Local libraries are information superstores

Libraries have something for almost all your media needs.

The Prince William Public Library System keeps pace with technological trends with services such as Playaway-s audio books on mp3 players, while maintaining thousands of classic hardbound books.

Providing access to magazines, periodicals, compacts discs, videos and DVDs, area libraries cater to children, commuters and students alike.

Internet surfers can access the system’s catalogue and its electronic resources at pwcgov.org/library.

LIBRARY SERVICES
• Things to check out: In addition to books and magazines, patrons can check out videos and DVDs, audio books, cassette tapes, compact discs, read-alongs, puzzles, slide projectors and overhead projectors at Bull Run, Central, Chinn Park and Potomac. Cassette tapes, read-alongs, puzzles, and compact discs are available for checkout at the neighborhood libraries.

Also, library patrons can learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation by checking out Rescue Mekits from any of the full-service libraries. Engravers are also available for check out at each library.

• Special programs: Each library offers a number of programs and book discussion groups throughout the year for preschoolers through adult. Programs are free, but pre-registration is required for some. Pick up a monthly calendar of events at your local library.

• Web site: pwcgov.org/library provides access to the system’s catalog, calendar of events, electronic resources, newsletter, special library events, the library foundation, the Friends of the Library and book sales. -Ask A Librarianis available through the Web site for quick answers to brief questions. Patrons can also place holds and renew materials through accessing the library Web site.

• Fines: Fines on overdue items accrue daily as follows: all adult, young adult and children’s circulating library materials, including magazines and audiovisual materials, 20 cents per day, or a maximum fine of $5 per item. Special library materials, such as audiovisual equipment and items borrowed on interlibrary loan, have minimum fines of $1.00 (or more) per day. Fines are paid in person at the Circulation Desk. The maximum fine for returned materials is $20 per library card. Loss of library privileges may result when you owe $20 or more in fines and fees.

• Accessible options: For the visually impaired or disabled, large print books and other assistance services are available at the full-service libraries. A text telephone service is available at all full-service libraries. The system also offers the Talking Book Service funded through the Library of Congress. All library buildings are handicapped accessible. Signed interpretation for library programs is available if requested three weeks in advance of a program.

• Where to meet: The library system offers meeting rooms for free to non-profit cultural and civic organizations at the Bull Run, Central, Chinn Park and Potomac libraries. Call those libraries for information.

• Voters: Applications for voter registration are available at all libraries.

• Friends of the Libraries: Three Friends groups provide support to the entire library system: The Friends of Central and Bull Run Libraries, The Friends of Chinn Park Regional Library and The Friends of Potomac Community Library. The Friends raise money through book sales and donate funds to support library programs and services. The Chinn Park Friends also operate the -FriendShopat Chinn Park and profits are donated to the library. The Friends groups are 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations. Applications to join the Friends are available from the library’s Web site.

Volunteers: Volunteers are always welcome to help staff the libraries. Call 703-792-6100 for details.

LIBRARIES

Bull Run Regional Library

Address: 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas, 703-792-4500.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays mid-June through mid-September).

Special Services: Bull Run is home to the Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center, or RELIC, a collection of non-circulating materials on the history of Virginia, Prince William County and the Civil War.

The collection includes local and family histories, photographs, microfilm, manuscripts, electronic databases, research guides and directories, historical atlases, passenger lists, census records, military records and Civil War narratives for genealogical research. Reach the RELIC service at 703-792-4540.

Central Community Library

Address: 8601 Mathis Ave., Manassas, 703-361-8211.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays mid-June through mid-September).

Special Services: The Computer Connection@Central is a computer lab with 12 computers available for public use. These computers offer word processing and spreadsheet capabilities as well as several other software applications and Internet access, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Computers can be used free of charge except for a 15-cent fee for each sheet of printed paper. Free classes featuring hands-on instruction on computer basics, mouse use, word processing, navigating the Internet and numerous other topics are also offered; pre-registration is required. For more information, call 703-361-8211.

Chinn Park Regional Library

Address: 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Prince William, 703-792-4800.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays mid-June through mid-September).

Special Services: Chinn Park houses the Management and Government Information Center, or MAGIC, for those who want to know about their government.

The collection includes local, state and federal laws and regulations, demographics, education, transportation, budgets, politics and more. The collection also includes magazines and newspaper clippings relevant to government research. Reach MAGIC staffers at 703-792-4880 or visit pwcgov.org/library/magic.

Dale City Neighborhood Library

Address: 4249 Dale Blvd., Dale City, 703-792-5670.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Dumfries Neighborhood Library

Address: 18007 Dumfries Shopping Center, Dumfries, 703-792-5678.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Gainesville Neighborhood Library

Address: James Long Park, 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket, 703-792-5660.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday 1 to 7 p.m.; Friday 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Independent Hill Neighborhood Library

Address: George Hellwig Memorial Park, 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas, 703-792-5668.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday 1 to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library

Address: 12964 Harbor Drive, Lake Ridge, 703-792-5675.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 1 to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Nokesville Neighborhood Library

Address: 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville, 703-792-5665.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday 1 to 8 p.m.; Friday 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Potomac Community Library

Address: 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge, 703-494-8126.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays mid-June through mid-September).

Special Services: The CyberSpace@ Potomac Community Library, a computer lab available for public use on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free computer classes are offered, but pre-registration is required. Potomac’s computer lab is made possible through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates fund.