Fairfax County Public Library: More Than Just Books

Library Basics

Carzon, who joined the library in November 2024, explained that there’s a library branch within five miles of everyone in the county. The system has eight regional libraries (soon to be nine) and 14 community libraries (soon to be 13).

“The Kingstowne Library, when it reopens in the fall, [in a new building] will be a regional library, so it’ll have more hours,” noted Carzon.

The main difference between these library types is that regional libraries are open seven days a week with Sunday hours, while community libraries are only open Monday through Saturday. 

Getting a library card is free and simple. You just need to:

• Show your ID
• Provide proof of residence or employment in Fairfax County
• Fill out a simple form

“All you have to do is bring in your ID and you fill out the form. If your ID doesn’t show where you live in the county, then bring in another supplemental piece of information, like a bank bill or a utility bill,” Carzon explained.

Special Branches

The library system includes two unique branches:

• Access Services Branch (located in the Government Center). Provides services for people with vision and other impairments, including “talking books.”
• Virginia Room (in the City of Fairfax). Contains resources about Fairfax County history, state history, and regional history.

Upcoming Events

Several key events are planned for 2025:

National Library Week (April 6-12)

In April, the library will celebrate with the theme: “It’s Free at Your Library.” Visitors can fill out postcards sharing how they love their library and explore what the library has to offer.

Read and Feed

This food drive will run throughout April, with stations at select branches where people can donate shelf-stable food for neighbors in need.

Summer Reading Adventure

Running from June 11 through Aug. 17, this program includes activities at every branch. Special events include Dinoman and a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo. A kickoff festival is planned for June 14 at Sherwood Library.

Library of Things

Beyond books, the library lends many unexpected items through its “Library of Things” program, including:

• Artwork
• Binoculars for birding or stargazing
• Board games
• Energy conservation kits
• Family history kits
• Various sensors and meters: 
  • Light pollution monitoring kit
  • Indoor air quality meter
  • Carbon monoxide meter
  • Battery tester
  • Kilowatt meter
  • Moisture detector
  • Laser temperature scanner
  • Car diagnostic tool
  • Radon meter
  • Soil meter
• Nature backpacks (with state park passes)
• Thermal cameras
• Sensory kits with fidget spinners and other calming objects

“These are various things that are not books, but a whole variety of things that we find are useful. Some of them are just fun and others are useful for very practical purposes,” said Carzon.

If an item isn’t available at your branch, each library has a display with QR codes that let you put items on hold. You’ll be notified when they arrive at your branch.

Technology Resources

The library also offers impressive technology resources, including:

• Maker Labs at three locations (Herndon Fortnightly, Pohick, and Sherwood Library)
• 3D printing (one free item per week per user)
• Embroidery machines
• Vinyl cutting machines
• Chromebooks with Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout
• Memory Depots where staff help transfer content from old technology formats to new ones (by appointment)

The library also provides:

• Professional databases like LinkedIn Learning and Universal Class
• Genealogy resources
• Language learning materials (for English and other languages)
• Partnership programs with George Mason University

More Information

To learn more about the Fairfax County Public Library and its programs:

• Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/library
• Call or visit any branch

All library resources and programs are free with a library card, which is also free to anyone who lives or works in Fairfax County.

The County Conversation Podcast

The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Listen to past episodes of “County Conversation.” To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.