Get in the back-to-school spirit and discover how education and public libraries have played a role in the success of the United States over the last 250 years. Join Fairfax County Public Library this month for programs, presentations, crafts and more honoring the power of education and embodying the joy of our country’s young people.
Events and Programs
Lafayette's Legacy: A Spy Game | Kings Park Library | Tuesday, August 4
Imagine a local landmark is slated for demolition and only your team can prove its link to the legendary Revolutionary War double agent, James Armistead Lafayette. You’ll use 18th century tools and spy craft to solve a series of puzzles and reveal the answer to an early American mystery. Can you save history before the clock runs out?
Back-to-School Kid Craft | George Mason Regional Library | Wednesday, August 5
Join us for a fun afternoon making back-to-school crafts. We will transform ordinary pencils into trendy stylish ones and create eye catching magnets that will be perfect for posting reminders and artwork on the fridge.
STEAM Team - Celebrate National Civility Month | Burke Centre Library | Saturday, August 8
Learn about customs and manners then write notes or make pictures for friends and family. We will also learn about cursive handwriting and how one can use it to send polite "secret" messages.
Preschool Storytime: Ready for Kindergarten Edition | Herndon Fortnightly Library | Tuesday, August 18
Enjoy a delightful early literacy storytime celebrating kindergarten readiness with stories, songs and fingerplays for kids ages 3-5.
Teen Craft & Chill - Back to School Craft & Connection | Burke Centre Library | Tuesday, August 18
Kick off the school year with creativity and connection! Make a bookmark to donate to a senior center, meet other teens, and hang out at the library.
Back-To-School Book Sales | Reston Regional and Centreville Regional Libraries | Thursday, August 20 - Sunday, August 23 (Reston) Friday, August 21 - Sunday, August 23 (Centreville)
Browse a large selection of books, media and more curated for school age kids and teens, as well as teachers at two book sales benefiting Friends of the Library groups.
Local Author Book Talk with James Tyson Currie | Sherwood Regional Library | Saturday, August 22
Join local author James Tyson Currie for a spirited presentation on his newest book, Missouri Mule: How Harry Truman's Stubbornness and Determination Helped Win World War II and Led Him to the Presidency.
Neighborhood School Trivia | John Marshall Library | Saturday, August 29
How well do you know your local school history? Have fun and perhaps learn something new through trivia on the history of FCPS and schools near the John Marshall Library.
FREE to Watch at Home on WETA+
“Black/White & Brown: Brown Versus the Board of Education of Topeka”
Explore the stories of individuals, events, and circumstances involved in this historic legal battle, focusing mainly on Kansas. The film examines the broader national strategy of the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund, which consolidated cases from various states and addresses key questions about the participants' motivations, goals and the impact of their actions on the local community and the nation.
Roadtrip Nation – Season 28 Episode 3 “EDUCATION INNOVATION | LEARNING REIMAGINED”
School should be a place where new ideas, programs, and technologies support students’ development as they build skills and relationships that will support their future success. Follow the roadtrippers as they meet the people making this a reality.
The Citizenship Project – Season 1 Episode 7 “Education: The Key to Freedom”
“Education: The Key to Freedom” documents the impressive strides by former slaves to gain an education in postbellum Tennessee. Not only were thousands learning to read and write, they soon had access to higher education as several Black colleges opened across the state. Despite court-ordered desegregation efforts, the integration of public schools remains an elusive goal to this day.
Decibel “The Future of Education”
The classroom is changing. Gone are the days of teachers standing at a chalkboard as students take notes--now new technologies are shifting how students, teachers and staff interact and learn. How schools are creating future-ready students? What kind of impact does building design have on student learning? And how do baby dolls help children become better learners later in life?
American Experience – Season 35 Episode 8 “The Harvest: Integrating Mississippi's Schools”
Explore what happened when the small Mississippi town of Leland integrated its public schools in 1970. Told through the remembrances of students, teachers and parents, the film shows how the town – and America – were transformed.
Book Recommendations
eBook of the Month: Odyssey by Homer
Each month FCPL offers a hand-picked selection featured for unlimited use. During that month, the selection will be always available with no holds, no waiting. The featured eBooks can be used for reading with friends, as virtual book club picks or just because you like to read what we suggest!
Step back into history class and discover the epic behind Christopher Nolan’s latest movie masterpiece. Follow the journey of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca as he returns home following the Trojan War, encountering gods, monsters and countless trials along the way.
You can also celebrate education and public libraries by checking out these other great reads curated by our collection specialists: