The Central Rappahannock Regional Library has released its quarterly report and according to that report, more patrons have been coming to the library due to the agency's embrace of technology.
To help with this, the library recently received a grant from Transurban, the operators of E-ZPass Express Lanes on Interstate 95, that will be used to extend wifi access in the neighborhoods surrounding the Howell and Salem Church library branches in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, respectively.
The library will receive $5,500 through Transurban's Express Lane Community Grant Program. The grant falls under the community category of the project's guidelines which would support applications that support the health, economic development, or well-being of communities within the I-95 and I-495 corridor.
Transurban is currently partnered with the Virginia Department of Transportation in the Express Lane extension project that will extend the express lanes closer to the Fredericksburg, extending them south from Route 610 to Route 17.
The report also spotlights the library's expansion of online training platforms after the library had transitioned from Lynda.com to LinkedIn Learning for their video-based online offerings. As a result, thousands of additional online courses have become available to library patrons that come in seven different languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese.
The library has also been able to expand its magazine offerings by transitioning over to the Overdrive eMagazine application. The transition allows for access to more than 3,000 magazines in several different languages from the previous physical collection of fewer than 200 magazines offered.
The library is also continuing its IdeaSpace program, since March the library has circulated media technology equipment through IdeaSpace for those interested in learning how to use and operate items such as camcorders, audio equipment, digital drawing tablet, lighting, and other media related accessories.
IdeaSpace is currently located at 1616 Princess Anne Street in Downtown Fredericksburg.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
Recent Stories
On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Manassas City Council received the Electoral Board’s annual report, presented by Pamela Kincheloe, who is secretary of the city’s electoral board. The report highlighted voter participation trends, the logistics of the 2024 election, and the city’s electoral outcomes. The 2024 voter turnout was 65.46%, down from 72.6% in 2020 and 66.7% in 2016. Early voting continued to grow, accounting for 44.73% of total votes, surpassing in-person voting on Election Day (43.22%), while mail-in voting made up 12.05%. Sunday voting also saw an increase, with 131 voters participating compared to previous years. Turnout by precinct ranged from 61% at Dean Elementary to 73.71% at Rand Elementary. Same-day registration presented logistical challenges, particularly at Weems Elementary, where wait times were extended due to high demand and the additional burden of curbside voting. Same-day voter registration, which began in Virginia with the 2022 General Election, allows individuals to register and vote provisionally after the traditional registration deadline.
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.
The Manassas City Council voted unanimously on Monday, January 13, 2024, to purchase a 1.56-acre property in Downtown Manassas from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO). The $3.1 million acquisition is part of the city’s ongoing strategy to control downtown development and foster community-focused growth.
The newly purchased property, which includes multiple parcels on Center Street, is zoned for industrial use (I-2), allowing developments up to 75 feet in height. City officials highlighted the importance of acquiring the land to guide its future use and prevent projects that may not align with the downtown’s character.
“This purchase ensures that we, as a city, can decide what happens on this key piece of land,” said Vice Mayor Wolfe. “Without this step, the property could have been developed by-right into something like a storage facility or data center, which may not align with our downtown vision.”
Finding the right property management company can make all the difference in ensuring a rental experience that is both profitable for owners and enjoyable for tenants.
Freedom Property Management, led by Principal Broker & Owner Tiffany Izenour, has built a reputation for excellence by prioritizing customer satisfaction, proactive property care, and seamless operations. Here are the top reasons why both renters and property owners choose Freedom Property Management—and why they stay.
1. Unmatched Customer Service
At Freedom Property Management, customer service isn’t just a priority; it’s a promise. Tiffany emphasizes the team’s commitment to delivering a responsive, hands-on experience that keeps clients happy. “Our team is dedicated to making every interaction positive and productive, whether helping a tenant or communicating with an owner. We recently helped a client navigate a complex property issue with a tenant, and we handled every step—keeping them informed without adding stress to their day.” This focus on customer service creates lasting relationships with clients who appreciate the consistent support.
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.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
