John Marshall Library to reopen Saturday

October 25, 2018 Community News
Front of library building

(Courtesy of Fairfax Public Library)

The John Marshall Library in Rose Hill will hold its grand reopening on Saturday after a nearly 19-month renovation.

The 14,700-square-foot library will now house 44,000 items, according to the Fairfax County Public Library. The building, originally constructed in 1975, will also feature 21 public computers, a group study room for six people, and multiple meeting spaces for up to 56 people. For younger patrons, the library will offer a teen gaming center, an early literacy station and a children’s alcove.

The building will also have charging stations, a Wi-Fi bar and numerous electrical sockets and USB ports.

“I’m so excited for the community to see the major renovations that have taken place and be able to experience this wonderful new space firsthand,” Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay said in a statement. “Between the new meeting spaces and all the natural light, this is truly an environmentally-friendly building of which we can all be proud.”

The opening day festivities will kickoff at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Other activities throughout the day will include:

  • 11 a.m.: 123 Andrés Show (music and dance for kids)
  • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos, Technology Open House — Learn about 3D printing, Spheros, Google Cardboard and Button Making
  • 12:30 p.m.: Music by Ritorno a Musica with light refreshments
  • 1 p.m.: Storytime “We’ve got Monsters!” Costumes encouraged.

The John Marshall Library has been closed since April 2017 while undergoing the $6.3 million renovation. A bond approved by voters in 2012 provided funding for the renovation.

The new building was designed Bowie Gridley Architects and was constructed by Sorensen Gross Company. The library is designed to meet LEED Silver certification, according to the county.

The library’s new hours will be:

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.