Mary Riley Styles Public Library To Reopen With Ribbon Cutting

FALLS CHURCH, VA — After a renovation and expansion project, Mary Riley Styles Public Library will reopen in Falls Church on Friday, Sept. 10.

A ribbon cutting is planned at 10 a.m. with members of City Council, the Library Board of Trustees, and library staff at 120 N. Virginia Avenue. After the ribbon cutting, residents can come inside the building, start using the new library, and check out books. A grand opening for the community will be planned later in the fall.

The location had closed in February 2020 for the project. A temporary location later opened in trailers at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, 601 South Oak Street, but it was restricted to curbside service to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The library dates back to 1957 and was expanded in 1968 and 1992. Now the building is LEED Silver certified and 25,727 square feet, up from 19,100 square feet. Among the major changes is relocating the children and teen sections to the lower level with stroller parking, moveable tables and chairs, and stadium seating. The upper level hosts adult fiction, nonfiction and periodicals with new tables and chairs along with an Adult Reading Room.

Library patrons can use the Meescan app to check out books instantly or use the self-checkout kiosks or full service counters on the upper and lower levels. Eleven public computers are available with privacy screens, and printing is provided through the Wi-Fi.

There are three conference rooms: one on the upper level for 91 people, one on the lower level for 139 people and smaller rooms for 13 people each. The library's two conference rooms have assisted listening devices, projectors, and TVs. Reservations for conference rooms will open in October.

The facility is ADA accessible throughout with wider aisles and more turn-around space. A new public elevator is located next to the building entrance. Public restrooms were renovated to include four family bathrooms, no-touch fixtures and updated plumbing, while HVAC and lighting were also updated. The library has new security measures such as cameras, secure card access and an emergency exit.

Library hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit the Mary Riley Styles Public Library website.