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Baking with Julia: Watch Episodes for Free with Your Library Card |
Learn or expand baking skills with Julia Child's videos, and feel a little better.By Andrea Spira, Great Falls Library Branch Manager Benefits of BakingIt has long been acknowledged that the act of baking has meditative and therapeutic effects on the mind and spirit. Measuring, mixing, kneading, monitoring progress — all take patience, require attention, and thrive in an atmosphere of calm. Bakers have to be present in the moment; they have to be mindful. Baking gives us a sense of control in times when we feel out of control. And it is a creative process usually resulting in something delicious that feeds and nourishes the people we care about, providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose. America’s National Stay-at-Home PastimeIt seems today’s at-home, self-isolating America has embraced the Zen of baking. In particular, bread baking and the edible, carbohydrate comfort it affords in uncertain times. This baking surge makes perfect sense. We are home. We have time. We are stressed. We are worried. We have to feed ourselves and our loved ones. We want to feel better. Baking provides an outlet for those feelings and energy, helping center the mind and promote a sense of calm. Brag photos and videos of rustic golden-brown homemade loaves are popping up everywhere online, from Facebook and Instagram to YouTube and Twitter. Virtual communities are forming around how to make your own sourdough starter, and neighborhood supermarket yeast alerts are now a thing because, as Americans head into the kitchen, yeast is flying off the shelves almost as fast as toilet paper. What to do? People are baking and people are sharing, but that all-important yeast is hard to find! Bake with Julia ChildFortunately, baking isn’t restricted to crusty loaves. Yeast or no yeast, baking’s therapeutic benefits are only a click away. Fairfax County Public Library cardholders can join the craze by taking a master class in baking under the tutelage of America’s favorite at-home chef, Julia Child. Log in to FCPL’s online resource Access Video on Demand: Master Collection with your library card number to explore all 16 episodes of Julia’s iconic series, Baking with Julia. Stream one episode or binge them all. Episodes include: Pecan Sticky Buns and Brioche Pockets with Julia and Nancy Silverton; Sicilian X Cookies and Focaccia with Julia and Nick Malgieri; and Muffins, Scones, Soda Bread and Popovers with Julia Marion Cunningham. So get baking, Fairfax County! Join America and Julia, and let the Zen of baking help you feel just a little bit better. If you’re in need of more inspiration, instruction and recipes, turn to the digital cookbooks in the library’s collection.
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Read full article | April 22, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/julia-child-baking.jpg | 0 | ||
5 Ways to Create Primary Sources During the Pandemic |
Stay engaged while staying home by creating and collecting personal and historical records of the pandemic experience.By Suzanne S. LaPierre, Virginiana Specialist Librarian at the Virginia Room in City of Fairfax Regional Library We are living through an unusual time, one on which future generations will look back with wonder. What primary sources will people of the future use to understand what life was like during the COVID-19 pandemic?
While stay-at-home orders are in place, creating and collecting primary source material can be an engaging activity as well as a resource for future use. Keeping a journal, taking photographs or interviewing others for an oral history project are activities that can be engaged in by people of almost any age. Here are five ideas, including some tips for involving children. 1. JournalsIndividuals still working in the community, whether as medical personnel or grocery store clerks, will have unique narratives to illuminate these times. Those staying home can write from their perspectives as well. It may seem dull now, but someday we’ll reminisce about which items were most in-demand at the store and what kind of community activities we engaged in to keep socially active while physically distant. What did we do to help others? Sew masks, foster pets or deliver groceries to older neighbors? What thoughts and concerns did we have? Children can start by answering these questions:
2. PhotographsA number of community and worldwide photography projects have emerged from the pandemic. A Facebook group called “View from my window” shares scenes from the windows of people staying home around the world. Images reveal once-crowded streets and beaches now empty and wildlife such as kangaroos and deer — emboldened by lack of traffic — lounging in people’s yards. The #FrontStepsProject involves local photographers capturing images of neighbors posing in front of their homes (at a safe distance, of course). Families may appear in pajamas, dressed up in formalwear, or even in costume. Typically, the family photographed donates to a good cause in exchange for the portrait, and photos are shared on social media to promote a sense of community. Children might start by photographing the teddy bears on display in many neighborhoods as part of an activity inspired by the picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Neighborhoods in at least thirteen countries are participating in the Bear Hunt by posing teddy bears in their windows. Children going for walks with their families spot and count the bears, and there is a Facebook group for sharing photos. 3. Participatory ArchivingLocal archives are busy collecting material related to this unique time. In Real Time is a project of the DC History Center. Participate in surveys and learn how your journals, videos, artwork and sound recordings can help document aspects of the pandemic. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture is also collecting Your COVID-19 Stories. Children as well as adults can contribute text or videos to these projects. At least one local elementary school class is creating journals to donate to Fairfax County Public Library’s Virginia Room. 4. ArtWrite a song, draw, paint or dance... There are many ways to use this emotional time as a springboard for creativity. Consider contributing creative output to one of the community archiving projects listed above. The Quarantine Family Tool Kit, created by The American Art Therapy Association, includes art project ideas for children and teens. 5. CollectingConsider which artifacts from the present might help illustrate this chapter in history. Museum professionals call this “material culture” — and objects can reveal details beyond words. Home-sewn masks, signs and cards made to cheer on first responders and medical staff, or a labeled bottle from one of the local distilleries that switched from making alcohol to hand sanitizer are some items that could be included. Children might use these items to create a scrapbook, a time capsule, or what was once called a “cabinet of curiosities.” Then seal it up and imagine looking back on the 2020 pandemic as a thing of the past! Share Your Experiences with UsBe part of the Virginia Room's historic project to collect primary source material regarding Fairfax County residents' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to submit your stories, photographs, journal entries, short video clips, art images, or other digital files. Due to the significant interest in the project and the ongoing nature of the pandemic situation, the Virginia Room has removed the original deadline of June 10 for submissions and extended the collection period indefinitely to provide community members more time to participate. The Virginia Room is a special collection of history and genealogical resources within Fairfax County Public Library.
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Read full article | April 21, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/create-primary-sources-pandemic-thumbnail.jpg | 0 | ||
Celebrate National Library Week with Fairfax County Public Library |
Find the library at your place this National Library Week April 19-25This week, Fairfax County Public Library invites all community members to find the library at their place by visiting its Library Services During Closure guide to access virtual services and resources. While the library’s physical spaces may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, residents can discover expanded eBook and audiobook collections, online storytimes, virtual workshops and book discussions for adults, digital events for teens and much more — all from home. In times of crisis, libraries respond to their communities’ needs in innovative and inspiring ways. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, libraries continue to make a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources, online programming sessions and more ways to keep your family informed and engaged. At Fairfax County Public Library, cardholders can access a wide array of virtual services:
April 19-25, 2020, is National Library Week — a time to highlight the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This National Library Week, you can show appreciation and support for your library by visiting our website, catalog and digital collection, following us on social media, and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek. Find FCPL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The original theme for National Library Week, “Find your place at the library,” was chosen by the American Library Association (ALA) months ago before the emergence of a global pandemic would force libraries to close their buildings. In response to these rapidly-changing times, the theme was revised to “Find the library at your place” to bring attention to how libraries are open for business online, offering the electronic services and digital content their communities need now more than ever. Those services include internet access, too. While Fairfax County Public Library’s Wi-Fi network was built for internal access, we have increased branches’ signals where possible to provide limited outside coverage 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Areas closer to the branches should provide the chance for Wi-Fi connectivity — whether you're continuing educational coursework, keeping your business running, responding to the census or completing other online tasks while social distancing. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by ALA and celebrated by libraries of all types across the country each April. |
Read full article | April 20, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/nlw20-altphrase-social-media-3-facebook-share%5B1%5D.png | 0 | ||
Census 2020: Count on Libraries | Please Note: All Fairfax County Public Library branches are closed until further notice, and all library-sponsored events and programs are cancelled through April 12. In the meantime, we still have tons of digital resources available and Wi-Fi will be available in branch parking lots during normal operating hours. For more information, visit research.fairfaxcounty.gov/unlimited.
Census Day is One Month Away — Are You Ready to Be Counted?Did you know that more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed annually based on data collected by the census? These funds help pay for education, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, emergency services and other public needs.
Your census response will directly benefit you and other Fairfax County residents, and all personal information collected is 100% confidential. Invitations to respond to the census will arrive in the mail in mid-March. The questionnaire must be filled out based on residency on April 1, 2020 — Census Day — and it can be completed online, on paper or by phone. 25% of U.S. housing units do not have internet access, but Fairfax County residents can count on the library for access to nearly 400 computers and free Wi-Fi (available during open hours) to complete the 2020 census online.
Check the library’s online calendar (search “census day”) for announcements about Census Day events and opportunities to access additional public computers and receive assistance completing your questionnaire at our branches. Plus, attend the first lecture in the Common Ground series to explore surprising stories of the census’ past, from the impact of the Civil War to the challenges of early computer systems. “Making Sense of the Census” takes place Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Library and will be led by Chris Martin, historian at the U.S. Census Bureau. Count on a revealing look at the why’s and how’s of accounting for the nation’s population. Learn more about the 2020 census at fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/census. |
Read full article | March 1, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/people_map-hashtag-census2020_lo-res.jpg | 0 | ||
Walker Named to Library Board of Trustees | Elizabeth K. Walker of Centreville, Va., has been appointed to the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees representing the Sully District. Walker brings a strong human resources and management background to her new role. Her appointment is through March 31, 2024.
From 2009-2019 Walker worked as a resource manager at MITRE, Inc., following 25 years at Northrop Grumman Corporation/TRW Inc. Before her transition to human resources, Walker performed a variety of counseling and support services to inpatient and outpatient populations as a social worker. Walker earned her Master of Arts in human resources management at Marymount University and her Bachelor of Arts in sociology at North Texas State University. |
Read full article | February 26, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Liz%20Walker.jpg | 0 | ||
Lorton Library Closing for Renovation April 11, 2020 |
Lorton Library, a branch of the Fairfax County Public Library, is expected to close for renovation at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Renovations to the branch are expected to take a minimum of 21 months.
The footprint of the renovated branch will be 60% larger than its current 10,000 square feet, and the layout will be more efficient for customer use. Infrastructure will be updated to meet modern technology requirements, and building systems nearing the end of service life will be renewed. The building design will meet Fairfax County green building and Americans with Disabilities standards and be completed to achieve LEED® Silver certification. In addition to energy-saving features, the library will have an expanded children’s space, a teen room with gaming station, a Wi-Fi/laptop bar and other seating areas for wireless device users, group study rooms, two conference rooms and a meeting room available for before and after-hours use. Unique to the Lorton Library branch will be its co-location with the Lorton Community Action Center and the brand-new Lorton Community Center, which will include a senior center, teen space, sensory room, art room and gymnasium. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is managing design and construction of the new shared facility.
The Lorton Library, originally called the “Lorton Mini Library,” first opened in Williamsburg Square as a storefront location in 1980. The current library at 9520 Richmond Highway in Lorton opened its doors in April 1990.
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Read full article | February 25, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/LO-exterior-%20rendering-4096x2520.jpg | 0 | Top | |
Fairfax County Public Library Expands Memory Depot to Six Branches | 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: The library’s Memory Depot stations can now digitize the following formats:
Memory Depot users should bring the following items:
Learn more about the capabilities of the systems and what you need to bring when you’re ready to start digitizing.
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Read full article | January 9, 2020 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Memory-Depot-2400x949.jpg | 0 | ||
Branch Out Your Hobbies: Read the Winter Issue of the Library Magazine |
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 OthersLet the library help you find, renew or develop an activity you enjoy. Make Time for PastimesIf 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 PursuitsIf 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 MoreThroughout the magazine we share many ways you can explore hobbies using library resources, starting with the options listed here. Meet with Branch StaffStaff 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:
MagazinesIn 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. DatabasesThe 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 CoursesThe 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. |
Read full article | December 3, 2019 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Branch-Out-Winter-Spread.jpg | 0 | ||
Free Holiday Activities at the Library in December |
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
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Read full article | November 25, 2019 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/Holiday-Open-House.jpg | 0 | ||
Fairfax County Public Library Receives $2,000 American Society of Radiologic Technologists Grant |
The Fairfax County Public Library has received a $2,000 grant from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to purchase books and educational materials on medical imaging and radiation therapy.The grant program is part of National Radiologic Technology Week®, an annual event that recognizes the vital work of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals across the nation. The celebration takes place each year during the week that includes Nov. 8 to commemorate the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895. As part of the ASRT National Library Partnership grant program, five FCPL branches — Chantilly Regional, Kingstowne, Reston Regional, Sherwood Regional and Thomas Jefferson — will join hundreds of libraries across the United States in presenting book displays related to the radiologic sciences, medical imaging, radiation therapy and the pioneers of radiologic technology during National Radiologic Technology Week, Nov. 3-9, 2019. The $2,000 grant provided a much-needed supplement to this section of the library’s collection, and the participating branches will highlight the grant-funded materials — including new titles and added copies ranging from children’s books about MRIs, x-rays and Marie Curie to adult reads on cancer, the Radium Girls and Nikola Tesla — in their displays. In addition to educating the public about radiologic technologists’ important role on the health care team, patient safety measures and the science behind medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, these added items will provide a valuable resource for local students of medicine and radiologic science. ASRT is the world’s largest radiologic science organization, representing more than 156,000 radiologic technologists, the professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Use #ASRTLovesLibraries to follow their National Library Partnership efforts and see the National Radiologic Technology Week displays on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Search “radiology” in the library catalog to discover all the items in our collection focused on this topic, and be sure to stop by the Chantilly Regional, Kingstowne, Reston Regional, Sherwood Regional and Thomas Jefferson libraries during November 3-9 to interact with their exciting exhibits. |
Read full article | October 24, 2019 | /library/sites/library/files/Assets/images/news/interactive-nrtw-poster.png | 0 | Top |