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Fairfax, VA 22035
Eric Carzon
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Decorative items surround text that reads Fairfax County Public Library Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month May 2025

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with FCPL
May 1, 2025
Following a proclamation in 2006 by President George W. Bush, Jewish American Heritage Month has been celebrated during the month of May to honor Jewish American culture and the many contributions the community has made in our country. To honor the occasion, Fairfax County Public Library is hosting presentations, storytimes, crafts, an innovative virtual reality exhibit and more throughout the month, highlighting members of the Jewish 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.      Jewish American Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt! - Kings Park Library – All Month Long  Locate 12 famous Jewish Americans among the Children’s section of the library to win a prize.   The Journey Back: A Virtual Reality Experience from the Illinois Holocaust Museum – Centreville Regional Library – May 5-15 (no session on May 9)  Travel through a concentration camp with a Holocaust survivor in this first-in-the-world virtual reality exhibition.  Learn About Shabbat, A Holiday that Comes Every Week – Lorton Library – Wednesday, May 7  Learn about and celebrate Shabbat with a Jewish Family Ambassador from the JCC of Northern Virginia.  Jewish American Heritage Month Art Party: Celebrating Jewish Artists of the WPA – Richard Byrd Library – Wednesday, May 14  Be inspired by muralists, printmakers and rising artists who worked for the WPA during the Great Depression in this presentation and craft program.  An Afternoon with Susan Gaeta: The Life and Music of Flory Jagoda – Pohick Regional Library – Sunday, May 18   Join master vocalist and guitarist Susan Gaeta as she celebrates the rich traditions of Sephardic music though the inspiring life of her mentor, Flory Jagoda.  Explore Jewish Paper Cutting – John Marshall Library – Monday, May 19  Learn about Jewish folk art paper cutting and make your own papercut.  We All Dance the Hora – Dolley Madison Library – Friday, May 23  Sing and dance during this Jewish American Heritage Month dance party for all ages!  American Girl Book Club: Jewish American Heritage Month Edition – Sherwood Regional Library – Sunday, May 25  Talk about American Girl Rebecca – a Russian-Jewish immigrant living in early twentieth-century New York City in this special edition of The American Girl Book Club.    For a complete list of Jewish American Heritage-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_JewishAmericanHeritage.  You can also celebrate by selecting a new read from our specially curated Jewish American Heritage Month booklist found here. 
Recipients of the 2025 Star Volunteer Awards
FCPL Honors 19 with Annual Star Volunteer Awards
April 15, 2025
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.
Patrick Henry Library is on the move!
Patrick Henry Temporary Library and Future Vienna-Carter Library
April 11, 2025
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.”  
Text that reads It's Free at Your Fairfax County Public Library. Celebrate National Library Week April 6-12, 2025. Graphic elements include a bullhorn and iconography of different library resources.
It’s Free at Your Library - Celebrate National Library Week at FCPL!
April 2, 2025
Every year during the month of April, the American Library Association dedicates one week to honoring the important work of libraries and library staff around the country. Since its first official celebration in 1958, National Library Week has sought to highlight “the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.”   For its 2025 celebration, which runs April 6-12, Fairfax County Public Library wants to remind you of all the amazing things you can do FREE at your library.    Beyond the countless books you can borrow, visitors to our branches (and website) can enjoy a plethora of resources including:  Access to 60+ online databases to research a variety of topics  Entertaining and educational programming for visitors of all ages  A collection of non-traditional items to borrow including board games, binoculars, thermal cameras and countless other surprising items  Space for meetings, study groups or gatherings for nonprofit organizations  So much more!  You can share with us what your favorite free library resource is, or simply what you love most about the library, by visiting any of our 23 branches throughout the week to fill out a notecard.   Can’t make it to a branch? Submit your comment online.  Looking for more reasons why libraries are so great? Check out this booklist all about the joy libraries, librarians and reading bring to our world.
FCPL Celebrates National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPL Celebrates National Arab American Heritage Month
April 1, 2025
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. 
Staff Excellence Congratulations
FCPL Recognizes Outstanding Employees with Annual Staff Excellence Awards
March 18, 2025
During their monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 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 21 winners from more than 115 nominations. This year’s winners include:   Luis Aponte, Information Services Librarian, Centerville Regional Library  Sevil Atasoy, Circulation Manager, Culmore Library  Melissa Casolini Dal Bo, Assistant Branch Manager, Great Falls Library  Vicky Chu, Circulation Manager, Thomas Jefferson Library  Talitha Cunio, Youth Services Assistant, Pohick Regional Library  Randy Falkofske, Library Aide, John Marshall Library  Sophia Fazel, Youth Services Manager, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library  Ashton Fonville, Youth Services Librarian, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library  Kendall Hall, Youth Services Assistant, Kings Park Library  Margaret Kositch, Library Technology Director, Library Admin  Chandra Krishnamoorthy, Library Aide, Herndon Fortnightly Library  Margot Manburg, Youth Services Assistant, Sherwood Regional Library  Lyn McKinney, Branch Manager, Sherwood Regional Library  Tiana Page, Youth Services Manager, Herndon Fortnightly Library  Sonia Sagar, Library Aide, Reston Regional Library  David Shaffer, Branch Manager, Oakton Library  Anne Simpson, Assistant Branch Manager, Culmore Library  Suzanne Steward, Youth Services Manager, Culmore Library  Anita Toth, Youth Services Manager, Oakton Library  Letitia Van Campen, Assistant Branch Manager, Richard Byrd Library  Rebecca Wolff, Branch Manger, Thomas Jefferson Library  Kerri Zuiker, Youth Services Assistant, Centerville Regional Library  Photos of the ceremony and the recognized staff can be found here.  
911 Improvement Focus Group
FCPL Partners with 911 and GMU to Help Improve County Emergency Communications
March 7, 2025
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.
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