Vienna residents will have to wait a little longer than expected to check out library books without leaving town.
Previously expected to launch in June, a planned temporary library has encountered permitting delays and now likely won’t open at the Cedar Park Shopping Center until late July, according to Fairfax County Public Library.
FCPL was unable to work on the site until it received an occupancy permit from the Town of Vienna, which was finally approved this past Tuesday (July 1). With the permit in hand, staff can now start preparing the branch next week after the Fourth of July holiday weekend, FCPL communications director Sara Prohaska says.
“The project has been plagued with HVAC and other supply and contractor issues, much like most construction,” Prohaska told FFXnow.
Located at 262C Cedar Lane SE, the 2,800-square-foot temporary library will have a “small” selection of books and other materials for browsing, along with free WiFi and Chromebooks for public use. Patrons will also be able to pick up and place holds on materials and enjoy some programs, such as storytimes.
The temporary facility will serve as a stopgap measure during construction on a new, permanent Vienna-Carter Library at 101 Maple Avenue. Replacing Patrick Henry Library, which closed on May 9, the new building will be larger at approximately 19,000 square feet with a more modern look.
Amenities will include an outdoor reading and gathering space, and a 209-space, four-level parking garage with 84 spots available for general public use.
Construction on the new library is still expected to begin this summer, though a more precise date remains elusive. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, which is overseeing the project, anticipates that it will reopen in summer 2027.
Until the temporary library opens, Vienna residents can still visit other FCPL branches. The closest locations are Oakton Library (10304 Lynnhaven Place) and the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike).
