It's always a good time to check out something new at your local library, and regular visitors to any of the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) branches know there is more to the library than just books. Our branches offer entertainment, education, enrichment and more for free to anyone with a library card.
Programming
FCPL branches host a multitude of programs each day. Whether you are looking to join a book club, discover a new craft, skill or language, entertain the little ones with a storytime, or hear from a favorite author, visitors of all ages are sure to find a class or group the library hosts that piques their interests. The library also offers virtual programming for those who want to join in the fun from the comfort of their own homes.
Later this summer, notable events include:
- From A to Zine: Art, Activism, and Authenticity: Illustrating Your Story, a three-workshop series that covers a brief history of zines, chapbooks for creative writers, illustrating your zine and other activities for participants. Hosted at Dolley Madison Library on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
- Own Your Space: Self-Defense for Confidence and Safety, a program that teaches teens how to spot red flags, use their voice and body to stay safe and provides an opportunity to practice real self-defense moves in a supportive and upbeat setting. Hosted at Kings Park Library on Saturday, Aug. 9.
- Tell Your Story with Omar Abed, an interactive storytelling session with book signing event. Hosted by Herndon Fortnightly Library on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Additionally, the Summer Reading Adventure for all ages runs through Aug.17. Earn prizes by completing the program and accumulating badges.
Technology
The library is also a great option for people looking to utilize technological resources they may not have access to at home. For those with computers who need a reliable internet connection, all FCPL branches offer indoor Wi-Fi during operating hours, while 20 branches also provide outdoor Wi-Fi access from their parking lots from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making them a great place to study, work and connect online with friends and family.
Branches also have public computers available to use at the library, as well as Connect Kits to check out and take home. Consisting of a Chromebook laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot, Connect Kits are available at 22 of the 23 branches and can be checked out for two weeks at a time.
Going beyond computers, FCPL offers access to printing and copying machines, as well as 3D printing services. The printing and copying machines are available for cardholders to use for a small fee, while 3D printing submissions are free.
Six Memory Depots stations allow users to digitize personal items from various older formats like film slides and VHS cassettes. FCPL also currently offers three Do-It-Yourself or “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.
Library of Things
As a library system, we continue to innovate and evolve to meet the needs of our customers. Our special collection called the Library of Things includes dozens of items for checkout, including artwork, a variety of meters, board games, binoculars nature backpacks and more. New this year, the Library of Things includes Family History Kits and Sensory Kits.
Family History Kits include a set of cards with interview prompts, a digital voice recorder and instructions on how to get started gathering and researching your family history. You can reserve one today in English, or in bilingual Spanish-English and Korean-English editions.
Sensory Kits come with a variety of items designed to allow all ages to explore different sight, sound, and touch sensations. Items include 3D sculpture pin boards, fidget spinners, liquid motion bubblers, glitter wands and more. You can place a sensory kit on hold and borrow it for up to two weeks.
Homework Help
With students going back to school in August, it’s also a great time to remember FCPL’s resources available to school age children and teens looking for help with their homework. In addition to being a great place to meet and study with their peers, the library provides access to many databases that can assist students in strengthening their academic skills, finding research, studying for AP and college entry exams and even getting one-on-one help with homework from a live tutor. While students must have a standard FCPL library card to access these databases, cards are available for free to anyone who lives, works or studies in Fairfax County.
In addition to our digital resources, several FCPL branches host in-person test prep and tutoring opportunities throughout the year. To see a complete rundown of the library’s homework resources, check out our Homework LibGuide.
This year, Tysons-Pimmit Library is working with The Princeton Review to offer a series of virtual programs around college selection, SATs and essays. More information.
Hours of Operation
The library’s eight regional branches are open Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and most of its community branches are open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with the exception of Patrick Henry Library, which is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. You have ample time to discover what your library truly offers this summer.
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