Library

At its meeting Wednesday, May 10, the Fairfax County Board of Trustees honored the 2023 Fairfax Library Foundation Scholarship Recipients. This year’s recipients included 17 undergraduate scholarship recipients and five recipients of scholarship for staff development.  

Board of Trustees Chair Brian Engler congratulated each recipient individually and presented each with a plaque. Jennifer Disano of Fairfax Library Foundation Board of Directors and chair of its scholarship committee and Lisa Bryant, executive director of the foundation, were also on hand to congratulate recipients.  

Congratulations to FCPL staff members Logan Counard, Erin Guyer, Shelley Levinson, Bethany Korenic and Carolyn Tirona on receiving staff development scholarships! 

Congratulations to the students who received scholarships for their undergraduate studies: 

• Jocelyn Bliton, Virginia Tech  

• Sophia Brown, Dartmouth  

• Alice Cao-Dao, Virginia Tech  

• Katlyn Calustro, Pohick Friends’ Scholarship, George Mason University  

• Bhargav Garre Venkata  

• Calla Inman, Virginia Tech  

• Akale Kinfe, Myra “Micky” Shullman New American Initiative Scholarship   

• Zayan Meah, Christine Chambers-Chun Undergraduate Scholarship, University of Virginia  

• Liyanna Mohammed, College of William & Mary  

• Charan Narra, Pohick Friends’ Joan and Richard Vaaler Scholarship, Virginia Tech  

• Susan Pirnat, Burke Centre Friends’ Scholarship, Christopher Newport University                 

• Kaitlyn Purvis, George Mason University  

• Lor Ridgway, Pohick Friends’ Scholarship, College of William & Mary  

• Mia Simmons, George Mason University   

• Niamh Sosa, Columbia University   

• Danny Tran, University of Maryland, College Park  

• Lauren Tucker, University of San Diego 

Residents of the Rose Hill community gathered on Saturday, April 22 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of John Marshall Library. Throughout the day, visitors were treated to presentations on the history of the library and surrounding community as well as a musical performance from Haywood Middle School students, accompanied by refreshments and giveaways commemorating the day.  

The establishment of the library was a united community effort, one of the “fruits of what people can do when they put their shoulders to the wheel,” said Carl Sell, president of the Franconia Museum board of directors during a presentation about the early days of Rose Hill.  

In the six decades since its founding, the library and its staff have returned the favor, providing resources and services to everyone who has walked through its doors. 

“This library is a staple of the community,” said Keith Foxx, who represents the Franconia District in which the John Marshall branch is located on the FCPL Board of Trustees. “Having been here for 60 years, it is such an integral part of Rose Hill and I am happy it means so much to so many people.”  

The day’s guests included community members of all ages, many of whom expressed their gratitude for the library. “We enjoy having a library so close to our house and having great programs for our kids to attend,” said Amy Yang, who attended the event with her young daughter. “The library has been around here for a long time, and this is a great event to celebrate that.” 

Carol Falkofske, who joined her sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren at the event, applauded the library for growing with the changing times, yet remaining a haven for those still seeking out physical copies of books to read. “I think there was a great human cry that we were going to lose libraries when everything moved toward technology, but as you can see my grandkids are here reading so I am very happy to see there is still a great use for libraries and the written word. Even more so with the introduction of modern technology. It’s been a really good thing.” 

In describing the joyous the atmosphere of the celebration, John Marshall Branch Manager Ivelisse Figueroa-Gonzales said that it all comes down to the relationship between the library and its community. “We have a strong bond with our patrons,” she said. “As we celebrate our past today, we also look forward to continuing serving and supporting our vibrant community for many years to come.” 

National Library Week is April 23 through 29 this year. We are often asked how Fairfax residents can best support their library system. If you’d like to celebrate National Library Week this year, here are some ways to support Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL): 

The Fairfax Library Foundation's Amazon Wish List is a quick way to make a difference! Purchasing a book from the Wish List helps fill FCPL's shelves with the books the library staff know we need most. With this contribution option, you can even be the first to read the book through the foundation’s First Loan Program and provide opportunities for other library cardholders to read it as well. All books purchased will be marked with a general bookplate to commemorate your generosity. 

For a limited time (through May 2023), FCPL is accepting like-new condition copies of the following in-demand and hard-to-find titles. Please take them to the front desk (where you would check out books) if you have a copy to donate. 

Books for adults: 

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 

• Spare by Prince Harry 

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 

• Atomic Habits by James Clear 

• Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor 

Books for kids: 

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey (any in the series) 

• The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels by Ann M. Martin 

• Who Is?/Who Was?/What Is/ What Was? by various authors. This is a series of biographies such as Who was Mr. Rogers?, Who is Oprah Winfrey? and nonfiction books on specific topics and events: What was Pearl Harbor? What is the Panama Canal? 

• Who Would Win series by Jerry Pallotta. Contains facts about two “potential combatants” comparing aspects such as size, brain structure and abilities to reason who would win a fight. Think Godzilla vs Mothra, but for real animals: alligator vs. python; falcon vs. hawk 

Since moving to a fine-free model last year, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) has replaced its popular annual “Food for Fines” drive with “Read and Feed.” This April, simply drop off food items at any branch to contribute. Donations will go to Food for Others (FFO) for distribution throughout Fairfax County. 

Experts say donations are needed now more than ever. Inflation means a double-hit for organizations like FFO, said Anna Slaten, FFO’s director of development & outreach. Last summer, donations were down 30% from summer 2021. “With inflation, not just our clients are feeling the effects, but our donors are also,” she said.  

At the same time, demand is increasing.  

FFO provides for about 3,000 families each week and that number is rising, Slaten said. In fiscal year 2022, which ran from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, FFO met community need at over 233,000 distribution points, which include Power Packs with weekend meals for Fairfax County Public Schools students. That number indicated a 28% increase in need from the year prior, Slaten said. 

FFO is serving 44 Fairfax County Public Schools by providing Power Packs to students in need. A total of 3,500 students a week currently receive Power Packs, and FFO has another 13 schools on the waitlist for similar help, Slaten said. 

This January, FFO opened its Choice Marketplace, which allows its clients to select their food items in a grocery store setting. When the marketplace opened on Jan. 23, 330 families came through, Slaten said. 

With pandemic-era SNAP benefits ending, organizations are trying to be as prepared as possible, she said. “Change is constant, so that’s the one thing we are always prepared for. With the uptick we’re expecting in clients, we’re trying to stay prepared,” Slaten said. 

Throughout the month of April, FCPL will be collecting donations of food at all its branches for donation to FFO and other local partners. During the food drive, community members can drop off unexpired, commercially produced food items, new and clean reusable grocery bags and simple kitchen tools, like can openers, to any FCPL branch during regular hours. Donors will receive reusable food tote bags. 

Most needed items include: 

• Oil 

• Cereal 

• Canned tomato products (crushed, peeled, diced, etc.), 4 oz. – 1 lb. 

• Canned meat (chicken, turkey, or seafood), 2 oz. – 15 oz. 

• Rice, 16 oz. packages 

• Spaghetti sauce, 14 oz. – 1 lb. (ideally in cans instead of glass) 

• Canned fruit (packed in fruit juice instead of syrup) 11 oz. – 20 oz. 

• Dried or canned beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.) 

• Pasta 

• Fruit juice (100% juice) 32 oz. – 64 oz. 

• New or clean reusable grocery bags 

• Can openers 

Food for Others is unable to accept donations of: 

Items that are more than three years expired, opened items, food that is not labeled, homemade items, or cooked food. 

HERNDON, VA – Community members and local leaders celebrated the grand opening of Herndon Fortnightly Library’s new Maker Lab Saturday, March 18. With its debut, the Maker Lab @ Herndon becomes the third such space across the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) system. These spaces are designed to allow library visitors free and equal access to space, expertise and resources for learning and creating a variety of projects.  

“This Maker Lab is going to bring joy to many people,” said Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, whose district includes Herndon Fortnightly Library. “Converting an unused space into a tech lab is a great example of how creative our library system is.” 

The new space includes a variety of tools and equipment library visitors can use to explore different STEAM concepts. With a 3D printer, sewing machines, robots, craft materials and more, Maker Labs are designed to appeal to people of all ages wishing to learn more about science, technology, engineering, art and math. These efforts are in line with the county’s vision of the future, Foust said.  

“As chairman of the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Council, I can tell you it’s going to help contribute to the goal we have of creating an ecosystem that attracts the innovative workforce in the 21st century,” he said. “Creating things like Maker Labs lets people know we care about technology and innovation in Fairfax County.” 

After listening to speakers, guests explored the space. After the ribbon cutting, children and adults alike previewed what they will have to look forward to during future Maker Lab trips. “I’m thrilled we have such a fantastic social gathering place to bring our community together,” said community member Michelle Kimmel. “Especially with such a tech-focused community, this is a great way to find a creative outlet for all of our passions.” 

The Maker Lab @ Herndon is open to the public at Herndon Fortnightly Library from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. More information about the lab can be found at bit.ly/FCPL_MakerLabs. 

ANNADALE, Va. - The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees gathered Wednesday, March 8 at George Mason Regional Library to honor the recipients of the 2023 Staff Excellence Awards.

“As a community member who is invested in the library, that we do something for the staff made a lot of sense to us,” said FCPL Board Chairman Brian Engler. “We wanted to show library love to our exemplary staff.”

From Feb. 1 through 14, library users nominated staff members for recognition. A board committee reviewed submissions and selected 12 winners and one honorable mention from more than 90 nominations. The Board of Trustees read excerpts from their nominations and celebrating all that they do for the people of Fairfax County.

“Tonight, we’re celebrating the luck of the people of Fairfax County and Fairfax City because we have such a wonderful, dedicated staff,” said Board Vice Chair Suzanne Levy. “Every branch has superstars, and I am just glad we can be here to celebrate you tonight.”

2023 FCPL Staff Excellence Award Winners

• Lee Conselatore – reader’s advisor at Access Services
• Matthew Moffett – assistant branch manager at Burke Centre Library
• Kathleen McCarthy – youth services information assistant at Herndon Fortnightly Library
• Sahadev Poudel – information assistant and tech lab coordinator at Herndon Fortnightly Library
• Keri Gould – youth services manager at John Marshall Library
• Sarah Garcia – branch manager at Woodrow Wilson Library
• Allen Zapata – youth services assistant at George Mason Regional Library
• Laura Bumgarner – circulation manager at Lorton Library
• Catherine Noonan – branch manager at Martha Washington Library
• Azar Momeni – circulation manager at Oakton Library
• Ghazala Shah – assistant circulation manager at Chantilly Regional Library
• Sharon Okrend – librarian at City of Fairfax Regional Library

Honorable Mention

• Staff of Patrick Henry Library

TYSONS, Va. - Fairfax County leaders and community members gathered at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library on Saturday, Oct. 22 for the unveiling of a bronze statue donated by a longtime employee of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). Promila Chhabra worked for FCPL for more than 30 years and, upon her retirement, donated the “Girl Reading” statue along with her husband Dr. Krishan Chhabra. “[Promila] was very passionate about her job and loved to help and guide the patrons,” said Krishan. “Even before her retirement, she had a great desire to do something and give back to the community as well as to the library in appreciation of their service.”

In addition to Promila and Krishan, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, who led the initiative for the statue’s placement at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meetings, was also there to mark the occasion. “One of the things that really makes [Fairfax County] special is...our libraries,” he said addressing the crowd. “Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Chhabra for your generous contribution and for your lifetime of service to the libraries.” Sujatha Hampton, FCPL Board of Trustees representative for Tysons-Pimmit branch and Dranesville District, also spoke. “When our community understands and gives back like this to our libraries in honor of the people who work in our libraries and make it special, it's so wonderful,” she said. “Especially now, when we need as much support as possible to keep our libraries open and accessible to everyone.” Jessica Hudson, FCPL director, echoed this sentiment and applauded the statue as a testament to the hardworking people who make the library possible. “This beautiful statue is just one tiny piece of a remembrance for the great services that the people who work in our library do for our community.”

“Girl Reading” was designed by sculptor Dennis Smith. The statue can be viewed in front of Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library.

NORFOLK, Va. - The Virginia Library Association (VLA) recognized two Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) staff members at the organization’s awards banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Sylvia Enriquez and Wilma Andrade are a part of a group of 11 recognized the ceremony honoring librarians and library staff in Virginia for their dedication and contribution to the communities they serve.

Sylvia, a youth selection and Spanish language information assistant at Technical Operations, received the Outstanding Professional Associates Award. According to the VLA website, the award is given to “a library associate who advances and strengthens the image of Professional Associates as well as fosters communication among library employees throughout the Commonwealth.” Sylvia has been with FCPL for 27 years. She has played an integral role in advocating for and developing the library’s Spanish language collections, an achievement the VLA cites as a reason she received the award.

Wilma, a library information assistant at Reston Regional Library, received the Librarian of Color Forum Award. Per the VLA website, “this award recognizes librarians who promote an inclusive, positive environment in the libraries for persons of color, and enhances the image of librarians and library professionals of color in the community." Having moved to the United States from India, Wilma understands the struggles immigrants face and made it her mission to develop programs to help them, including English language learning and U.S. citizenship classes. Even through the pandemic, she taught classes virtually and recruited other community instructors to further develop these programs. “Wilma’s work is a wonderful example of how one person’s passion to help her community can have a profound impact on removing barriers between people of color and library information and services,” said the VLA, quoting from Wilma’s nomination.

At the ceremony, Sylvia was on hand to accept her award while Kevin Osborne, Deputy Director of FCPL, accepted Wilma’s award on her behalf.

LORTON, Va – More than 1,400 community members gathered Saturday for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Lorton Community Center and Library. The facility, which features a newly renovated and expanded Lorton Library, aims to bring many important county resources to the community in one convenient location. “This facility combines services, resources, entertainment and education,” said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck “It's all in one place for all ages and all abilities...truly the center of Lorton.”

In addition to Supervisor Storck, other county, state and federal leaders, both past and present, were on hand to mark the occasion. “Every square inch of this building, thought and energy was put into designing it in a way that it can accommodate the community's needs for such a long time,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “What I really love is when you walk through here, you'll see all the great amenities for seniors, the library, the teens and the young people in our community come together in one place . Not dividing our communities up but bringing people together in one place so that we can learn from each other.”

Former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland, under whose tenure the early stages of this project began, addressed the crowd, saying that with the center and other developments in the community, “Lorton became a place that people have now recognized as an absolutely wonderful, wonderful place to live … Lorton, which is not a negative anymore. It's a positive. We have in this community almost everything that a vibrant community would want to have.”

One part of the ceremony enjoyed by guests on Saturday was the newly renovated Lorton Library. The rejuvenated branch makes up slightly more than one-third of the new facility, expanding from 10,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet and features multiple meeting rooms/spaces, a teen section with a gaming area, a colorful children’s area and many books and resources available for checkout.

“This library, community center and park space are really the best of what our county has to offer,” said Jessica Hudson, Fairfax County Public Library Director. “When we join our spaces together, we’re able to offer one space that you can come in and get multiple different services … we want it to be perfect for all of you.”

Also in attendance was U.S. Rep. Don Beyer who praised those who developed the facility, saying, “Thank you for creating this center … And for making these opportunities accessible to so many. It's a fundamental step to creating a healthy, active, sociable community; creating the social capital we also need, and this is all the more so after all the years of isolation and confinement with COVID.” Rep. Beyer also lauded the library specifically for providing the community with free Wi-Fi access. “We've learned that internet must be a basic human right in the 21st century,” he said. “And now so many will have a chance to reimagine and navigate their lives once we have universal broadband service.”

Following the program and ribbon cutting, Hudson, library staff and volunteers welcomed guests into the branch, where they were able to experience many different types of services offered at the library. These included arts and crafts, storytimes, 3D printing demonstrations, a musical performance by Groovy Nate and of course, book checkout.

Two community members who spoke as a part of the program best summed up the atmosphere of the day. Alicia Doe, a parent in the community who looks forward to attending the center with her children said, “This center demonstrates the impact that partners working together for the community will have on every life stage from youth, right through adult education and activities for seniors. This will benefit everyone from our community. Thank you for making this a reality for us all.” Ivan Robles, a community youth, added to this sentiment, saying “I'm happy that they have built this new center here in my community where we will have the opportunity to have more programs and a safe space to play and study.”

Lorton Library is open Monday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more about the branch and the services they offer.

OAKTON, Va. – FCPL’s Oakton branch on Sept. 24 hosted a celebration in honor of its 15th anniversary. Guests including U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik and Virginia Sen. John Chapman “Chap” Petersen were on hand to pay tribute to the library’s longevity.

To commemorate the occasion, attendees were treated to a variety of festivities including a presentation on owls from wildlife organization Secret Garden Birds and Bees, a performance from the Vienna Community Band, activities for children and a tour of the library’s rain garden.

Additionally, the ceremony served to showcase the history of the library and how far it has come. “The story of Oakton Library is as unique as Fairfax County itself,” said Connolly. “The need for the library came during a time when many residents felt there was not a library nearby for them to attend,” he continued. Since opening in 2007, Oakton Library has received a Silver Rating under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a habitat for wildlife.  

Oakton Library now offers many programs to people of all ages and backgrounds, including preschool storytimes, book discussion groups, guest speakers and more. According to Friends of Oakton Library Co-President Corinne Savage, “It’s impossible to imagine Oakton without a library. It continues to inform, educate and inspire all who step foot in here.”

Learn more about the Oakton branch or find out how you can get involved with the Friends of Oakton Library.