In honor of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, which took place on September 17, 1787, Fairfax County Public Library is highlighting library programs, resources and more that celebrate America’s founding document, our democracy and the rule of law. From crafting events and author talks to video streaming and reading lists, check out some of what we have in store for the month.

Events and Programs

Reintroducing Woodlawn: A Legacy of Nonviolence and Neighborhood | Lorton Library | Tuesday, September 8 
Dive into the history of the Quaker families who settled at Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House in the mid-19th century and the established free Black community they joined.

Democracy-Themed Building Brick Challenges for Adults | John Marshall Library | Monday, September 14 
Have fun with building bricks and complete different democracy-themed exercises meant to practice communication skills.

U.S. Constitution Day Open House | City of Fairfax Regional Library | Wednesday, September 16 
Learn more about the Constitution as a cornerstone document to our democracy and see related historical documents.

The American Revolution and the Fate of the World | Pohick Regional Library | Sunday, September 20 
Rediscover the Revolution as a world war that unleashed chaos, opportunity, and transformation across six continents in this riveting presentation from author Richard Bell.

How Local Government Works: Insights from Supervisor Bierman and Mayor LeBlanc | Herndon Fortnightly Library | Monday, September 21 
Explore how local government serves our community as Fairfax County Supervisor Jimmy Bierman and Town of Herndon Mayor Keven LeBlanc share insights.

Understanding the County: A Talk with Dranesville Supervisor James Bierman Jr. | Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library | Wednesday, September 23 
Better understand how local government works as Supervisor Bierman provides an overview of the Board of Supervisors, its responsibilities, and how decisions are made at the county level. 

Getting to Know Government: The Basics of Our Federal System - Part 1 | Kings Park Library | Saturday, September 26 
Explore the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of the federal government and discuss which powers most affect our daily lives. 

Author Talk - David O. Stewart | Kings Park Library | Monday, September 28 
Examine the impact of seven Founding Fathers as they shaped the U.S. and explore the lasting importance of nine documents that were instrumental in forming our new democratic government.

FREE to Watch at Home on WETA+

Constitution USA With Peter Sagal 
Peter Sagal, host of NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!" travels across the country to find out where the U.S. Constitution lives, how it works and how it doesn't, how it unites us as a nation, and how it has nearly torn us apart.

A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution 
Explore the many challenges facing the new nation and see how our founding fathers, led by George Washington, created the United States Constitution. Born of compromise, this founding document laid the foundation for our more perfect union.

Questioning the Constitution 
For over 200 years, the United States Constitution has served as the foundation for the country and its citizens. Consider its various interpretations, the debate surrounding its possible reformation and more through interviews with prominent politicians, constitutional scholars and leaders, combined with archival materials to create an understanding of the Constitution's past, present and future.

Book Recommendations

Learn more about democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law with books from our collection, selected by our team of librarians: