I'm a big fan of libraries. Love 'em. And this new location…read morefor the Kingstowne branch of the Fairfax County Public Library system has got some upsides over the old branch at Landsdowne plaza. Buuuut it's also got some aspects that make me go 'whaaaa?' Sunday hours - great. Bigger and roomier and far more natural light - great. More seating - great. Green roof - love it. The library opened a little over a week ago, and an elevator was out of order? I assume that'll be up and running soon? There's an entrance on the ground floor, but it's locked? In the children's section, there's a ledge that looks like a big slide. Kids were playing on it. There are signs that say don't sit or slide on the window ledge. Don't make a fixture that looks like a slide *in the children's section* if it's not to be used that way. Also, signage in the parking garage says to park on the 2nd floor for the library entrance. You enter, go up a level, park, enter .... that's not the library entrance. You're actually supposed to keep going up in the garage, park in the roof. THAT's the parking garage entrance level to the library. Aesthetically, I like the library. I like the expanded hours. But some signage and design choices leave me a bit flummoxed. 3.33 stars

My first library to visit in Alexandria. I went to a book sale here and received my first library…read morecard in Virginia & 5 years. I was amazed at the self checkout and the free hiking kits with state park pass to use for free. Most of the books I looked for were checked out or unavailable. Books were priced at $3 but you could purchase a bag of books for $7 after 2 pm. I found a book I was looking for on Irish nationalism and other books. The staff was very pleasant and helpful in assisting me. I noticed most books were new and in good condition in the library. The library was clean, and the new books displayed were impressive. Finding this library was east to drive to, find, and park at despite the busy traffic in the area. Definitely a library I will visit in the future.

I went to the Richard Bag Byrd Library Bag Sale at 12-2 PM. I was unfamiliar with the area and made…read morethe wrong turn to the library yet I was able to find the library. The sale was almost over when I got there but I found some good books: an Egyptian illustrated book on hieroglyphics, a blank notebook made in England, and a vintage book on birds. They charged $5 for a bag of books. Not a bad deal. The staff was very helpful and the sale was well organized.

While it looks small outside, they sure do pack a lot of books into this space! Semi-regular book…read moresales are a great way to add to your collection. Kids section is very well-stocked and they have nice story times particularly geared towards the littlest ones. Nice collection of puzzles and toys also in the kids section.

It's hard to miss this unique building from an architectural standpoint. We really enjoy this…read morelibrary for the wide range of events for babies, toddlers, and kids. We have visited for story times, play dates, and crafts. The children's section is also really nice and includes lots of toys and a play kitchen that is popular. As far as inventory, this is a very well stocked library. Lots of bilingual Spanish books, noticed some Japanese and Korean books too. The book sales they do a few times a year are great opportunities for inexpensive children's books.

One of my favorite places is a library. Fairfax County has an impressive system. There's no…read morequestion of that. This branch in Springfield is decent enough. I will say that it's reference section is excellent. Yet they seem to lack the technology, that other branches have. If you need to use a computer, best of luck as probably won't happen with haste. Friendly staff. Also quiet compared to some of the others. That is a plus, as some of them, are getting rather chaotic. Also the selection of non fiction and fiction is more than adequate. If in the area I'll stop by, but with the price of gas these days, well you understand. It gets a conditional nod, as it works for basic purposes

Beautiful, inviting ,and clean library. Very spacious with high ceilings. It was very easy to find…read moreand had a large parking lot beside it. I was impressed at how clean, new, and refreshing this library was upon entering it. I noticed the library has a community center and a library. The community center seemed alive and full of people engaging in fun activities. It even had a gym for people to play games and do sports. I came there to return library books for the closed Kingstowne Library. I liked how quiet the library was and how helpful the staff was in assisting me. This is the closest public library near me and the most exciting library I have encountered in this area.

We live close to this library and we go there a lot. I take my son there all the time. The library…read moreis very clean and organized. Everyone who works there is lovely. Our holds are always ready to go in a timely manner. They have great displays and lots of activities for little kids. They always have a scavenger hunt and a directed drawing station. We check out the toys often. If you have a teen, you can take them to the game room. There's also a great playground.

This is a decent library with a decent selection of literature. It also has a decent amount of…read morespace to study/work and I like the variation in workspaces aligned along the perimeter. The high ceilings and windows make it special. Additionally they have regularly scheduled activities for individuals of all ages, passport services, a decent amount of computers with printing, puzzles, a children's area w/ books and toys and a newspaper/magazine room. Staff is generally pleasant. However, you will need NOISE CANCELLING headphones. There are children screaming and running around, unhoused individuals snoring, elderly people speaking loudly and inconsiderate people also making noise -often on the phone (whether on speakerphone, facetime or zoom calls). If you ask personnel to tell someone to be more quiet, they are prompt though. However, that individual will likely continue once they're gone. It also is problematic how despite this library having a childrens section towards the front, they host events in the back of the library where many are working quietly..... Reservable rooms and more considerate hosting would resolve these issues. I have noticed many of us are students/professionals working/studying intensely and more consideration in preserving a serene environment would make this place more appealing.

This is a wonderful, beautiful library right up against a busy main street (Duke Street) but the…read moreaccess point is through N Pickett Street and with a huge parking lot nestled among mature trees and plenty of shade. As of May 2024, is heavily under construction and restoration, and areas are clearly taped off. The library is still open for business. The interior is clean, bright lit, huge with tall ceilings, books stocked and neatly organized on shelves, areas for newsletters and flyers, clean bathrooms, a separate kids area, computers for Internet access, a lovely very green courtyard, comfortable arm chairs, and a lot of seating. Anyone who lives, works, owns property, owns a business or attends school in Alexandria is entitled to a free library card and allowed full use of the facilities, plus those who live in Arlington, Charles, District of Columbia, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Prince William.

I like that it is a relaxing place. This is probably among the most laid back county libraries…read more Also you don't have to fight for parking. That alone makes me pleased. It's set back from the main road, but close enough to be visible. Also if you want to donate books, or get cheap used ones, this could be a place for that. There's not many computers. Quite a few of them are dated. Sure you'll find plenty of newspapers, but sadly not much good writing in them anymore. Staff here is friendly and helpful. Families with little ones will love the children's section. This is a pleasant community library. There are meeting rooms and events also.

This is my local library and, although it's on the smaller side, they have a great children's…read moresection and it's never crowded (except during the twice a year book sale), making it an ideal place if you want to read in peace or study. The reservation system, which is Fairfax county-wide, is easy to use and the books come quickly. Parking is plentiful, with the exception of during the book sale. Since I've mentioned it a couple of times, the book sale is the highlight of this library. Held in April and November, make sure you come the first day, usually a Thursday, to take full advantage of the kids room. All paperback books are 50 cents! I bought about 20 children's books in good condition for $15.00. The hardback books were around $1.00 each. Even if you live a bit further than I do, I still highly recommend stoping by during the sale, particularly if you're searching for board ,toddler, and early reader books.

This seems to be one of bigger libraries in Fairfax County, and I really enjoy all the activities…read morethat are offered here. In particular was the Easter Egg Hunt, along with story time. My son really enjoyed it! I bring my son to story time regularly, and like how the librarians who do story time include different activities. My son loves the bubble machine, and also the sing along songs. Library story time participants should sign up in advance.

My elderly father-in-law, a member of the Annandale community for 26 years, entered this library…read moreafter becoming ill during a neighborhood walk. He asked to use the phone to call his wife and was refused by staff. Libraries were once places of refuge and community support--sadly, that does not seem to be the case here.

This is our closest library. Everyone is very kind and quick to help out. It isn't the largest…read morelibrary but we always find something that interests me and my son. Thanks for your community services and helpfulness.

Rigid systems and Customer Service needs a VAST Improvement…read more The book I am reading was a 14 day loan, due today. I tried to renew online, but was not allowed. There is a sticker on the book, no renewal. Ok, thus now I have to make a trip to the library. I have about 100 pages still to read. When I checked it out, there were multiple copies in the library, which is about 5 minutes away. However, now no copies. The Sherwood branch, further way on route 1, and way out of my way, has 2 copies available. I could put a hold and have it delivered to my library here, however, there is a note about the John Marshall library closing Saturday for renovation and will be closed for 18 months. I called the John Marshall branch to see if they could override and just renew so I wouldn't have to make an out of the way trip when I don't have time. They said NO, they can't. Also, I can't get a hold sent to here as they are not taking them now and are being re-directed due to the closing. I tried to write a note of complaint to the branch manager as I felt that was POOR customer service given the situation. But the email bounced back. Tried to send to the Sherwood Branch mgr and got the same bounce back. I tried to just put the book on hold to send it to the Kingstowne branch which would be next closest, however, it wouldn't let me put the book on hold because I already have the same titled book checked out. I called John Marshall to talk to the mgr, but she was out. Called the mgr at the Sherwood branch to explain situation w/ renewal, holds, branch closing, etc., and hopefully work it out. She still could NOT just renew mine, even though there are 4 available books in the system. So I still have to go to the library tonight to return mine. She was able to put one on the hold and I will pick it it up in Kingstowne when it arrives. Super annoying...when I haven't finished the story. It's a bit ridiculous. What is the difference of just renewing a book for a customer when they call and speak to the manager vs me having to return 1 copy to John Marshall, and Sherwood sending a different copy to Kingstowne for me to check out? I just don't get it and it was a complete waste of my time :-(

AMBIANCE A beautiful place to work/study! I was looking for…read morea more focused work/study place outside of home or coffee shops that offered a quieter setting, and Fenwick Library was perfect. This was my first time visiting the campus, and it was absolutely beautiful. The windows on the floors are floor to ceiling and offer great scenery of the greenery on campus. The second floor is for collaboration, and the third floor is for quiet study. Group study rooms during the summertime are often empty but are only reservable by students/faculty. WI-FI Wi-fi (MASON for guests) is free upon creation of an account. Your account expires every two weeks, so if you visit often as a guest, it might be tedious to keep creating/renewing accounts. BATHROOMS The bathrooms are very clean and tidy with multiple locations on each floor. PARKING Parking garages on campus are $5/hr, so if you're an outsider visiting to study, it can get quite pricy. Bus routes are also available around campus to the rest of the county.

Love this library. Always go here to do work or hop on a zoom class. I always try to reserve a room…read moreand if I am having difficulties getting someone out of my room the staff is super professional and efficient in getting the reserved room at hand available.

I don't know why it took me so long to get a library card, but the sign up process was super easy!…read moreYou just download the app on your phone, enter personal information, and have to verify your information in person within 30 days of signing up with an ID. In the mean time, you can browse the extensive catalog, which is shared among the nine libraries across Arlington. I was able to pick up the book I wanted to read within 3 business days of signing up! I'm super excited to discover more books through the library.

Wow - what a very pleasant experience! I haven't been to a public library in years and today, I was…read morein and out in five minutes! I got a library card and checked a book out. Everything was super efficient and the staff member I worked with was very helpful. And three weeks for a book is so generous! Can't wait to come back.