Library

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?

Primary sources include original artifacts, documents, manuscripts, images, recordings and other sources of information created during the time period studied. They are firsthand evidence of events.

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. Journals

Individuals 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:

• How does it feel attending school remotely rather than being in a classroom?
• Are you playing new games, or learning to play old games differently, since staying at home?
• What have you learned from spending more time with family members?

2. Photographs

A 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 Archiving

Local 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. Art

Write 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. Collecting

Consider 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 Us

Be 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. 

For more at-home activity ideas and resources, check out our Top 10 Ways to FCPL at Home and our Digital Programs and Online Activities for all ages — from early literacy storytimes for preschoolers and scavenger hunts and digital events for school-age kids and teens, to virtual book clubs and financial wellness workshops for adults. 

Find the library at your place this National Library Week April 19-25

This 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:

• Just for Kids streaming videos;
• Language learning through Mango Languages and Rocket Languages;
• Online courses through Lynda.com, Universal Class, Great Courses eAudio and LearningExpress Library;
• Consumer Reports product reviews and the Home Improvement Reference Center to support purchases and projects at home;
• Research databases, including The Foundation Directory Online temporarily available from home;
• Genealogical resources, including in-library-only resources like Ancestry.com temporarily open for at-home use;
• And more ideas shared in our Top 10 Ways to FCPL from Home.

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.

For those who don’t yet have a library card, an online library card application will provide a temporary card number. When the library reopens, new applicants can visit their local branches to pick up and validate physical cards.

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.

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.

For every Northern Virginia resident who is not counted in the 2020 census, our region could lose $1,200 per year in federal funds — that’s $12,000 over 10 years!

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.

The 2020 census is the first to be conducted online in its 230-year history.

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.

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.

“I look forward to serving on the Library Board of Trustees and working hard to ensure Sully District and Fairfax County continue to have one of the highest-quality library systems in the country,” Walker said.

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.

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 renovation of Lorton Library – as well as the co-location of other county resources – will help us better serve our community,” said Jessica Hudson, Director of the Fairfax County Public Library.

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.

“I envision the new site to be an inviting and engaging place where all of us will feel a sense of community and wellbeing – the basis for building even stronger connections with our neighbors. At my urging, we were able to accelerate the Lorton Library renovation and combine these two resources to provide a truly modern 21st century community center with education, recreation and support services. Completing these two projects in coordination will save the County over $1 million,” said Dan Storck, Fairfax County Supervisor for the Mount Vernon District.

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.

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: 

• Centreville Regional Library

• City of Fairfax Regional Library

• George Mason Regional Library

• Pohick Regional Library

• Reston Regional Library

• Sherwood Regional Library

The library’s Memory Depot stations can now digitize the following formats:

• Photographic prints, negatives and slides
• Scrapbooks and other documents
• VHS and VHS-C video cassettes
• Audio cassettes
• Vinyl albums (only at Centreville Regional Library)
• 3.5" Floppy disks 

Memory Depot users should bring the following items:

1. Materials to digitize (photos, documents, etc.)
2. An external hard drive or USB with enough capacity to save the digital files created at the station.

Learn more about the capabilities of the systems and what you need to bring when you’re ready to start digitizing.

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.

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.

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.

Take Part in Writing Contests, Tutorials, Discussion Groups and More at Your Library in November

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

It’s that time of year again, for leaf raking, pumpkin-y baking, apple picking… and novel writing, of course! Each year during National Novel Writing Month — better known as NaNoWriMo — more than 300,000 writers around the world sign up for the challenge of writing a 50,000-word first draft of a novel in only 30 days.

NaNoWriMo is an internet-based creative writing project with a fun and fast-paced approach. It’s free and open to anyone over the age of 13—with a Young Writers Program also available to young writers 17 and under. To learn more and sign up, visit nanowrimo.org.

Celebrate at Your Library

Whether you’ve got a story stewing inside you or are searching for a spark of inspiration, whether you’re a seasoned creative writer looking for a motivation boost or new to the craft and in need of a kick-start, November is the perfect time head to your library for programs and events in support of your writing goals.

While all of our local branches are always open for you to come in and write, the library has a variety of programs scheduled throughout the month to celebrate NaNoWriMo. Take a look at some of the highlights below, and search the events calendar for more dates, branches and activities. Then, bring your favorite notepad or laptop, or use one of the library's public computers to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard for your project.

NaNoWriMo Kick-Off and Contest

Get an early jump on the fun at the NaNoWriMo Kickoff Party at City of Fairfax Regional Library on October 26. Meet your fellow novelists, discuss strategies for writing 50,000 words in 30 days and enjoying refreshments while you get ready to write.

Then, join Sherwood Regional Library for their very own National Novel Writing Month contest. Participants will write and submit a short story of at least 15 pages in length by November 30. One adult and one teen will win grand prizes!

Need help getting started? Attend the Short Story Basics Writer’s Workshop at Sherwood on November 3 at 2 p.m. The workshop will focus on the basic structures of the short story while incorporating short exercises designed to get your creative juices flowing.

If you’ve already written the next great American short story and want to share it with the world (or if you spend November writing and end up with something special), don’t miss Sherwood’s How to Get Your Short Story Published workshop on November 30 at 4 p.m. This program will discuss the etiquette of contacting publishers and how to find the right home for your piece.

Join a Writers’ Group

In addition to our NaNoWriMo events, the library has writers’ groups that meet regularly throughout the year, including the November dates below. Check the events calendar for all writers’ groups, dates and times.

• Writers of Chantilly
• Chantilly Regional Library | November 5 and 25 | 6:30 p.m.
• A diverse group of published and aspiring writers transforms words and thoughts into creative stories to share with each other for thoughtful discussion, positive direction and maximum impact. New members are always welcomed.
• Pohick Writers’ Roundtable
• Pohick Regional Library | November 6 | 7 p.m.
• Discuss your work with other writers.
• Springfield Writers’ Group
• Richard Byrd Library | November 7 and 21 | 7 p.m.
• Focuses primarily on fiction and creative non-fiction, but poets are encouraged to share their work, too. Though it is not mandatory, writers are encouraged to bring a 1-5 pp. long piece to read aloud. Group will provide general feedback, focusing on flow, plot holes, character development, grammar, punctuation, or whatever the writer wants as a focus. For a more in-depth critique, some members might be available to proofread or copyedit entire manuscript. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed.

One-on-One Writing Tutoring

Still working on getting that writing process down pat, or not ready to share your work with peers yet? Sign up for one-on-one research and writing tutoring sessions at George Mason Regional Library. During NaNoWriMo, 50-minute sessions are available on November 1, 5, 9, 16 and 26. High school to adult writers can learn tips to improve your research and writing processes and work on your current project, including academic papers and other essays, test prep, cover letters, creative writing, brainstorming and citations. Please register online in advance and bring a copy of your work to the session.

Get Ready, Get Set, Write!

Whether or not you meet the 50,000 words goal by the end of November, mark the close of National Novel Writing Month with a celebration at City of Fairfax Regional Library on December 1 at 2 p.m.

But first, here's some tips from the experts to help demystify the writing and publishing processes, so the daunting thought of 50,000 words doesn’t leave you staring straight at a writer's block.

Plus, visit our online research guide for style guides and resources for writers, and find books about creative writing in the library catalog.

And now... let the brainstorming begin!