Fairfax County Libraries To Expand Hours After Staffing Challenges

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Public Library locations will return to regular hours later in August after reductions due to staffing challenges.

As of Monday, Aug. 28, hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday at regional branches. At community branches, hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. In addition, the Access Services branch at the Fairfax County Government Center will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"[Fairfax County Public Library] would like to thank the people of Fairfax County for their patience and understanding as it navigated the effects of the pandemic and staffing difficulties," said the library in a news release. "FCPL is excited to once again be able to offer everyone a greater opportunity to visit its branches and enjoy its array of services."

Before Aug. 28, community branches generally open at 1 p.m. on Mondays, while regional branches opened at 1 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. Community branches remain closed on Sundays.

Hours had been limited at community and regional branch libraries in August 2022. As the library system grappled with staff recruitment challenges, the hours reduction allowed libraries to operate with one staff shift per day.

The library system says patrons have 24/7 access online on Overdrive, mobile app Libby, streaming on Kanopy and research databases.