[ngg_images gallery_ids=”442″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalslider”]
A new library will be opening in Woodbridge this fall.
The Montclair Community Library – a 20,000 square foot facility – will be opening near the intersection of Route 234 and Waterway Drive at the end of October.
“Back in 2006, the voters approved a bond referendum which [included] projects like the Montclair Community Library – which was decided to be a 20,000 square foot full-service facility,” said Andrew Spence, a spokesman for the county’s library system.
Spence stated that around $13 million had been approved for the project.
Potomac district supervisor Maureen Caddigan put $267,000 of district funds towards the project, $50,000 was taken from the county’s General fund, developer proffers provided an additional $51,233 and the rest was debt financed, following the 2006 vote, according to the library system’s website.
The library will be full service – which is different from the county’s “neighborhood library” locations – and will include checkout facilities, online collections, community programming, Internet access and floating children and adult collections, according to Spence.
A unique historical feature at the new library
According to Spence, one of the unique features at the library will be the remnants of a post-Civil War building.
“One of the cool benefits of this project is the Barnes house…one of Prince William County’s only remnants of a post-Civil War African American settlement has been moved there – and it will become, hopefully, a reading room and a history interpretive center in partnership with our historical preservation division within Public Works,” Spence said.
Why does the community continue to invest in libraries?
With the onset of digital media and increased use of electronic devices for reading and research, it would stand to reason that some brick-and-mortar library facilities would be phased out.
But in Prince William County that is not the case, as community libraries are still being built and renovated, like the Independent Hill library, which was just approved to undergo renovations by the board of supervisors.
“The community survey that goes out, and is facilitated by Prince William County government does show that the library system itself has consistently had a 95% or higher approval rating. I would lean towards the fact that the community does say that they appreciate the library system and that the board of county supervisors have shown a commitment to the library system by investing into brand new community libraries,” said Spence.
According to Supervisor Maureen Caddigan, the community still gets excited about having local physical library locations.
“The community is excited about having a large library to serve the growing population… Many residents are signing up to work or volunteer. I have received only positive responses,” said Caddigan.
The ribbon cutting for the library is scheduled for October 29.
Recent Stories
The commercial space at 610 Caroline Street is starting to show life, beginning with a new neon “Bistro,” sign in the front window. In early May, the new tenant “Always Flavored,” will complete their move from the current location on Princess Anne Street, giving the Fredericksburg dining crowd another option but this time adding beer and wine.
On Friday, May 10, Dumfries will celebrate the 275th anniversary of the original charter for Dumfries. The festivities will begin May 10 with a sold-out black-tie dinner at the National Museum for the Marine Corps.
The checkerboard tower next to the train station in downtown Fredericksburg is getting a makeover that will say less “Purina,” and more “upgrade,” as officials go with a blue checkerboard pattern and “Welcome to Fredericksburg.”
As we head into the weekend, we can expect a mix of weather patterns, with a gradual transition from cooler temperatures to a significant warm-up.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
