As the state relaxes public health guidelines, Fairfax County public libraries will soon be open to the public.Â
Beginning Monday, July 13, patrons can take advantage of express services that focus on “grab-and-go style” activities. Patrons can browse shelves, use computers and pickup holds.
But even as the state enters into phase three of Gov. Ralph Northam’s reopening plan, restrictions will be in place. All daily visits will be limited to 30 minutes.
During the first week of express services, library staff will explain the new model and make sure capacity limits are maintained. Disposable masks will also be offered to library patrons.Â
Here’s more on other modifications:
- Each branch will have a capacity limit to allow social distancing to take place
- Virtual programs will continue
- Meeting rooms will be unavailable
- Furniture will be removed from the public floor
- No donated materials will be accepted
- No print daily newspapers or in-house laptops will be offered
- No in-person programming will take place
- Plexiglass shields will be installed at customer service desks
- Every other PC will be disabled
Curbside services will continue for patrons who are not yet comfortable using library facilities. The service is offered daily except Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Express services will be open on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As people self-isolate and social distance, there are activities happening digitally to help fight the boredom and redundancy.
Fairfax County Libraries announced closures through March 29, but people who normally visit local libraries can check out free online resources including audiobooks and e-books.
Anyone with a library card can log into a system called Overdrive, which allows people to choose from a wide range of works from all genres.
Though some titles have limited availability and a waitlist, the system offers a list of popular titles available now.
The Brews and Books event at Lake Anne Brew House will take place online this week from 7 -8:30 p.m. on Saturday (March 21), according to the Facebook page. This week people will be talking about “Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity” the page said.
People can log onto Zoom to attend the event. The meeting “ID” is 332 501 624 and the “password” is 649440.
Lake Anne Brew House also announced it will be able to deliver pretzels, food and beer to anyone who is interested.
Fans of musical theatre can stream broadway musicals online using Broadway HD, which lets people stream certain productions in the comfort of their own home. The company is offering a free 7-day trial but costs around $9 each month after that.
Photo via Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash
Reston Association Budget Hearing and Meeting is Tonight — RA’s Board of Directors will hold a special meeting today (Thursday). A draft of the budget and the meeting’s agenda — which includes information about RA’s conflict of interest policy and increases to member assessments — is available online. [Reston Association]
Author Hena Khan to Joint Girl Power! Book Club — Khan will discuss her new middle-grade novel, More to the Story, at Scrawl Books’ Girl Power! Book Club today at the bookstore. The discussion, which is open to all, starts at 7 p.m. [Scrawl Books]
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Receives Homeland Security Grants — The department has been awarded $406,000 in competitive and noncompetitive grants. The funds will be used to improve the department’s emergency preparedness, security operations, training, and equipment. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Photo via Flickr/vantagehill
Bestselling author Jennifer Ryan will visit Scrawl Books this weekend at 11911 Freedom Drive.
Ryan will discuss and sign her latest book, “The Spies of Shilling Lane.” The story revolves around female spies in World War II.
The book has been called a “delightful mystery’ by the New York Times.
This is her second novel following the release of “The Childbury Ladies Choir” in 2017.
The event begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.
Photo via Crown Publishing
Reston Museum Searches for Final Townhome in Reston — The organization is looking for a Reston townhouse to feature in its annual Reston Home Tour. This year’s event is set for Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. [Reston Museum]
Adult Summer Reading Program Kicks Off This Week — The Fairfax County Public Library system is launching its first system-wide adult summer reading programs for readers age 18 and up. Participants can pick up reading logs from any county library and read or listen to four books. Incentives will be offered for completing up to two logs. [Fairfax County Government]
Artemis House Needs Old Cell Phones — Artemis House is looking for old cellphones and cellphone chargers that can be used temporarily by its residents. The organization offers emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence. Phones must be unlocked and data should be removed prior to donation. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via Milepost 14/Flickr
During Sunday’s music festival, performers will take to the outdoor stage at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon to raise funds for a local literacy program.
The event, “Turn Up the Volumes,” is set for Sunday (June 9) from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the tavern, which is located at 697 Spring Street in Herndon.
The festival is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Herndon’s Imagination Library program.
In the program, members mail a book each month to children in Herndon from their birth to age 5.
Since the initiative began in 2005, the club has mailed more than 100,000 books to children.
The event, which features Big Whitson, Catchin’ Toads, Bald Chicken Brown, and Acoustic Mutiny, is free and open to all.
