As both Manassas and Manassas Park talk about exiting the Prince William County Public Library System, changes are coming to the library residents of these cities use most.
Central Library, located at 8601 Mathis Avenue in Manassas, will close Jan. 15, 2020 for renovations. When it reopens in June, it will be the home to the Ruth E. Loyd Information Center (RELIC), a center devoted to genealogy and Prince William County history.
RELIC will move from the nearby Bull Run Library on Ashton Avenue to Central, where a reading room named for Loyd — who, in 1952, pushed for further development in Virginia’s public library systems.
“I will be losing some positions with the change at Central, and it’s kind of a win-win because it strengthens Central in its new format…” Prince William County Public Library Director Deborah Wright told the county’s Library Trustee Board at its December 5 meeting.
RELIC will take up about 3,000 square feet in the 22,000-square-foot Central Library. There was some surprise among the Trustee Board that Central had adequate space enough to accommodate the research center.
The rear of the Central Library will be used for additional storage space, which is needed within the system, as new libraries, like the one in Montclair that opened in 2015, were built without enough adequate storage space, Wright told the Trustees.
The Trustees were asked to vote on the temporary closure of Central, and they passed the resolution unanimously. However, the Prince William County Government posted a press release to its website on Monday, Nov. 18 outlining the closure and planned renovations before the Trustees voted on the measure.
A new makerspace is likely to replace RELIC at Bull Run Libary. Traditionally, these collaborative spaces allow people to use high-tech tools like 3-D printers, or no-tech tools like soldering irons to creating objects or products.
Central Library is the closest to Manassas and Manassas Park and is the location most used by residents of those two cities. The current library agreement allows residents of those cities to use any Prince William Public Library Branch.
Central Library users are encouraged to use other branches during Central’s six-month closure.
Manassas City is looking into the possibility of opening a new library in the Wellington Shopping Center, at the intersection of Wellington and Dumfries roads and outsourcing the operation of the library to a private firm.
Potomac Local has learned that some who sit on the city council would like to renegotiate the existing shared-services agreement between the city and the county library, which expires on June 30, 2020.
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The fishing pier at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge has been closed due to significant structural damage caused by ice and extreme winter weather.
Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.
“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”
After more than two decades of dedicated service to the community, City Treasurer Brenda Wood has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the year. Wood, the City Treasurer since January 2014, will not seek re-election in November 2025.
Wood’s career with the City spans more than 23 years, with her most notable role being Treasurer. Before stepping into that role, she served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under G.M. Haney. Wood’s leadership helped bring the Treasurer’s office to new heights, including successfully implementing new financial systems and the recent upgrade to the city’s online payment portal. Under her watch, the office achieved accreditation, a mark of excellence in municipal finance.
Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.
Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.
Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts. The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
