Provided by Prince William Public Library System (PWPLS)
Five Prince William Public Libraries Will Reopen with Limited Service Beginning July 6
As Virginia enters Phase 3 of reopening, the Prince William Public Library System will reopen with limited service at five library branches beginning Monday, July 6:
- Bull Run Regional Library: 703-792-4533
- Chinn Park Regional Library: 703-792-4800
- Haymarket Gainesville Community Library: 703-792-8700
- Montclair Community Library: 703-792-8750
- Potomac Community Library: 703-792-8330
Operating Hours:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Closed Sundays
People who are interested in coming to the library are first required to reserve an one-hour appointment time by calling their branch or reserving their time online at
pwcgov.org/library. “Limited service” will include the ability to browse and check out the library’s physical collection, use available computers, and use common spaces and Wi-Fi inside the library. Virtual programs only will be offered through November 2020. The community and small study rooms will remain closed to the public. These five libraries will also continue to offer Contact-Free Holds Pick Up without a reservation at these locations.
Neighborhood libraries will continue to offer Contact-Free Pick Up for the foreseeable future. At at this time, no date has been set to reopen neighborhood libraries.
While visiting the libraries, please practice social distancing and wear a face mask at all times. For your safety and library staff safety, cleaning and disinfection protocols are in place. Plexiglass shields have been installed at library branches. If you have questions, please contact
librarycommunity@pwcgov.org or call a branch at the phone numbers noted above.
Summer Reading with the Prince William Public Library System
Imagine Your Story
Where will this year’s Summer Reading program take you? A faraway magical land, where dragons fly and unicorns roam the forests? A trip across the ocean, singing with the whales and dancing with the dolphins? Wherever you go, the Prince William Public Library System (PWPLS) invites you to “Imagine Your Story” this summer.
The Summer Reading Program has something for all ages! To participate, register online, use the Beanstack Tracker app on your smartphone, or grab a game card when you pick up your holds via Contact-Free Pick Up. Track your progress by checking off activities! When libraries reopen, come in after 10 activities for a free book and to be entered into a grand prize drawing. Complete all the activities for a bonus entry for the grand prize drawing.
All programs are virtual this year. Visit pwcgov.org/library to watch awesome programs online!
What is the Summer Reading Program?
Summer Reading at PWPLS is an annual program that combines quality programs, challenges, and incentives to keep children, young adults, and adults reading and coming to libraries throughout the summer. This year, the theme is “Imagine Your Story.”
Libraries are offering virtual programs conducted by trained staff, community partners, and live performers. These include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) elements that spark a love of learning through music, puppetry, theatre, story times, crafts, and other great programs. In addition, challenges with prizes and incentives along the way excite and engage people of all ages.
Summer Reading is developed in close collaboration with area public schools. The program supports school system initiatives by aligning public library programs with school literacy goals.
Why is Summer Reading so Important?
Research shows that students who don’t engage in learning activities during the summer can get caught in the “summer slide” and forget what they learned during the long break. By the end of sixth grade, students who lose reading skills over the summer are two years behind their classmates. Reading as few as four books can help students maintain – and even increase – reading skills during the summer.
Thanks to Sponsors
By supporting their local library system, sponsors provide children and young adults the ability to continue succeeding in education.
Since 1952, PWPLS has provided the citizens of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park with free access to books, computers, and education. Our sponsors enable PWPLS to continue offering quality educational programs, such as Summer Reading, at no cost.
This year’s Naming Sponsors, Kids Choice Sport and Fun Center and Prince William Ice Center, are local businesses committed to making a difference by supporting Summer Reading. In total, 28 sponsors have joined the Prince William Public Library System to support literacy, learning, and fun!
July Program Highlights
All programs from June 1 – August 31 will be offered virtually.
June 15 – August 15
All Ages
Grades 6 – 12
Wednesday, July 1, 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 21, 4:00 p.m.
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum to learn about colonial and early federal art that tells the story and how Latino artists shaped the artistic movements of their day. Registration required.
All Ages/Families
Wednesdays in July
Join us every Wednesday in July for a special virtual magic show trick!
Grades 6 – 12
Wednesdays in July, 1:00 p.m.
Come write in with us VIRTUALLY! We provide the WebEx address…you bring the creativity!
All Ages/Families
Sundays in July
Tune in each week for a special performance from our favorite local improv troupe!
All Ages
Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.
Rock the rainbow with the Rainbow Rock band members. Perennial favorites Rainbow Lady and Bassious Berry teach shapes, colors, and movement through music and dance through this special Facebook Live event!
Adults
Saturday, July 25, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join published authors Natalina Reis and PM Hernandez to learn about the ways writers can market their brand and books for publication. Registration required.
All Ages
Saturday, July 25, 2:00 p.m.
Join storyteller Gary Lloyd as he shares a few classic tales virtually retold with a unique chocolate twist, like Goldilocks and the Three Bars! All ages.
Adults
Multiple Dates in July
If you’ve been looking to join a new book club, we have plenty of options! With genres spanning from Historical Fiction to Horror to Books on Tap (at home), there’s sure to be a virtual book club for you.
