Culmore Church will host programs for the Culmore Library
Now that the Culmore Community Library is closed for an HVAC replacement project – and isn’t expected to reopen until January 2027 – library programs will be held at the Culmore Church in Bailey’s Crossroads.
According to updated plans for the pop-up library, it won’t have books, said FCPL Marketing and Communications Director Sara Prohaska.
Fairfax County Public Library has partnered with George Mason University to host limited programs and services at the church, located at 3400 Charles Street.
Programs, such as story times and English language conversation classes, will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting on Feb. 18. Registration links will be posted soon.
GMU and its partners already operate a healthcare clinic at the Culmore Church.
Related story: A pop-up library will serve the community when the Culmore Library closes
The Culmore Library’s HVAC system needs to be replaced because the current system, installed 10 years ago, isn’t working effectively and can’t handle extreme temperatures. As a result, the library closed 20 times last year, said Branch Manager Heather Simpson.
Redesigning and replacing the ductwork will take a full year, said Laura Seidler, deputy director of Fairfax County’s Facilities Management Department. Cranes will be used to remove and deliver materials from the roof.
Meanwhile, FCPL is still looking for a temporary space for the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale, which is expected to close next summer for a comprehensive renovation. The project will include a maker space, as well as additional small meeting rooms and a new layout.
According to Prohaska, it’s been challenging to find a space nearby that can meet the library’s needs for accessibility, parking, and deliveries.
Related story: George Mason Library renovation to start next summer
It is unacceptable that Mason District will not have a library for several months when both Culmore and George Mason libraries’ closures overlap. It is especially important for our families over the summer when students won’t have access to their school libraries. FCPL needs to find a temporary location for George Mason library. Would this fly in other parts of the county? No.
totally agree and made the same comment several months ago!
What’s supervisor jimenez doing about this? He mentions Masons diversity all of the time but allows this to happen in these two areas of his district where marginalized communities exists!
I so agree with first comment,how right you are! One library is bad enough and especially where it is located the Culmore library has provided community resources , a place you can go if you can’t afford internet , a place children can learn a cool or warm place to be especially for the homeless looking to improve their situations. But now we have the overlapping of 2 major libraries in one area. Our taxpayer money pays to have these vital resources . And yes although I understand things do have to be repaired and upkept . The timing of these 2 libraries at the same time is poor planning . Holding activities at a church??? what happened to finding a temporary place for the Culmore Library library ( internet, books etc) in general ? .
Note : I did see the end part after posting my
Comment the part about the reason only activites at the church, but it just doesn’t fill the bill . Especially for an entire year .
Sounds like poor management by FMD who has to accept the system 10 years ago and lack of proper plan review by Fairfax County. Why aren’t these people held accountable for their poor decisions and policies? Fairfax County buildings have become a disaster under the current FMD leadership, the management leadership needs to be replaced and all current projects reviewed by independent experts. Stop the unending bad decisions by FMD.