The current Patrick Henry Library is one of the busiest community locations in the Fairfax County Public Library system, operating at a level of a small regional. The new Vienna-Carter Library, approved by a bond referendum in 2020, is a proposed joint development project between Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna to renovate the library and provide additional parking structures for the library and the town. Construction of the new library is set to begin this summer.
When will the current Patrick Henry Library location close?
The last day of service at the current location, which opened in September 1971, will be May 9, 2025. There will be a period of approximately three to six weeks where both the old and temporary branches will be unavailable for service while books, furniture and shelves are transported and installed at the temporary location.
Where can visitors go until the new Vienna-Carter Library is built?
While this library is closed, customers are invited to visit the temporary location (details below) or a nearby full-service branch – close options include Oakton Library, City of Fairfax Regional Library and Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. Materials can be picked up or returned to any Fairfax County Public Library branch.
What if I have holds in my account that will be sent to Patrick Henry Library?
The last day to pick up holds at the 101 Maple Ave East location will be May 6, 2025. If you currently have Patrick Henry Library selected as your pickup location in your account, please change to another library until the temporary location opens.
• Log into your library account.
• Click Holds in the menu on the left, then select the item(s) for which you would like to change the pickup location.
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Change Pickup Location, then select the new library from the dropdown menu and select Submit.
Patrick Henry Temporary Library
This project will begin with the opening of a temporary branch in June in the Cedar Park Shopping Center, 262 Cedar Lane, Vienna. The site is approximately 2800 square feet and intended as a quick visit and convenient service location.
Available at the temporary facility will be:
• Small browsing selection • Ability to pick up holds or return books
• Public Wi-Fi • Chromebooks for onsite use • Some programming (e.g. storytimes)
Future Vienna-Carter Library
The future Vienna-Carter Library will replace the existing Patrick Henry Library with an approximately 19,000 SF one-story library and a 209-space four-level parking structure on the existing site, 101 Maple Avenue, Vienna. The proposed facility will include a state-of-the-art library space that will support the current and future programmatic and operational needs of the library users and staff, an outdoor reading and gathering space, and a flexible community space that will be open during and after library business hours. The garage will provide 125 parking spaces for the library users and staff, and an additional 84 parking spaces for the public.
The project has a goal to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification, 50% energy reduction over current ASHRAE standards, Net Zero energy design and will utilize all electrical systems and equipment. The project includes Photovoltaic (PV) panel system and Geothermal heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption and achieve Net Zero energy.
Project construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and occupancy of the new library in early to mid 2027.
Will there be a celebration of the current Patrick Henry Library location?
A community celebration and open house took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, featuring remarks from community leaders, history activities, crafts, performances, commemorative giveaways and more, for all ages. The community was also encouraged to share their memories of Patrick Henry Library in short interviews with staff and members of Vienna Historic Inc. “We moved to Vienna before my children were born. Walking from the picture book area to the early readers and juvenile readers, to teen books is like a walk through our family’s life,” said one celebration visitor. Another shared, “This library has been the living room for the community for so many years.”