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Fairfax County Public Library Receives 2026 Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

March 24, 2026

Richmond, VA – Ever wonder what happens to out-of-date or unneeded copies of the books on our shelves? What about a book that’s been returned irreparably damaged by an accidental coffee spill? Libraries actually have a lot of fascinating behind-the-scenes practices to handle books and materials that are no longer in service.We’re excited to announce that for one of those practices, Fairfax County Public Library has received an Honorable Mention at the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards for our book reuse and recycling project. The project began as a two-year pilot in May 2025, as a way to give old library books new life and help manage our unneeded materials in a sustainable way. Instead of paying to recycle books that have reached the end of their library service, these books are now delivered to our new partner, ThriftBooks. The company evaluates and sells these books on the secondary market or to a recycler to be transformed into paper pulp. The income received from this pilot program is then returned to the collection budget to purchase more books for library customers.By the NumbersFairfax County Public Library is committed to doing our part to make an impact towards the County's Zero Waste initiative goals. In partnership with Fairfax County’s Department of Procurement and Material Management, from May 2025-February 2026, FCPL sent more than 185,000 books to ThriftBooks for recycling or resale. About 121,000 of those were recycled and 63,000 were put up for sale – about half of which have sold so far. This has provided substantial environmental impact avoidance –119 cu yd landfill avoided624,800 gallons of water saved366,000 kwh saved5,300 lbs. greenhouse gases not producedOver 2,000 trees were saved via pulpingAbout the Governor’s Environmental Excellence AwardsThese awards recognized the significant contributions of environmental and conservation leaders in five categories: sustainability, environmental project, greening of government, land conservation, and implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan. They are given to businesses and industrial facilities, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies. The awards program is run annually by DEQ in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. 

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From Sea to Shining Sea: Celebrating America’s Natural Legacy

March 31, 2026

As one of the world’s most climatically diverse countries, the United States is home to countless natural wonders. From the beaches to mountain ranges, grassland and prairies to ice caps, explore all of these beautiful landscapes from the comfort of your local library with programs and presentations honoring America’s natural legacy this April.Here’s 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.Scavenger Hunts | Herndon Fortnightly Library and Kings Park Library |All Month Explore the library and see if you can spot a variety of landscapes from our National Parks with scavenger hunts at two of our branches throughout the month. Stop by the information desk upon your arrival to Herndon Fortnightly and Kings Park libraries to start your hunt. Wonder Wagon | Multiple Branches | Multiple Dates Step into the world of environmental exploration with the Wonder Wagon, the Fairfax County Park Authority's innovative mobile nature center. Recycling Pirates Puppet Show | Great Falls Library and Reston Regional Library | Saturday, April 4 Enjoy a rollicking musical about puppet characters created from trash. Led by Captain Jack Sparetire, they sail the urban seas looking for things to recycle, reuse, reduce and repair. Monarch Butterflies: One of America's Favorite Natural Resources | Martha Washington Library | Saturday, April 11 Meet virtually with scientist and butterfly expert, Nadya Muchoney, to learn about the Monarch Butterfly’s migration through many U.S. states and regions on their way to and from Mexico. Make a Layer Landscape | John Marshall Library | Monday. April 13 Let America's diverse landscapes inspire you. Create a layered landscape with foreground, mid-ground and background panels out of paper. Reptiles and Amphibians of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park | Chantilly Regional Library | Sunday, April 19 Enjoy a meet and greet with reptiles and amphibians that are native to Fairfax County. Nature Talk and Walk | Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library | Saturday, April 25 Get tips on managing invasive plants and native plant restoration from members of the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance. Then take a brief nature walk in Tysons Pimmit Park behind the library where you can put your new skills to the test. Poetry and Our National Parks | Lorton Library | Saturday, April 25 Take some time to reflect, then write about a time you visited a beautiful landscape or imagine a place you would like to visit one day. Watercolor 101: Classic American Trees and Succulents | Sherwood Regional Library | Monday, April 27 Learn to paint classic American trees and succulents with accomplished artist Anne Heising.For a complete list of our theme-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_250Events. Earth Month and Day Activities From FCPLIn honor of Earth Month, Fairfax County Public Library is also partnering with Sustain Fairfax to host an Earth Month Reading Bingo Challenge. FCPL cardholders can participate by logging books or minutes read and activities completed on Beanstack to earn badges and fill in their Bingo boards. Get five in a row, column or diagonal and you will be entered into a drawing for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards. More information about this Challenge can be found here .Additionally, several of our branches will be hosting events to celebrate Earth Day on or near April 22. A full list of Earth Day events can be found on our events calendar at bit.ly/FCPL_EarthDayEvents .Related BooksLooking for something to read related to this month’s theme? Check out this list from our collection team for suggestions.

Coming Soon: Kingstowne Regional Library

March 23, 2026

Alexandria, VA — Fairfax County Public Library is pleased to announce that the new Kingstowne Regional Library, located in the Franconia Governmental Center (7130 Silver Lake Blvd., Alexandria), will open to the public on Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please join us for special storytimes, programs and performances, as well as a photo booth. We can't wait to welcome you to our newest library! About Franconia Governmental Center and Kingstowne Regional LibraryThis new combined facility is approximately 90,000 square feet and offers structured parking and easy transit access. It houses the Franconia Police Station in approximately 28,000 square feet, the Franconia District Supervisor’s Office in approximately 4,200 square feet, and the Franconia Museum is located off the lobby giving it great exposure. The Active Adult Center has approximately 7,200 square feet, and a new Child Care Center with approximately 10,000 square feet will offer care for infants to pre-kindergarten children. The Kingstowne Community Library has been expanded to a Regional Library and occupies approximately 30,000 square feet. Learn more about the project here.How to Move a LibraryMoving into Kingstowne Regional Library takes months of planning and logistics! Staff at Kingstowne Community Library loaded books on carts and packed up program materials, while our Technical Operations division ordered and prepared new books, and Library IT transferred technology to the new building from mid-February to early-March. At the new location, materials have been unboxed and shelved, public computers, printers, Wi-Fi and copiers have been installed, chairs and tables arranged, and more!Let's do the math - 36,802 items were moved from the community location to the new regional library + 18,500 new items were purchased to expand the branch's collection for the larger location = over 55,000 items that now on the Kingstowne Regional Library's shelves, waiting for customers, including some in-demand titles.During Kingstowne Library's ClosureCustomers are invited to visit a nearby branch – close options include Lorton, Martha Washington and Sherwood Regional libraries. Staff at any branch can assist customers with redirecting holds for pick up at nearby locations. Materials may be picked up at or returned to any FCPL branch. Digital library resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, remain available 24/7 to all cardholders via the library’s website.Questions? Need help?For staff assistance, please contact the library by calling 703-324-3100 or emailing WWWLIB@fairfaxcounty.gov.

A group of seven adults stands in a row inside a library in front of an “Information” sign, each person holding a framed certificate and facing the camera. Bookshelves and computer stations fill the background.

FCPL Recognizes Outstanding Employees with Annual Staff Excellence Awards

March 18, 2026

At their monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 11, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees took time to honor several library employees with staff excellence awards. From Feb. 1-14, library users nominated staff members for recognition. A board committee reviewed submissions and selected 20 winners from more than 100 nominations. This year’s winners include:Ashley Alford, Circulation Aide, Oakton LibraryDonald Brown, Tech Lab Assistant, Sherwood Regional LibraryMarina Canant, Youth Services Manager, Centreville Regional LibraryLee Conselatore, Reader’s Advisor, Access Services LibraryValerie Furino, Cataloging Librarian, Technical OperationsDeborah Khuanghlawn, Information Services Librarian, George Mason Regional LibraryAdrienne Leo, Adult Services Librarian, Reston Regional LibraryAnh Luong, Circulation Manager, Herndon Fortnightly LibraryAsele Mack, Youth Services Manager, Kingstowne LibrarySusan Martin, Information Services Assistant, Kings Park LibrarySara Meserve, Assistant Circulation Manager, Pohick Regional LibraryNatalie Minehart, Youth Services Assistant, Sherwood Regional LibraryKim Nguyen, Circulation Aide, Burke Centre LibraryRoxanne Ringer, Branch Manager, Kingstowne LibraryLeslie Scannell, Page Manager, Kingstowne LibraryJennifer Schrott-Crisman, Youth Services Manager, Great Falls LibraryCeleste Simon, Adult Services Librarian, Pohick Regional LibraryMaree Watkins, Adult Services Librarian, City of Fairfax Regional LibraryKrista Wirley, Youth Services Manager, Lorton LibraryAllen Zapata, Youth Services Assistant, George Mason Regional LibraryPhotos of the ceremony and the recognized staff can be viewed below and downloaded here.

March: Women Who Shaped America - Graphic depiction of woman in starry dress walking with American flag cape and fist raised

Celebrate 250 Years of Women’s History with FCPL

March 1, 2026

Over the course of the United States of America’s 250-year history, countless women have played a role in shaping our nation into what it is today. This Women’s History Month, join Fairfax County Public Library and celebrate the lives and stories of women who have made an impact on our county, our country and beyond with presentations, storytimes, crafts, games and more for all ages.Here’s 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.STEAM Team - Celebrating Women Who Shaped America | Burke Centre Library | Saturday, March 7 Learn about some of the United States’ great women scientists while putting your engineering skills to the test in this program for school aged children.Tea with Dolley Tea Party | Dolley Madison Library | Saturday, March 7 Join Dolley Madison herself for an afternoon of tea as she graces her namesake library for a party filled with fun for all ages.Girls Just Want to Have Fun | Sherwood Regional Library | Monday, March 9 Let loose and have some fun at this dance party for babies, toddlers and preschoolers featuring tunes written by women.The History of Suffrage in Fairfax County | George Mason Regional Library | Monday, March 9 Discover how the women's suffrage movement played out at the local level in Fairfax County with historian and author Alice Reagan.Women’s History Month Bingo | Kings Park Library | Friday, March 13 Learn about famous women from throughout history in this themed game of Bingo for all ages – you might even win a prize!Clara Barton and the Missing Soldiers Museum | John Marshall Library | Saturday, March 14 Hear the story of Clara Barton and her focus on a post-Civil War humanitarian effort to find missing soldiers.Senior Movie: “A League of Their Own” | Lorton Library | Friday, March 20 Enjoy a lunchtime showing of this classic 1992 film telling a fictionalized account of the first women’s professional baseball league.Capital Harmonia: Women’s Chorus Performances | Various Branches | Various Dates Listen to and learn about American female composers with community choral group Capital Harmonia.Meet The Author: Louisa May Alcott | Chantilly Regional Library | Wednesday, March 25 Travel back in time to meet Louisa May Alcott, famed author of Little Women, as she discusses her life and answers questions.Female Patriots of the American Revolution Live! | Herndon Fortnightly Library | Tuesday, March 31 Meet some of the women from the early days of United States and learn about the part they played in the revolutionary war!For a complete list of our 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 below.Women's History Month

Richard Byrd Library Facility Update

February 27, 2026

Richard Byrd Library will remain closed at least through late March 2026 as we work to repair the branch's boiler system. An exact reopening date is unknown at this time. What You Need to KnowLibrary customers are encouraged to continue to visit one of our other locations to attend programs, borrow and return materials, and utilize services. Nearby branches include Pohick Regional Library, George Mason Regional Library and John Marshall Library.Please note: Items may not be returned to Richard Byrd Library during the closure; but can be accepted at any of our other 21 locations.Customers With Checkouts or HoldsNew holds cannot be selected for pickup at Richard Byrd Library.All other holds designated for pickup at Richard Byrd Library have been changed to Pohick Regional Library (6450 Sydenstricker Rd) for the duration of the closure. Please note this location on future e-mail notifications.Any customers wishing to pick up their requested material at a different branch may change the designated pickup location or suspend their holds by accessing their account.Questions? Need help?Further updates to this facility's status will be found on this site. For staff assistance, please contact the library by calling 703-324-3100 or emailing WWWLIB@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Stick figure running up a ballpoint pen with icons of a clock, a lightbulb with a brain and gears on sticky notes under the pen.

Older Adults Explore Lifelong Learning with FCPL

February 27, 2026

Fairfax County Public Library strives to be a community hub of innovation and education, offering lifelong learning to all Fairfax County residents from early literacy up to continuing education and activities for adults and seniors. Your local library is a place to pursue your interests, connect with like-minded individuals and discover the world around you. New Lifelong Learning Series at Kings Park Library Learning never stops when you come to the library! Just ask our senior visitors to Kings Park Library. Throughout 2026, the branch is reaffirming Fairfax County Public Library’s commitment to helping our visitors learn something new – no matter their age – with a new series of programming geared specifically towards older adults.The branch's Lifelong Learning Series is a yearlong initiative designed to provide engaging programs, resources and social opportunities for Fairfax County’s older adult community. Developed by the branch’s Adult Services staff, the series was created after feedback indicated a desire for more programs designed for seniors and retirees.The series aims to create a vibrant selection of learning opportunities through outreach and partnerships with local organizations. It features educational and informational sessions led by library staff and trusted partners such as AARP, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason), other Fairfax County agencies, local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Topics include safe driving, scam prevention, caregiving, library resources for older adults, plus much more. Details about the Lifelong Learning Series programs can be found on the FCPL events calendar at bit.ly/FCPL_KPLifelongLearning. In addition to this series, older adult patrons of Kings Park Library can enjoy a variety of other social activities and educational programs on a weekly basis. Highlights include music Bingo, speed friending and the branch’s ongoing chair yoga program. A complete list of Kings Park Library’s upcoming programs for older adults can be found here. Lifelong Learning Programs and EventsAll Fairfax County Public Library branches regularly provide programming and events for older adults throughout the year ranging from author presentations and yoga classes to musical and cultural performances to crafting workshops and tax assistance with AARP. Some programs are even virtual so you can attend from the comfort of home. Fairfax County Public Library regularly partners with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason) to provide free educational presentations to community members around the county and beyond with virtual and in-branch programming on a wide range of topics. Information about upcoming OLLI Mason programs is available on our calendar.Online Learning ResourcesFCPL offers dozens of online resources to help anyone learn something new. Some popular examples include:LinkedIn Learning - Anyone with a library card can access LinkedIn Learning and their thousands of online courses for free.LearningExpress Library - Offers video courses to learn popular software and computer basics. All content is free with your library card.Universal Class - More than 500 free courses are available, including more than 55 in the Computer & Technology category.Mango Languages - For globetrotters and armchair travelers alike, offers conversational language learning in over 70 languages, including English for speakers of other languages.Making @ FCPLFCPL also currently offers three “Do-It-Yourself” Maker Labs at Herndon Fortnightly Library, Pohick Regional Library and Sherwood Regional Library. These are places where you can learn, tinker, create, craft, make, and do-it-yourself! Each of the three labs have a variety of tools for whatever you can dream up. Maybe you need access to jewelry making tools, a sewing machine, or a button maker. You can use these items for free at a maker lab. Want to learn how to knit or program a robot? There are free classes offered at the maker labs and other branches as well. Learn to Use New TechnologyMany of FCPL’s branches offer one-on-one technology assistance and tutoring programs where you can sit down with someone knowledgeable who can teach you how to use a new phone, tablet or eReader, or just how to navigate the internet more easily. Questions? Need Help?Last but not least, the librarians staffed at the information desk of every library are a wonderful resource to assist you with any reference search and can help with selecting reputable books and information on any topic.

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