Picture the City of Fairfax Regional Library a beacon of knowledge. It stands proudly at 10360 North Street. This isn’t just any library. It’s a place with a rich history. It’s a story waiting to be unfolded.
The City of Fairfax Regional Library’s story begins long before its current building. It started in 1940 a small cinderblock building. This humble beginning housed the very first library of the Fairfax County Public Library system. Imagine the excitement the small 14 x 24 inch space must have generated. The library later expanded in 1950. A new larger building was needed.
Then came 1962. A brand new $680,000 library opened. This was a momentous occasion. The Headquarters Library as it was called marked a significant milestone. Designed in the colonial spirit it boasted 37,800 square feet. It was the first permanent library built specifically for Fairfax County.
The library continued to evolve. It was renamed Central Library in the 1970s. Later in 1982 it became the Fairfax City Regional Library. Renovations in 1983 necessitated a temporary move. The library temporarily relocated to the old Fairfax County Courthouse. It finally reopened in 1984. This reopening followed a significant $1,203,294 renovation.
But the story didn’t end there. A groundbreaking ceremony for a new library happened in 2005. The old building closed its doors for the last time in 2007. It was razed in 2010. The current magnificent City of Fairfax Regional Library opened in 2008. It features 44,450 square feet of space. The building’s design is stunning. It showcases a blend of history and enlightenment.
The City of Fairfax Regional Library also boasts a unique tradition. The City of Fairfax Regional Library Precision Book Cart Drill Team began in 1983. This team of librarians marches in Fairfax City’s Independence Day parade. They are the oldest documented library book cart drill team in the country. The team’s innovative routines have garnered national attention. Their achievements include numerous awards. They’ve even been featured in a book about book cart parade routines. This team shows the library’s commitment to community engagement.
So here you stand before the City of Fairfax Regional Library. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to a community’s love of reading. It’s a living archive of history and a vibrant hub for learning. It’s a place where stories begin and continue to unfold.