Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) continues to expand its offerings beyond traditional books, providing a range of services and resources for the community. Library cardholders have access to free programs, technology resources, and unique items through the Library of Things.
FCPL branches offer daily programs catering to various interests and age groups. Activities include book clubs, craft sessions, language classes, storytimes for children, author events, and virtual programming options. Notable upcoming events this summer are “From A to Zine: Art, Activism, and Authenticity: Illustrating Your Story,” a workshop series at Dolley Madison Library on August 5; “Own Your Space: Self-Defense for Confidence and Safety” at Kings Park Library on August 9; and “Tell Your Story with Omar Abed,” an interactive storytelling session with book signing at Herndon Fortnightly Library on August 16. The Summer Reading Adventure continues through August 17, offering participants the chance to earn prizes by completing reading activities.
Technology services remain a key feature at FCPL. All branches provide indoor Wi-Fi during operating hours; twenty locations also offer outdoor Wi-Fi accessible from parking lots between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., which supports patrons who need reliable internet for study or work purposes. Public computers are available onsite. At 22 out of 23 branches, Connect Kits—containing a Chromebook laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot—can be checked out for two weeks.
Other technology amenities include printing and copying machines (available for a fee), free 3D printing submissions, six Memory Depots stations for digitizing older media formats such as film slides or VHS cassettes, and three Maker Labs located at Herndon Fortnightly Library, Pohick Regional Library, and Sherwood Regional Library where patrons can learn new skills using various tools.
The evolving Library of Things collection now allows patrons to borrow non-traditional items like artwork, board games, binoculars nature backpacks, meters, Family History Kits (available in English as well as bilingual Spanish-English and Korean-English editions), and Sensory Kits containing objects that stimulate different senses.
For students returning to school in August, FCPL provides access to databases supporting academic research and test preparation—including AP exams and college entry tests—as well as live online tutoring. These digital resources require an FCPL library card issued free to anyone living, working or studying in Fairfax County. In-person test prep opportunities are also available throughout the year at several branches. Tysons-Pimmit Library is collaborating with The Princeton Review on virtual programs covering topics such as college selection processes, SATs, and essay writing.
Regional branch hours are Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; most community branches operate Monday-Tuesday from 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., except Patrick Henry Library which is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
“It’s always a good time to check out something new at your local library,” states FCPL in its announcement. “Our branches offer entertainment, education, enrichment and more for free to anyone with a library card.”
