Patrick Henry Library Renovation With Parking Garage Prepares For 2024 Construction

VIENNA, VA — Patrick Henry Library is set to become larger and have a parking garage when it's renovated in Vienna.

Design plans were revealed to the community in July during a Liberty Amendments Month event that also discussed library desegregation. The 13,000-square-foot library will be turned into a nearly 20,000-square-foot library. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2024 with completion in fall 2026.

"This facility is certainly at the end of its usable lifecycle," said Fairfax County Public Library director Jessica Hudson at the July public event. "So it's wonderful that we're able to partner with the town to offer not only a library but a parking garage that can service community members as you are using your spaces here on Maple Avenue."

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn noted Patrick Henry Library dates back to 1971 and had a town-supported library before that dating back to 1897. Patrick Henry Library was renovated once during the 1990s. For the upcoming renovation, the library renovation received $23 million in funding as part of a $90 million library bond referendum Fairfax County voters approved in 2020.

"It's going to be a new and much larger library facility, and it's going to have structured parking for both community and library purposes," Alcorn remarked at the event.

Not only will be library be modernized and expanded, but the 209-space, four-level parking garage will increase library parking spaces from 60 to 125 and provide 84 public parking spaces for the town.

"There are extra spaces parking spaces designed into the garage to help with some of the parking challenges in the immediate area," said Alcorn.

According to Maryam Mostamani, a project manager for Fairfax County, the current library is outdated and needs new systems, while the current layout does not allow for expansion. The site also has limited parking, which can be a challenge during peak usage times.

Areas inside the renovated one-story library will include the circulation desk at the front, adult area with adult collections and study tables, public meeting space conference room, large multipurpose room, quiet study rooms, teen room, and children's seating area, according to Keith Leonard with RRMM Architects.

The new Patrick Henry Library will be LEED Gold certified and run on all electric, as the county is transitioning away from fossil fuel-powered buildings, Mostamani said.

View the video presentation with renderings of the new Patrick Henry Library.

Outside of the library, the parking garage will have solar panels on the top, while tree plantings, seating and a public plaza will be located near Maple Avenue. Access will be maintained between the library and adjacent Vienna Elementary School. A drive-thru book drop-off will also be provided in the parking garage.

Hudson said a temporary library will provide core services during the Patrick Henry Library construction. A location for the temporary library has not yet been finalized, but Hudson said it will be smaller and is intended for quick service.

Alcorn praised Vienna Town Council for their involvement in the project and using it to increase public parking options.

"It really has been a wonderful collaboration. The town council has supported portions of the design costs for the project, as well as for the extra parking spaces in the garage," said Alcorn. "And the county is very grateful for their continued dedication to library services, the community and library parking needs and to the residents of Vienna."

The next step for the project is an update coming to Vienna Town Council in September, then a design review with the Board of Architectural Review. The project will also go through a planning and zoning review process, then design will be completed in summer 2024. Construction bids will be taken in summer 2024 before construction begins in the fall.