness of their surroundings and contribute to the ongoing effort to preserve our natural nightscapes. Participants are encouraged to report their participation on the Watch the Green Grow website. To learn more about how you can participate in this vital initiative or to reserve a Light Pollution Monitoring Kit at a library near you, please visit the Dark Skies website.
Staff Excellence Awards Congratulations
FCPL Celebrates Outstanding Employees with Annual Staff Excellence Awards 
March 19, 2024
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees took time during their monthly meeting Wednesday, March 13 to honor several library employees with staff excellence awards.   From Feb. 1-21, library users nominated staff members for recognition. A board committee reviewed submissions and selected 14 winners and one special mention from more than 132 nominations. The Board of Trustees read excerpts from their nominations celebrating all that they do for the people of Fairfax County.  2024 Staff Excellence Award Winners  Confidence Akiti, Circulation Manager at Lorton Library  “Confidence is very professional at what he does. Whenever I need help, he attends right away to make sure I got what I need. Confidence greets me with his beautiful smile. He has a great personality. He comes and asks me if I’m okay, how am I doing and if I need help to let him know and that makes me feel good and want to come here more and let people know about this library because of him.”  Jaqueline Consolvo, Circulation Manager at City of Fairfax Regional Library  “As soon as I showed up at her desk, [Jackie] was quick to help me and be just as excited for me to get a library card. I haven’t had a library card since I was in elementary school and I’m excited to have had this process be so incredibly easy! Jackie was awesome!”  Logan Counard, Youth Services Manager at Thomas Jefferson Library  “Logan is great. Not just to me, but everyone he’s in contact with! Also, he just has a consistent pleasant personality! He will go out of his way to try to help you. Personally, he has helped me when I run into computer program issue and he seems to always know what to do or if he doesn’t, he’ll come up with a suggestion/solution.”  Dawn Creal, Youth Services Information Assistant at Burke Centre Library  “[Dawn] is engaging, enthusiastic, and excels at her job. Dawn is always there to greet me and my son with a smile. Not only does she remember my son’s name, which is quite impressive given the number of children that attend Burke Centre’s programs, but she also takes the time to talk to us and has developed a meaningful relationship with us.”  Jennifer “JJ” Dickinson, Adult Services Manager at Pohick Regional Library  “JJ has turned the Maker Space POD into a creative, fun place to make friends while also contributing to society in many ways... She diplomatically works around our diverse personalities (the POD is small and active with people who are VERY different and strong). She stays calm, fair and organized.”  Andréa Fernandes, Youth Services Manager at Patrick Henry Library  “Andréa's baby story times are second to none. She manages a chaotic room full of babies like a pro, and her energy is amazing. The kids LOVE her and she has such a wonderful rapport with the little ones who attend regularly. It can be intimidating to attend an event for the first time, but Andréa makes everyone feel welcome, makes expectations super clear, and creates a feeling of community.”  Stacy Herron, Youth Services Information Assistant at Thomas Jefferson Library  “A customer called from out of state asking for assistance after mistaking Thomas Jefferson Library for the Thomas Jefferson Museum! Stacy was patient, kind, helpful and never made the customer feel bad for contacting the wrong institution. The customer called library administration after the interaction to sing her praise!”  Nancy Jessen, Youth Services Information Assistant at Woodrow Wilson Library  “Nancy leads the board games on Wednesdays. My son attends every week. Nancy does a fantastic job engaging him and whoever else shows up. She cares about the kids who show up. It is such a welcome routine and great way to build community at the library. And Nancy helps make it a wonderful experience.”  Karen Jones, Youth Services Assistant at Centreville Regional Library  “Miss Karen’s Wednesday morning reading sessions for young kids are the best. She connects with the kids and helps them to have a cheerful positive day. Our grandson looks forward to the sessions all week ... She was organized, kind, welcoming, and absolutely FUN!”  Dori Kim, Interlibrary Loan Manager at Technical Operations   “Dori Kim handles the Interlibrary Loan Department. I have been using it for two years, trying to obtain obscure books and articles. Dori has had a 100% success rate. This has tremendously helped my research into the history of pre-revolutionary Russian film distribution in the United States. The books and articles I need are rare, but without them, I would have almost nothing.  I have a more well-rounded project thanks to Dori.”  Jeanne Pecori, Information Services Librarian at Pohick Regional Library  “[Jeanne is] so encouraging and helpful. The cheer she brings to each interaction I've had with her or witnessed is infectious in the best way. She's helped broaden and encourage my crafting skills, bolster my love for books, and positively nudged me to better myself.”  Amery Stapleton, Assistant Branch Manager at Oakton Library  “My children were a little rowdy after storytime and there was a line for the check out and I think [Amery] saw I was struggling. She is always very kind to my children and me when she has helped us.”  Marta Steenstra Davis, Youth Services Information Assistant at Lorton Library  “Ms. Marta’s storytime has changed my girls’ demeanor. Whoever has met her knows how calm but full of energy she is. She can captivate any child’s attention and keep them focused on the story. Ms. Marta has done a wonderful job in enhancing our literacy culture by providing fun, educational storytimes.”  Irene VonHapsburg-Nagley, Youth Services Information Assistant at Herndon Fortnightly Library  “We moved from overseas and my daughter, 3 years old, just started learning English. Irene asked one how to say hi and bye in Turkish so that my daughter feels welcome. We always come for the play time and LEGO club. Irene always has a big friendly smile that makes us love this branch so much. She’s an exceptional employee.”  Special Mention: Staff of Centreville Library  “After losing my life partner last year, I was frightened, lost and my whole life became an upheaval. The Centreville Regional Library Team has provided exceptional support and guidance and continues to do so, helping me to get through the most stressful and challenging time of my life. They have been here for me every step of the way and I couldn’t have made it without them.”   
Fairfax County Public Library Celebrates Women's history Month
Celebrate Women’s History Month at Your Local Library
March 5, 2024
First recognized in March 1987, Women’s History Month honors the many women who have played an important role over the course of American history. To celebrate, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is hosting presentations, workshops, storytimes, crafts and more throughout the month, highlighting women from all walks of life for their contributions to the United States and the world as we know it.   Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you:  *Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.    Musical Storytime & Women's History Celebration: Women Composers – Kings Park Library – Saturday, March 9   Violinists Claire Allen and Hannah Price present a program of works for two violins by composers Judith Weir, Florence Price and Grazyna Bacewicz. The program will also feature a reading of the book Who Is Florence Price?, written by the students of the Kaufman Music Center’s Special Music School.  The Power of Words: Female Voices Matter – City of Fairfax Regional Library – Sunday, March 10   The City of Fairfax Commission on Women will host female authors from the City of Fairfax for a lively conversation and book readings for all ages.  Women Powering Democracy – City of Fairfax Regional Library – Tuesday, March 12 (Registration required)  Several unique records from the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center (HRC) archives will be available for viewing such as early voter registration rolls and information about the women of Fairfax County, including registrar Edith Pullman and African American activist Mary Ellen Henderson. A short discussion of the records will be led by Dr. Jennifer Ritterhouse.  AmaZine: Women's History Month Zine Workshop – Dolley Madison Library – Friday, March 15 (Registration required)  Learn about the history of zines and women's suffrage movements in this workshop presentation - and create your own zine!  "Hallowed Ground” Storytelling with Sheila Arnold – Sherwood Regional Library – Monday, March 18 (Registration required)  Join master storyteller Shelia Arnold as she leads a program that uses stories – humorous, historical and inspirational – to encourage the audience to take a moment and consecrate the places that are sacred.  "Locks Opened: Caught!" Storytelling with Sheila Arnold – Reston Regional Library – Tuesday, March 19 (Registration required)  Hear some of the stories of those who were caught riding the Underground Railroad in this presentation includes ballads, props, song, and dance.  Meet Young Author and Learn About Women's History – Lorton Library – Saturday, March 23 (Registration required)  Join 10-year-old Naevia as she reads from her newly published book Naevia's Magic Glasses. In the story, we will use magic glasses to take us back in time to learn from famous Black women.  From Seneca Falls to the Ballot Box | Stories of History, Food & Culture – Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library – Tuesday, March 26 (Registration required)  Laura Kumin, author of All Stirred Up: Suffrage Cookbooks, Food, and the Battle for Women’s Right to Vote, will discuss how women won the right to vote and what role food played in that movement.  Notable Women of Herndon’s Past – Herndon Fortnightly Library – Tuesday, March 26 (Registration preferred)  Local author, Barbara Glakas, Historian of the Herndon Historical Society, will discuss some important female historical figures from Herndon’s past.  Women's History Transcribe-a-thon – Centreville Regional Library – Thursday, March 28  Become a part of American women's history! Help transcribe Library of Congress handwritten personal letters so that future generations can access these pages from history.  For a complete list of Women’s History-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_WomensHistoryMonth.  You can also celebrate by selecting a new read from our specially curated Women’s History Month booklist found here or streaming one of the many related programs that can be found on Kanopy. 
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