16 minute read
Explore Your Library Fall 2022
Contents
Kids and Families............................ 8
Special Events.............................................. 8 Story Times and Ongoing Events ............13 Reading to Dogs ........................................14 Crafts and Activities ..................................15 Young Adults .................................18
Makerspace ...............................................20 Book and Discussion Groups ...........22 Adults...........................................24
Special and Ongoing Events ....................24 Lifelong Learning ......................................28 Arts and Crafts ..........................................30 Genealogy and Local History...................31 Quick Flip......................................31
Bull Run Library will re-open September 12. Visit pwcva.gov/library for more information.
Find us on Social Media
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pwcva.gov/library
Sign language interpretation is available if requested at least three weeks in advance of the program date. When you visit the library, we may take photos or videos for print and digital marketing purposes. Please notify a staff member if you do not want your image to be published. Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) brings people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Library Information
Library Board Meetings
The next meetings of the Library Board of Trustees will be Thursday, September 22, in the Administrative Support Center’s Trustee Conference Room, and Thursday, October 27 at Haymarket Gainesville Library. Note: The Trustee Conference Room is located in the lower level of Chinn Park Library.
Renewals of Library Materials
Renewal Line: 703-792-4885 Web Renewal: librarycatalog.pwcgov.org
Library Newsletter
Get the best of Explore straight to your inbox! Our monthly newsletter gives you a quick overview of our top events and resources so you’ll be in the know. Visit pwcva.gov/library/emailnewsletters to sign up today.
Library Closings and Schedule Changes
SEPTEMBER Saturday, September 3–Holiday Weekend–All libraries closed Monday, September 5–Labor Day Holiday–All libraries closed OCTOBER No Holidays NOVEMBER Friday, November 11–Veterans Day Holiday–All libraries closed Wednesday, November 23–All libraries close at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 24–Thanksgiving Day Holiday–All libraries closed Friday, November 25–Thanksgiving Holiday–All libraries closed Saturday, November 26–Holiday Weekend –Dale City, Dumfries, Independent Hill, Lake Ridge, Nokesville Libraries closed
Library Foundation
Visit princewilliamlibraryfoundation.org to help support the Prince William Public Libraries.
Friends of the Libraries
PWPL has seven Friends groups that provide support to all of its libraries, enabling them to offer many free cultural, recreational, and informational programs to our community. To join one of the Friends groups or to learn more, find the contact information below.
Bull Run
Friends of Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Avenue Manassas, VA 20109 Friendsofbullrunlibrary@gmail.com
Central
The Friends of Central Community Library 8601 Mathis Avenue Manassas, VA 20110 friends2central@gmail.com 703-792-8360
Chinn Park
The Friends of the Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive Woodbridge, VA 22192 facebook.com/FOCPRL
Haymarket Gainesville
Friends of the Haymarket Gainesville Library c/o Haymarket Gainesville Community Library 14870 Lightner Road Haymarket, VA 20169 Friends.gainesville.lib@gmail.com
Manassas City
Friends of the Manassas City Library 10104 Dumfries Road Manassas VA 20110 friendsmclibrary@gmail.com 703-792-8820
Montclair
Friends of the Montclair Community Library c/o Montclair Community Library 5049 Waterway Drive Dumfries, VA 22025 Fmcl.president@gmail.com facebook.com/FMCL.5049
Potomac
The Friends of Potomac Library 2201 Opitz Boulevard Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-792-8330
We are so pleased to have our Bull Run Library reopen in September. The changes and improvements to the facility mirror the evolution of our libraries and how they function since Prince William opened its first branch in 1952. While the Bull Run building was in great condition, many features about the space reflected library usage patterns from the 1990s and earlier. The new and improved Bull Run Library will have a streamlined and more flexible service desk, and increased seating areas for patrons. The partial glass
Deborah L. Wright wall across the children’s area will help contain the noise from the happy activities in that area so as not to interfere with other patron services. There is a newly created study room available for use by small groups, as well as a dedicated seating area for tweens. The enhanced, expanded teen area will have seating and programming space for our young adults. We are especially excited to show off our newest Makerspace! In addition to other types of equipment we will feature, we are the only Makerspace in the region with an HQ Moxie longarm quilting machine. We also have a Glo-Forge laser cutter. Library Makerspaces provide opportunities for patrons to try a new skill or hobby or just to create when the mood hits. These spaces demonstrate how PWPL continues to bring ideas, people, and information together to enrich lives and build our community. These new features align with how patrons everywhere are using their public libraries. We love our books, but we have so much more for our community. We have updated and refreshed spaces and ways to connect, learn, and engage. I hope you will stop by Bull Run to see our latest renovation!
We’re Here to Help You Head Back to School Borrow Chromebook Laptops
Starting September 12
Visit "Computers & Wi-Fi" on pwcva.gov/library to learn more.
Sharpened pencils? Check. New backpack? Check. Your library card? Now you’re ready to go back to school! Explore all that Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) has for students, parents, caregivers, and educators to help you on your learning or teaching journey.
Programs
PWPL offers programs for all ages designed to educate, entertain, and support your development. From toddler story times to special programs for teens to lifelong learning classes, these programs allow you to be engaged and have fun while learning. Visit "Library Events" on pwcva.gov/library to find programs. You can filter the programs by age group, library location, and topics.
Books and Booklists
Discover new books, e-books, and audiobooks that will help with school or just for fun. Browse through booklists curated by librarians and read recommendations to find the right book.
Digital Library
Our Digital Library offers free access to an extensive collection of thousands of online and digital resources including e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, and premium websites, including: • Brainfuse HelpNow–Live, certified tutor assistance available seven days
a week with homework, research, and writing in all subjects for grades K–college. • Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test Prep–Interactive tutorials and quizzes to master core subjects for middle and high school. • LearningExpress Library–Resources in core subjects for elementary, middle, and high school, including Grades 4–8 Educator Resources Career Prep, College Admissions Test Prep, and more. Most Popular Programs Computers, Wi-Fi, and Other Technology 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Try out machines, tools, and technology at Bull Run and Central Library’s Makerspaces. Tech
Career Online High School Girls Who Code and coding toys, arts and craft supplies and machines, and more can take your learning to another level.
Learning Circles LEGO Club Music and Motion Reading to Dogs Also available at PWPL: Free public computers with internet, indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi to access with your device, printing (including mobile printing) and copying, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and
Sensory programs Chromebook computers to check out.
STEAM programs Story Times Take and Make Crafts Teen Advisory Groups … And More PWPL has useful resources for students who are transitioning to a new school. Watch “Library Resources for Students, Parents, and Educators: Support for Student Transitions” video on youtube.com/princewilliampubliclibraries. Our librarians are available to help with library assignments, books for classrooms, library visits, and library research training. If you need a quiet room to study or need to meet with classmates to collaborate on a school assignment, visit PWPL’s study rooms. Subscribe to PWPL’s monthly Education Explore newsletter to get resources, services, and information for parents, teachers, students, and lifelong learners. Submit an Education Materials Request form to borrow library items to support their classroom curriculum. PWPL offers a test proctoring service at six of our libraries for a fee of $35 per test. Even when that pencil gets dull, your library card and Prince William Public Libraries will help keep your brain sharp year-round. Visit one of our 12 locations or pwcva.gov/library to learn more.
Prince William Public Libraries Celebrates Library Card Signup Month with Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice. At Prince William Public Libraries, patrons of all ages can find a variety of educational resources and activities, including story times for our youngest patrons, Girls Who Code, driven by its mission to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does, and programs intended to enhance lifelong learning like Art in the Garden and Resume Makeover: Library Edition. “Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” says Deborah Wright, director. “We have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds. Our popular ‘Do Re Read Mi a Story’ is a music program designed for children of all abilities, including those with autism and other special needs. Our two Makerspaces at Bull Run and Central Libraries introduce new technology and tools for teens and adults to try out like 3D pens, embroidery machines, and podcast equipment.”
This September, Prince William Public
Libraries encourages members of the community to sign up for a library card.
Children as young as five are eligible to sign up for their own library card. A library card opens a world of opportunities – including programs, resources, and services – at Prince William Public
Libraries. The 12 libraries throughout
Prince William County and the City of
Manassas offer both traditional and nontraditional items like books, a Digital
Library, Passport Services, and free Wi-Fi that extends to all the libraries’ parking lots, offering reliable internet 24/7.
This year, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel (Frozen,
Wicked) and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, will serve as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up
Month. Idina and Cara are excited to remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library.
During Library Card Sign-Up Month, they want us to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming. Prince William Public Libraries, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving community needs. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, visit pwcva.gov/library.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
Let your imagination sing at the library.
CARA MENTZEL & IDINA MENZEL
Library Card Sign-Up Month Honorary Chairs
ilovelibraries.org/librarycard
Photo © Emilio Madrid
Prince William Library Foundation
1,000 Books
Before Kindergarten For Infants Through Preschoolers Sign up today at any
Prince William Public Library pwcva.gov/library
Help support programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.
WELC OMET OYOU RLIB RARY How to Get a Library Card If you live, work, own property, or attend school in Prince William County, Manassas, or surrounding jurisdictions, you are eligible for a free library card. To get a card, you must provide identification with your current address. Minors (ages 5–17) are also required to have a parent or legal guardian complete and sign a Library User Agreement Form. Borrowing, Returns, Holds, and Renewals Borrow books, DVDs, magazines, and Launchpad tablets for three weeks. Return your materials to any branch location or book drop. Place holds on materials through the Online Catalog, in person, or by phone. You can have up to 20 holds at a time. Most items can be renewed four times (unless requested by another patron) online, in person, or by phone. Sign up for email or text message reminders or change your email preferences through your online account. As of July 1, 2021, PWPL is no longer charging fines for late items. Patrons are still responsible for paying fees for lost or damaged items. Please be sure to pay your outstanding fees, as your account is suspended when fees on your account reach $20.00. Digital Library The Digital Library provides free access to thousands of online and digital resources including e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, and premium websites with apps like OverDrive’s Libby, hoopla Digital, and LinkedIn Learning. Everything from automotive help to homework help to premium news access is available on the Digital Library for you to Read, Listen, Watch, or Learn from wherever you are.
Welcome to Your Library
Your Library Offers So Much More!
U.S. Passport Services: Available at Central, Haymarket Gainesville, and Potomac Libraries during specific times by appointment only.
Every location offers:
• Free public access computers and Wi-Fi access • B/W copy machines and printing: $.15 per page • Color printing: $.50 per page • Fax services: $1.00 per page outgoing, $.15 per page incoming • Scanning capabilities (bring your own USB/ available for purchase) • Mobile printing (available at Central, Chinn Park, Haymarket Gainesville, Manassas City, Montclair, and Potomac Libraries) Assistive Services: PWPL provides services and devices for those who need hearing, visual, and physical accommodations to use library resources.
Management and Government Information Center (MAGIC):
Located at Chinn Park Library, MAGIC is your source for business, government, nonprofit, and local information. PWPL, through MAGIC, is a Funding Information Network Partner, giving patrons free access to the Foundation Center databases and training support, available at no cost to you. Contact: magic2@pwcgov.org or 703-792-4880.
Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center (RELIC) Genealogy and Local History:
RELIC, located at Central Library, offers specialized staff assistance of resources concentrated on local history and family history support. Contact: relic2@pwcgov.org or 703-792-8380. While our libraries continue to be impacted by COVID-19, some of these services may be changed or unavailable. Please call a branch if you have questions.
Prince William Public Libraries has the best community! Once again, Summer Reading sponsors offered more support for the program than the previous year. In-kind donations such as coupons for ice cream, pizza, and donuts motivated readers of all ages to participate in the program. Monetary donations funded programs and awarded those readers who completed reading challenges with books and other prizes. Without the support of our sponsors, we could not continue to offer the quality level of programming our patrons have come to love. Prince William Public Libraries does not use the Prince William County budget for Summer Reading. The program is fully funded by corporate and community sponsorships and grants. This not only saves taxpayers money, but offers opportunities to build and strengthen community relations.
2022 Summer Reading Was a Success
As Prince William Public Libraries continues to offer more inperson programming, engagement and participation in the community also increased in 2022. As of August 1, we surpassed last year’s participation and completion goals. Follow PWPL’s social media for the final statistics from this year’s Summer Reading program. Registration: 6,179
Completion: 1,429
Books Read: 34,987
Testimonials
Potomac Place Assisted Living & Memory Care
We are proud to support the Prince William Public Libraries’ Summer Reading program again in 2022. Thank you for assisting in the never-ending life journey of knowledge with a challenge to boot! We love a great challenge.
Burke & Herbert Bank
We are honored to be a sponsor. Thank you for bringing such a great program to the community!
Prince William Public Libraries has been awarded three dotCOMM Awards for digital communications campaigns designed to engage and share PWPL resources and information with the greater Prince William community. PWPL’s 2021 Annual Report received a Platinum Award–the highest honor awarded, Summer 2021 Explore Magazine received a Gold Award, and “PWPL’s Wi-Fi Has Left the Building!” video received an Honorable Mention.
dotCOMM Awards, administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), is an international competition honoring excellence in web creativity and digital communication. Typically, about 13 percent of entries win a Platinum Award. This year, dotCOMM received about 2,500 entries. PWPL was also awarded a PR Xchange Award and two Hermes Creative Awards for their communications and marketing campaigns this past year.
Prince William Public Libraries ANNUAL
REPORT 2021
APPROACHABLE, ADAPTIVE EXPERTS
Census 2020: Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, PWPL staff held 19 “Census Saturday” outreach events to help educate the public about the importance of completing the Census. Libraries around the county also made space available for the U.S. Census Bureau to host 26 Mobile Questionnaire Assistance (MQA) to answer questions and help patrons complete the census at our branches. Library Card Drives: Pre-pandemic, library staff held library card drives at local schools and community events on a monthly basis. While this past year was difficult to hold library card drives, more than 15 were held at Sudley Elementary School, Saunders Middle School, and Woodbridge Senior High School (among others) to sign area residents for library cards.
"My daughter and I pre-bagged library materials and pens to hand to families in their cars. This helped tremendously to get the message out about our libraries’ resources and support of our schools." – Aaren, Haymarket Gainesville Library Staff
"Thank you, @PrinceWmLibrary for making library books safe and still accessible! Love our neighborhood Chinn Park Library!"
VERSATILE, INVITING SPACES
"Your librarians are incredible... They were doing pickups with literal freezing rain pouring down with kindness and smiles." – Marcia, Facebook
Braving the Elements: Rain, shine, or freezing rain - PWPL staff were available for curbside pickup and to welcome the community to our libraries. Central Library Ribbon Cutting: A small gathering, including local dignitaries, library officials, and staff, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of Central Library on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Held outside the well-known building, presenters shared opening remarks, then invited attendees to tour the facility – an entirely different Central Library since it closed in early 2020 for extensive renovations. Central Library Celebrates 50 Years: Central Library first opened its doors on January 21, 1971. While celebrations were modest due to the pandemic, photos were compiled by RELIC to share on PWPL’s social media. Manassas City Library Welcomed as 12th Branch: First opened for Contact-Free Curbside Pickup only in February 2021 due to staffing of the COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center, a ribbon cutting and community event was held on June 7, 2021. Located at the Wellington Station Shopping Center in the City of Manassas, the opening of the newest library addresses all seven strategic goals. Bringing Back In-Person Programming: Beginning in June 16, just in time for the start of the Summer Reading Program and more than a year after we suspended in-person programming, Bull Run Library had a Story Walk and tie-dye program and Haymarket Gainesville Library held a Sidewalk Chalk and Mask Making program. Other libraries began
