Tag: libraries
Lots of outrage expressed at community meeting on the library system
Supervisor Linda Smyth with two of the library books she found in a dumpster. People who came to a forum on libraries convened by Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth Oct. 10 raised serious concerns—about Fairfax County Public Libraries’ policy for trashing many thousands of books, cuts to the library budget, attempts to downgrade professional librarians, and … Continued
Major changes on the way for Fairfax County libraries
Every Fairfax County taxpayer and everyone who uses libraries should be concerned about far-reaching plans under way to restructure the Fairfax County Public Libraries. The Board of Supervisors has directed the Library Board to put those plans on hold to provide more opportunities for public input. A series of public outreach meetings has been scheduled. … Continued
Library board seeks public input, but there are concerns about the intent
The George Mason Regional Library in Annandale on a typical week night. Several public meetings have been scheduled to give members of the public and library employees an opportunity to comment on the future direction of the Fairfax County Public Libraries (FCPL). These sessions are aimed at collecting public input following the huge uproar in … Continued
Llibrary Board suspends plan to restructure library system
Annandale children make a statement at the Library Board meeting. So many people showed up at the Fairfax County Library Board meeting at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale Sept. 11, that the overflow crowd had to watch the proceedings on a video monitor in the lobby. The key agenda item that drew the crowd … Continued
Supervisors call for extensive public outreach before library changes proceed
A display on libraries in the lobby of the Fairfax County Government Center. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a “board matter” Sept. 10 directing the county executive to request the Library Board put proposed changes on hold until they “conduct an extensive outreach program to inform and educate the public and library employees.” … Continued
Fairfax County library system threw out thousands of books
Library books in a dumpster. The recent discovery of perfectly good library books tossed in a dumpster has ignited the opposition to efforts to overhaul the Fairfax County Public Libraries. When Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth heard that the library system was actually throwing out books, many of them in excellent condition, she went to see … Continued
Library staff, supporters battling plan to overhaul library system
George Mason Regional Library. With a crucial library board meeting approaching, library employees and “friends” groups are mobilizing support from officials, community groups, and patrons to urge the board to roll back plans to restructure the library system and downgrade the professional qualifications of employees. The Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees will consider major … Continued
Fairfax County supervisors urged to block plans to decimate libraries
Thomas Jefferson Library in Falls Church. Librarians, library supporters, and patrons are stepping up their efforts to educate Fairfax County supervisors and the public about the harmful implications of policy changes being implemented by Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Director Sam Clay. Library advocates say the changes would downgrade the professional staff, resulting in reduced … Continued
Bulova calls for more public input on library changes
George Mason Regional Library. Library employees and members of library “friends” groups have been setting up meetings with public officials to express their concerns with major policy changes that would downgrade the professional staff and reduce services for library patrons. Following a meeting with library representatives last week, Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova said … Continued
Librarians concerned about policy changes
The check-out desk at George Mason Regional Library. Dozens of librarians packed the meeting room at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale July 10 during a Fairfax County Library Board meeting to express their concerns with proposed policy changes aimed at cutting costs that they say will impair services to the public. The proposals would … Continued
Cost-cutting measures mean reduced services at Fairfax County libraries
George Mason Regional Library In an effort to cut costs, the Fairfax County library system is implementing major changes that will result in reduced services for local residents—and it’s all being done without public hearings or other input from library users. The professional staff is being downgraded, so new employees won’t need to have a … Continued
Office building will serve as temporary home for Wilson Library
6066 Leesburg Pike The lease is expected to be signed this week allowing the Woodrow Wilson Library in Bailey’s Crossroads to relocate temporarily to an office building at 6066 Leesburg Pike, while the library undergoes a major renovation. The library is scheduled to close Aug. 17 and reopen in a limited capacity in the much … Continued
Fairfax County/school board exploring opportunities for shared facilities
A joint working group made up of Fairfax County supervisors and school board members is exploring the county’s capital needs and creative ways to fund new projects—including opportunities for shared facilities. The Capital Facilities and Debt Management Working Group was convened by Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova to respond to concerns raised by the … Continued
George Mason Library to get collection of Muslim resource materials
A 15th century map of the coast of Spain. [from the National Endowment for the Humanities website] Four public libraries in Fairfax County, including George Mason Regional Library in Annandale, will be given the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf, a collection of books, films, and other resources aimed at introducing the American public to the complex history … Continued
Man arrested for library assault
Porter Mason District Police announced Dec. 13 that detectives have arrested a man in connection with the Nov. 7 assault at Thomas Jefferson Library in Falls Church. Kevin Lee Porter, 31, of no fixed address, was charged with abduction Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at his work site in the 3000 block of Gatehouse Plaza. … Continued