Library

FCPL's catalog system will be undergoing maintenance Tuesday, September 23.

Because of this maintenance, our online catalog will be unavailable to the public beginning at 8 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. Should the update finish sooner than expected, we will let you know via our social media pages.

Cardholders will not be able to access item searches, account information, place holds, pay fees or check out new materials through Libby/Overdrive during this time period. You should still be able to access previously downloaded materials on Libby however, so we encourage you to download anything you may want to read at minimum the night before the maintenance is scheduled.

• Fairfax County Public Library (Library Closing Dates) has the same operating status as Fairfax County Government (County Operating Status).
• For the latest Library information, visit Connect with Fairfax County Public Library.

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! …I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” 
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice 

This fall, Fairfax County Public Library invites the entire community to celebrate the enjoyment of reading with All Fairfax Reads! This annual event encourages readers from all walks of life to come together for a shared reading experience surrounding a particular novel or author of note. Think of it as one HUGE book club but without all the forced discussion and accountability.  

This year, in honor of what would be the author's 250th birthday, we will travel to Regency-era England and delve into a world of romance and class society as we read Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. In addition to reading the book, FCPL will also host a series of related events this September and October, designed to enhance the reading experience and engage both the most ardent devotees and casual admirers.  

 
Why Pride and Prejudice? 

Among the most important authors of her era, Jane Austen's novels continue to endure today - especially Pride and Prejudice. Published in 1813, it is one of Austen's most popular and widely adapted novels featuring timeless characters, sharp social commentary and witty humor that have captivated readers across generations - making it an excellent choice to bring people together.  

Ways to Participate: 

• Pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice at a Fairfax County Public Library branch or download the eBook (available here) or eAudiobook (available here) on Libby. 

• Check out our calendar of events and list of similar reads at bit.ly/FCPL_AllFairfaxReads.

• Share your reading experience with your friends, family, neighbors and online!  

Have you noticed your favorite Fairfax County Public Library branch’s public art? Many of our branches have statues or other art for you to enjoy. From now through September 30, 2025, take a selfie with one and earn a chance to win prizes!  

ArtsFairfax invites local library and art enthusiasts to participate in their Public Art Locator Challenge - a social media scavenger hunt to promote their Public Art Locator, a tool that maps public art throughout the region.  

Public art is all around us – you just have to find it!      

How to Play: 

Participating is easy! Simply take a selfie with publicly accessible art (at a library or anywhere in Fairfax County) and post on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win arts experiences. Qualifying Public Art Locator entries will be entered into a raffle for gift certificates, show tickets and other offerings from Fairfax arts organizations.      

To secure one entry:  

• Post a photo with artwork already mapped in the Public Art Locator, tag ArtsFairfax and Fairfax County Public Library, and use the hashtag #PublicArtLocatorChallenge  

To secure two entries: 

• Upload new artwork to the Public Art Locator 

• Post a photo with the artwork, tag ArtsFairfax and Fairfax County Public Library, and use the hashtag #PublicArtLocatorChallenge  

ArtsFairfax is the local arts agency that provides funding and resources for the arts sector in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.  To learn more about the rules of the Public Art Locator Challenge and how to submit your entries, please visit: Introducing the Public Art Locator Challenge! - ArtsFairfax 

Did you know the library can help students study, write reports and do homework? Let us be your partner in academic success! Use these seven tips to maximize your learning this school year with services and resources available for free from Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL).

Tip #1 - Get support and guidance from library staff.

You are not alone at the library — or wherever you are with internet access or a mobile device! Library staff are trained to help students find legitimate information sources in branch and online, including historical newspapers, speeches, reference databases, trusted websites and more.

• Visit the Information Desk at a branch for in-person support with research and help finding physical materials.
• Need a different way to reach us? Call your local branch or send us an email at wwwlib@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Tip #2 - Take advantage of free tutoring sessions.

While the library does not provide tutoring services, we can connect you with them — including virtual and in-branch sessions!

Brainfuse HelpNow provides live, online tutoring and homework help for students in grades K-12. Tutors are available to meet virtually in English and Spanish every day between 2-11 p.m. A library card is required to use HelpNow outside the library.

Tip #3 - Access 24/7 homework help online.

The library's Homework Resources guide is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you find free resources to explore new ideas and get help with homework topics.

• Find a variety of online resources offering research material for papers and homework help separately tailored for students in grades K-6 and grades 7-12.
• Writing a paper? No problem. Check out the writing resources section for help with style, vocab, proper source citation and more. Plus, visit Brainfuse HelpNow's online Writing Lab for assistance and feedback in virtual study spaces.

Tip #4 - Find books, magazines and newspapers.

Whether you’re studying classics, history, current events or any other subject, with a library card you have at your fingertips more than 2.3 million items in the library's collection of digital and physical materials.

• Print books can be checked out in person or placed on hold and picked up later.
• Digital books are available 24/7 via OverDrive and the Libby App
• Access magazines and newspaper articles in print or online.

Tip #5 - Check out library items with just your name — and no fines!

FCPL provides all Fairfax County Public Schools students in pre-K through grade 12 with a fine-free public library virtual account called a Library Equity Access Pass (LEAP). All you need is your name to check out physical materials at a branch, and you can check out up to three items at a time for six weeks each.

Tip #6 - Use library resources to prep for fall SATs and ACTs.

Several different online sources offer test preparation for SAT, ACT, AP and SOL exams. Start with LearningExpress Library for a wide range of options (library card required).

Tip #7 - Access free Wi-Fi and computers.

Whether you have your own device or not, simply log in to do just about any online research and project preparation needed for school assignments.

• Bring your own laptop, tablet or mobile device and connect to free Wi-Fi from inside any branch and even from outside many of them. 
• Can't bring your own hardware? Use ours! The library offers more than 400 public computers at our branches, all equipped with Microsoft Office apps, internet access and printing and scanning capabilities.
• Rather work at home? Check out one of our Connect Kits. The kits contain a Chromebook and mobile hotspot that can be borrowed by adults (cardholders ages 18+) for two weeks at a time with no renewals. Connect kits can be put on hold for pick up most branches, with the exception of Access Services and Patrick Henry Library.

With 23 branches serving more than a million people, Fairfax County Public Library relies on many people to support the needs and interests of the community. In addition to the amazing staff who work tirelessly to provide services, programming and assistance to library visitors, there is another group whose contributions are vital to the success of FCPL’s mission. Last year, over 1,200 volunteers selflessly gave more than 78,000 hours of their time in service to our library. And beyond just the hours worked, they have served as ambassadors – reminding others of the importance of the public library within the community.  

To recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of library volunteers and community partners, FCPL annually hosts the Star Volunteer Awards. Employees nominate volunteers, who are honored for longevity and exceptional service. In honor of National Volunteer Month, the library and its Board of Trustees recognized 19 volunteers at its April Board meeting, held at George Mason Regional Library on Wednesday, April 9. 

A heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 awardees! 
 
Category: 1,000 Hours of Service 

Susan O’Boyle - Burke Centre Library 

Tarun Ramesh – City of Fairfax Regional Library, Patrick Henry Library, Technical Operations 

Elizabeth Adams – Richard Byrd Library 

Alison Duncan – Technical Operations 
 

Category: Exceptional Service 

Brandon Burrell – Burke Centre Library 

Anjali Ahuja – Chantilly Regional Library 

Claudia Johnston – City of Fairfax Regional Library 

Jacob Hallisey – Great Falls Library 

Elaine Michl – Kings Park Library 

Irene Marx – Lorton Library 

Peggy Jackson – Patrick Henry Library 

Anne Sween – Patrick Henry Library 

Samantha Goldberg – Pohick Regional Library 

Michael Carpenter – Reston Regional Library 

Ray Walser – Reston Regional Library 

Marion Glass – Thomas Jefferson Library 

Mathias Tsige – Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library 

Philip Zettle – Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library 

Steve Corley – Technical Operations 

More photos from the ceremony can be viewed here.

Officially designated in 2022 by President Joe Biden, National Arab American Heritage Month  honors people in the United States who are of Arab ancestry, as well as their history, culture and many contributions to our country. To celebrate, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is hosting presentations, workshops, storytimes, crafts and more throughout the month, highlighting members of the Arab American community and their heritage.  

Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you:   

*Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.     

Arab American Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt – Centreville Regional Library – All Month  
Learn to read the numbers 1-10 in Arabic script as you search the library for the hidden clues to match up the correct numbers. Once your scavenger hunt sheet is completed, turn it in at the Information Desk for a small prize. 

Coloring Arabesque and Geometric Patterns – John Marshall Library – Monday, April 7 
Relax and listen to instrumental Middle Eastern music while coloring arabesque and geometric patterns. 

Family Storytime Extravaganza – Kingstowne Library – Saturday, April 12 
Bring your family to learn about Eid al-Fitr, a celebration of the end of Ramadan, with books and crafts. 

Arabic Stories and Calligraphy for Kids – City of Fairfax Regional Library – Thursday, April 17 
Enjoy a reading of The Proudest Blue by I. Muhammad, sing some songs and try your hand at Arabic calligraphy. 

Poetry Writing and Reading – Lorton Library – Tuesday, April 22 
Celebrate National Poetry & Arab American Heritage Months by creating poetry. Prompts, writing materials, tea and poetry books by classic and contemporary Arab American writers will be provided. 

Arab American Cultural Open House – Chantilly Regional Library – Saturday, April 26 
Learn about the rich and diverse cultures of Arab Americans in Fairfax County in this program for all ages. 

Moon Rock Painting – Sherwood Regional Library – Saturday, April 26 
Celebrate and learn about Farouk El-Baz’s contributions to NASA and the Apollo missions by creating a moon with "moon rock" paint!  

For a complete list of Arab American Heritage-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_ArabAmericanHeritage.

You can also celebrate by selecting a new read from our specially curated Arab American Heritage Month booklist found here. 

Beginning Saturday, March 8, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will be hosting several focus groups with the aim of improving the County's 911 responsiveness. In partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications and George Mason University, several of our branches will hold sessions to explore community relationships with first responders, including identifying challenges, needs, and opportunities for improvement. These discussions will help first responders to better understand and anticipate community needs as well as evaluate the community's current understanding of how AI tools are developed to support community.

A schedule for sessions is as follows:

• Lorton Library - Saturday, March 15 - 4-7 p.m.
• Sherwood Regional Library - Sunday, March 16 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Culmore Library - Saturday, March 22 - 3-6 p.m.
• Richard Byrd Library - Saturday, April 5 - 3-6 p.m.
• Centreville Regional Library - Sunday, April 6 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• NEW DATE! Richard Byrd Library - Thursday, April 24 - 4-5 p.m.

Learn more about the project in this article from George Mason University.

Throughout the month of March, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will honor the many women who have played an important role over the course of American history. This Women’s History Month, celebrate the lives and stories of women who have made an impact on Fairfax County and beyond with presentations, workshops, storytimes, crafts and more. 

Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you: 

*Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.   

• The Artist and Me (Women's History Edition) - Martha Washington Library - Saturday, March 1 
  Read about a famous female artist or two and then create your own piece of artwork inspired by their styles. 

• Women in History Costume Party - John Marshall Library - Saturday, March 1 
  Dress as a celebrated woman from history and enjoy socializing, making paper dolls and playing a game of women's history bingo in this program for adults. 

• Storytelling through Women's Voices - A Celebration of Female Composers - City of Fairfax Regional Library - Sunday, March 2 
  Explore your musical imagination through the voices of female-identifying composers of the 20th and 21st centuries through the performances of two local musicians. 

• #MeToo Movement - Virtual Program - Friday, March 7 
  Trace the origins and evolution of the movement that has reshaped our understanding of gender relations and ignited a call for justice and accountability in this talk led by Dr. Cher Wexia Chen. 

• Women's History Month Bingo - Thomas Jefferson Library - Saturday, March 8 
  Enjoy a friendly game of Bingo for all ages while honoring and learning about the contributions of great women throughout history. 

• Jennie Dean: From Slavery to Visionary in the Field of Education - City of Fairfax Regional Library - Wednesday, March 12 
  Learn about Jennie Dean, a native of Prince William County, who founded the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth and was an early champion of women’s rights in this presentation from Marion Dobbins. 

• Early Herndon Female Leaders - Herndon Fortnightly Library - Saturday, March 15 
  Discover some of Herndon’s early female leaders and learn how they helped shape early life in the area in this talk from Barbara Glakas, Herndon Historical Society Historian. 

• American Girl Book Club: Women's History Month Edition! - Sherwood Regional Library - Sunday, March 16 
  Join this special book club meeting to chat about Julie, an American Girl who is passionate about equality and fighting for what she believes in, and do a craft based on her story. 

• Women's History Month Storytime! - Pohick Regional Library - Sunday, March 16 
  Celebrate Women's History Month by reading books and singing traditional storytime songs in this program led by Pohick’s Teen Advisory Board. 

• Escaping Detection - Burke Centre Library - Thursday March 27 
  Learn about women who were spies and soldiers during the Civil War in this program from local author Mary Lipsey. 

• Teen & Parent Craft: Weave Like Ruth - Sherwood Regional Library - Saturday, March 29 
  Wrap up Women's History Month by sculpting with wires in the style of artist Ruth Asawa! 

For a complete list of Women’s History-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_WomensHistoryMonth. 

You can also celebrate by selecting a new read from our specially curated Women’s History Month booklist found here. 

“If you hear any form of popular music in the twentieth century, it will have, at its base, the blues,” says award-winning jazz singer and songwriter Alison Crockett.

On February 8, in celebration of Black History Month, Alison and bassist Obasi Akoto captivated audiences at Centreville Regional and Sherwood Regional libraries with soulful melodies and a rich history lesson that brought the evolution of jazz to life.

“One of the things about jazz, and Black American music in particular, is that it is, literally, democracy,” says Alison. “We all come together; we have an idea of what we want to do. There is a leader, for a minute, …and then everybody gets a chance to speak. And if we’re all not working together, and if we all don’t know what we’re supposed to do, it doesn’t work.”

A multifaceted jazz vocalist, Alison's extensive education and diverse performance experience have made her a luminary in the music world. With vocal training from Temple University and a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, she has seamlessly transitioned between genres, recording critically acclaimed projects ranging from jazz and neo-soul to electronica and Brazilian-inspired tunes.

To learn more about Alison, visit AlisonCrockett.com. 

Library visitors can experience Alison's presentation, "The Evolution of Jazz," in person as she performs at City of Fairfax Regional Library and Kings Park Library on Saturday, February 22 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. respectively.

This November, Fairfax County Public Library is honoring the history, traditions and contributions of the United States’ indigenous peoples, including Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. According to the Culture Heritage of Fairfax County Residents Research Guide on the Library’s website:  

“Archaeological evidence shows that people have been living in what is now Virginia as far back as 16-22,000 years ago.” These tribes contributed significantly to the newcomers’ ability to survive those first few years upon their arrival to present-day Virginia. Over the four hundred years since the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia’s native people have contributed greatly to the vitality of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation, and continue to do so.” 

To recognize these communities, as well as the other indigenous groups who originally inhabited the land that is now the U.S., our branches will be hosting educational presentations, dance performances, storytimes, crafts and more. 

Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you:    

*Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.    

Explore Native American Life in Fairfax County – Multiple Branches – Multiple Dates 
Discover what life may have been like for Eastern Woodland Indians and the relationship they had with the land that is now Fairfax County. Explore replica artifacts, listen to a story from Native American lore, try out corn grinding, play a corn dart game and more. 

• Richard Byrd Library – November 2 
• Chantilly Regional Library – November 3 
• Great Falls Library – November 9 
• Thomas Jefferson Library – November 16 

“N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear” – Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library – November 4 
Screen the documentary “N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear,” a biographical documentary about the first Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, which Momaday won in 1969 for his novel, House of Dawn.  

Create Your Own Sand Painting – Culmore (Woodrow Wilson) Library – November 21 
Learn about Navajo Nation and their tradition of creating sand art for artistic and medicinal purposes, then create one of your own. 

Native American Heritage Celebration – Multiple Branches – November 23 and 24 
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with an authentic cultural presentation and dance demonstration by the Eastern Woodland Revitalization. Performances include the Harvest Dance, the Eastern Blanket Dance and a craft for kids. 

• Reston Regional Library – November 23 
• Centreville Regional Library – November 24 

Native American Heritage Month Read Aloud & Craft – Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library – November 25 
Enjoy a storytime featuring Native American tales, followed by a fun and educational activity where kids can learn the history of totem poles and create their own. 

For a complete list of Native American Heritage-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_NativeAmericanHeritage. 

You can also celebrate by participating in our Native American Heritage Month Genre Bingo Challenge on Beanstack! Learn more about the challenge and sign up to participate here.