Vienna residents will have to wait a little longer than expected to welcome a new, permanent library.
Demolition of the existing Patrick Henry Library is now scheduled to begin in early 2026, pushing its replacement’s anticipated opening back from 2027 to early 2028, Fairfax County Public Library announced yesterday (Wednesday).
Work to prepare the site at 101 Maple Avenue East for construction is on track to commence this fall after FCPL awarded a contract to the Maryland-based company Costello Construction on Sept. 18.
That work will include the installation of construction fencing, taking the vacant parking lot off the table as an option for drivers, though the potholes that have emerged in the driveway are perhaps already a deterrent.
FCPL and the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, which is managing the project, didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry about the revised timeline, but permitting delays have been a challenge in the past.
Patrick Henry Library closed on May 9 after operating for more than 50 years. Named the Vienna-Carter Library in honor of desegregation advocates William and Lillian Carter, the new building will be larger at 19,000 square feet and boast more modern amenities, including an updated children’s area, an outdoor reading space, study rooms and a flexible community meeting room.
As part of the project, Fairfax County will also deliver a four-level, 209-space parking garage with rooftop solar panels. Under the county’s agreement with the Town of Vienna, 84 spots will be available for general public use, while the remainder are intended for library patrons and staff.
Enhanced landscaping and wider sidewalks along Maple Avenue are planned as well.
The project is being funded with $23 million from a county library bond referendum approved by voters in 2020 and a contribution from the Town of Vienna of up to $5.64 million.
Until the Vienna-Carter Library opens, local residents can visit the temporary Patrick Henry Library in the Cedar Park Shopping Center (262C Cedar Lane SE). Opened on July 21, the outpost offers limited services, including a selection of books and other materials for checkout, hold pick-ups, a box for returns, free WiFi and Chromebooks, and some programming.
Rendering via Town of Vienna
