The Manassas City Library celebrated its third anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, with a lively party attended by library staff, Manassas Mayor Michele Davis Younger, and councilmen Tom Osina and Mark Wolfe.

The celebration included a book sale organized by the Friends of Manassas City Library, which featured Manny the penguin, the library mascot.

During the event, Manny entertained partygoers by walking around, shaking hands, and taking photos. As the library enters its fourth year, the Friends of Manassas City Library has set a new goal to build a LEGO replica of Manny. The penguin mascot’s library adventure began on the library’s opening day, February 2, 2021, amid an ice storm.

Library staff revealed that Manny is short for Manassas and has become a heartwarming figure, captivating library-goers of all ages with his playful spirit and delightful wardrobe.

The Friends of Manassas City Library holds regular meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., either at the library or online. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2024. More information is available by clicking here.

Located at 10104 Dumfries Road, next to a Giant Food store in the Wellington Station shopping center, the Manassas City Library is the first in the city.

The Manassas Library is smaller than the Central Library Branch at 8061 Mathis Avenue, which opened in 1974 just across the city line in Prince William County. It was the closest library to Manassas residents for 47 years.

When it opened, the 6,000-square-foot Manassas Library offered 15,000 materials, 12 public-use computers, one of the most popular services in the county library system, and quiet study rooms.

The library is part of the Prince William Public Library System.

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Prince William Public Library: “This year’s Winter Reading program is designed for all ages and includes activities, programs, and prizes.”

“From December 1– January 31, pick up a bookmark or track your progress on the Beanstack Tracker app on your smartphone. Complete 10 activities or read 10 books before January 31 to get a prize and be entered into a drawing.”

“This year’s activities include finding Yeti at the library, reading a book with snow on the cover, and flexing those creative muscles by writing a short story.”

Prince William Public Libraries: “Prince William Public Libraries will temporarily close Lake Ridge Library beginning November 20 for renovations.

“The renovations are expected to last six weeks and will include multiple enhancements and upgrades to provide a versatile, inviting space for visitors. Planned renovations include:”

• Revamped Shelving: The library will feature revamped shelving, making it easier to find your favorite books and discover new ones. In addition, the shelving will provide more space for programming once the library reopens.
• Enhanced Seating Options: Lake Ridge Library is prioritizing your comfort and convenience. With the renovation, you can expect more seating options. Whether you prefer group tables for collaborative projects or individual seating for focused reading or study, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs.
• New Service Desk: The service desk is also getting an upgrade. The new service desk will make it easier to access the resources and support you need.
• More Public Computers: We’re committed to providing more digital access, and to address this need, we’ll be adding more public computers. Whether you’re working on a project, researching, or simply surfing the web, we’ve got you covered.

The improvements will cost taxpayers $96,000.

A library spokeswoman tells PLN:

Prince William Public Libraries is committed to its strategic goals, of which “Versatile, Inviting Spaces” outlines our efforts to enhance multi-functional, inviting spaces to create attractive, modern community destinations.

In recent years, we have made great strides in achieving this goal, including Central Library’s renovation in 2020 and its opening of Central Green in 2022, the opening of Manassas City Library in 2021, Dale City Library’s renovation in 2021, and Bull Run Library’s renovation in 2022. When proffer funds became available in the Occoquan District, it presented the opportunity to renovate Lake Ridge Library.

The library branch should reopen in January 2024.

Press release: “Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye again invites animal lovers to Barktoberfest, a celebration of Prince William County’s (PWC) furriest residents. This year, the event is being held in conjunction with the Chinn Regional Library Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, 22192.”

“Attendees can connect with local resources and service providers for pets, and learn how they can get involved in animal advocacy efforts ranging from volunteering at the shelter or dog park to fostering opportunities. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the event, and costumes are encouraged in the spirit of the season. Barktoberfest will feature:”

• Animal adoptions

• Pet-friendly photo booth

• Dog agility course

• Free treats, tennis balls, & other giveaways

• Resources & services for pet owners

• Ways to support animal welfare in PWC

“Exhibitors include the PWC Animal Shelter, PWC SPCA, PWC Dogs (the volunteer group for K9 Gunner Dog Park), Dapper Chap Cofee, Dirty Dogs Mobile Grooming, Feisty Dog Xchange, Mr. Woof Dog Care, Squishy Face Crew of Virginia, Petsuites of Manassas, Operation Paws for Homes and Wagging Warriors.”

“Additionally, the Chinn Fall Festival will offer a range of children’s activities, a petting zoo, crafts, music, food trucks and a used book sale. Seals on Wheels, the PWC Circuit Court Clerk’s mobile service center, will also be there offering services such as the filing of applications for marriage licenses and notaries.”

Prince William County Public Libraries: “Prince William County Sheriff’s Office will produce a plastic ID card with your child’s photo and measurements. This card could be the key to assisting law enforcement agencies if a child ever goes missing.”

“Producing the card offers children a fun and positive experience interacting with law enforcement officers. The Sheriff’s Office does not retain the information to protect the family’s privacy.”

Ident-a-Child — All Ages

• Bull Run: Monday, July 10, 10:30 a.m.
• Central: Tuesday, July 11, 10:30 a.m.
• Potomac: Monday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.
• Dumfries: Tuesday, August 1, 10:30 a.m.
• Chinn Park: Wednesday, August 2, 10:30 a.m.
• Dale City: Monday, August 7, 10:30 a.m.
• Lake Ridge: Tuesday, August 8, 10:30 a.m.
• Nokesville: Wednesday, August 9, 10:30 a.m.

Prince William County Public Libary: “Prince William Public Libraries’ 2023 Summer Reading program is centered around kindness, friendship, and unity with the theme, “All Together Now.” From June 20 – August 20, come into any of our 12 libraries to register for Summer Reading. You can also register online at pwcva.gov/library or through the Beanstack Tracker app on your smartphone.”

“This year’s Summer Reading program has something for all ages. Game cards are uniquely designed for Babies and Toddlers, Preschool – Grade 5, and Grades 6 – 12, with fun activities to complete that encourage participants to learn more about library services and programs and to read books to meet goals and win prizes. This year’s program also includes a challenge for adults by encouraging them to complete activities or read books all summer.”

Central Rappahannock Regional Library: “READ is the word for this summer, and the all-ages Summer Reading Challenge is now open. There are so many good books in the library! Check out the list of Staff Picks for May for recommended reading from your librarians.”

Editor's note: Meeting reporter Natalie Villalobos documented this event. Her notes were used to produce this story. Click here and learn more about becoming a meeting reporter and covering our local news.

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Prince William Public Libraries is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, May 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive in Woodbridge.

The Job Fair will feature over 30 businesses, organizations, and government agencies for Prince William area residents seeking new career opportunities. The job fair will allow the public to learn more about jobs in and around Prince William County.

Businesses in attendance will include Koons Automotive, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Walmart, and Wegmans. Multiple Prince William County government departments will be recruiting at the Job Fair. Prince William County Public Schools, City of Manassas Parks, Culture & Recreation, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard will also be on-site to discuss career opportunities. 

For more information, visit pwcva.gov/library. 

The Dale City Library was closed from February 22 to 24 on account of drainage problems. Over time, the drainage issues were beginning to wash out on the north side of the library on Minnieville Road.

The drainage issues, with no renovations, have been an even bigger issue during rainy seasons. As a result of a slit build-up in the mulch bed, the drainage water from the parking lot was unable to pass over the hump in the flower bed, said Prince William County spokeswoman Rachel Johnson.

This caused the dirt to slowly erode, and mulch began to build up along the side of the building. The county government’s fleet and facilities management also recognized that the drain boxes did not have header curbs allowing water to flow freely.

Crews worked to gain access to the trench drain by elevating the drain box and cleaning it out, and they were then able to perform a flow test. The existing curb and sunken sidewalk were then removed, and the drain ditch was dug, allowing plants to be trimmed back, said Johnson.

The asphalt was then replaced to restore the correct flow of groundwater.

The library was reopened to the public for curbside pick-up only on February 23, 2023, and was fully reopened on February 24, 2023.

With the renovations costing $22,685. The Dale City Library is at 4249 Dale Boulevard. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.