Translation Tool

This website is now available in 52 languages.  To translate, click on the "Translation Tool" on the Sidebar and select your language.

This site best viewed at 1024x768 with Java Script enabled

 

Prince William Library Offers: Downloadable Audio Books/EBooks Wowbrary Free Email Notifications of Due Dates Interlibrary Loans Electronic Resources

Can't find a good book? Try Gnod or What's Next for adult series information or Juvenile Series and Sequels for books in sequence for kids. More Readers Advisory is available at Mid-Continent Public Library. Search for downloadable ebooks and eaudio books with the Overdrive search. Keep track of your books through a free World Cat account.

 

 

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday - 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m. Friday-Saturday - 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday - noon-5:00 p.m. (mid Sept-1st Sun in June)

 

Bull Run Library Book Sales

• Friday & Saturday - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• January - none

 

Come early for the best selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s materials.

 

The Prince William Public Library System is proud to offer a new service: Wowbrary! This new, free e-mail alert service showcases the newest titles purchased by the Library System each week. Find out about the latest bestsellers, DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks all from the comfort of your home or office! Whenever you spot something of interest, just click on the “borrow” button to place a request for the title right away.

Every Wednesday you will receive an e-mail with the Library System’s latest acquisitions. Wowbrary is totally free and does not require a library card, however, to place a title on request, you will need a library card barcode number. Library cards are free as well—just stop by your local library to get a card!

To learn more about Wowbrary, and other library services, visit your local library or visit us on the web.

 

New Policy on Holds

• Eliminate the fee of $0.25 for each hold
• Set the maximum number of holds to 8 per cardholder
• Institute a fee of $0.50 for each hold not checked out by Held-Till date

These changes will take effect on Monday, June 20, to coincide with the beginning of Summer Quest.  Beginning June 20, when a patron places a hold s/he will get a message on the computer screen as follows: "There is no longer a fee to place a hold BUT there is a $0.50 fee for each hold NOT picked up by the held-till date. Click "Submit Request" to accept." This policy change comes as the result of a review of the impact of the holds fee that was imposed last year.  The Library Board felt that the fee had a negative impact on library service that outweighs the revenue.  However, the issue of non-pickup of holds remains, so a fee is being imposed for that, since there is considerable staff work done to process each hold, as well as costs for mailing notices, etc.

 

Change in Library Fees Policy

Beginning Friday April 1, 2011, the Prince William Public Library System will no longer be offering a special rate of $20.00 to clear all of the fines on your account. There will still be a maximum fine of $5.00 on each individual item.

In addition, beginning that same day, you must have a valid Prince William Public Library System library card with borrowing privileges to be allowed free access to the Internet. All others will be able to purchase an Internet Visitor’s Pass for a fee of $2.00. This pass is valid for the day of purchase, but the user must still comply with the time restrictions imposed for Internet use.

 

EBooks

Prince William has begun adding ebooks to the downloadable account.  All downloadable items (ebook and eaudiobook) check out for 10 days with a maximum of five items per account.  Items may not be "returned" earlier than the date due.  Access new ebooks at Prince William County Library Overdrive  Another source for ebooks is Project Gutenberg.

 

EBooks for Kindle

Prince William has Ebooks for Kindle.  For information on how to acquire ebooks for you kindle watch this video.

 

January Events 

 

The Joy of Journaling: Part 1

• Wednesday, January 26, 7:00 p.m.

Frances H. Herron, licensed professional counselor, will be here to talk about the various types of journals and to help you find the inspiration and satisfaction of creating something which is unique and beneficial. You will learn effective ways to use your journal to improve your mental and physical health.
Parts 2 and 3 will be held on February 9 and 23.
Please bring a small notebook or notebook paper so you can begin on your own journal that night!

 

North of 50 Lunch `n' Learn: Composing a Photograph

• Thursday, January 26, 12:30 p.m.

Learn how to improve photographs using good composition.
Freelance photographer Melanie Beus will discuss the basics of artistic composition as it applies to all types of photography. Bring your lunch; we'll supply beverages and dessert.
This is a special program for the over 50 set.
Call to register.

 

February Events

Prince William Reads

• February 1 – March 31

Prince William Reads Prince William Public Library System's popular adult program will be held again during February and March 2012. Prince William Reads provides adults a chance to win weekly prizes just for kicking back and reading or listening to library books.
Beginning February 1, 2012, participants 18 years of age or older may read or listen to any adult fiction or nonfiction titles of their choice. Participants then fill out entry forms for each title and drop them in a box located at the Information Desks at any of the full service libraries: Bull Run Regional Library, Central Community Library, Chinn Park Regional Library or Potomac Community Library. Entry forms are also available on the Library's website.

Each Monday during the duration of the contest, a prize-winning entry will be selected by random drawing at each Branch. In addition, four grand prize winners will be drawn on March 31, 2012. An individual may win only one weekly prize, but should continue to enter in order to qualify for the grand prize drawing. Winners' names will be posted in the Library where their names were drawn. The Friends of the Library are generously funding the prizes for this program.
Contact any Prince William Public Library for more information:

• Bull Run Regional Library—703-792-4530 | 703-792-4524 (TTY);
• Central Community Library—703-361-8211 | 703-361-7572 (TTY);
• Chinn Park Regional Library—703-792-4800 | 703-792-4876 (TTY); or
• Potomac Community Library—703-494-8126 | 703-494-8129 (TTY).

 

Snuggle with a Book

• February 1st to March 2nd

For every day that children and their caregivers share good books, the library staff at the Information Desk will give them a special sticker. Caregivers will receive a coupon from IKEA for signing up for the program and reading with their child, plus other goodies as the Winter Reading program progresses, including a chance for gift certificates for area restaurants.

Register online at www.pwcgov.org/library at home or from the library. Then log in the time spent reading with your child. Attendance at story hours counts as a day of reading, too. Certificates for participating in the program will be given out at your local library on Friday, March 2nd. For children ages 0–6.
The Library System reserves the right to substitute incentives based on availability.

 

Everything You Need to Know About E-Books

• Wednesday, February 1, 7:00 p.m.

If you have an e-reader (or are thinking about getting one) your library is now open 24/7! Plan to attend this information-packed seminar and learn to navigate the Overdrive site and download e-books at your convenience.
Call to register.

 

Teen Summer Job Fair

• Thursday, February 2, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Ages 14–18

After a short presentation about finding and holding a job, prospective employers from area pools and parks will talk briefly about the jobs available at their facilities during summer. Representatives from area volunteer organizations will describe various service options available to teens during summer. There will be an opportunity to meet and talk with the employers & volunteer representatives afterward.
No reservations required.

 

Illustrating Books

• Saturdays, February 4, 11 and 18, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
• Ages 16–adult

Children's author and illustrator Steve Shreve will teach a
3-part course on illustrating books and will offer tips from his publishing experience and lead exercises on illustration.
Call to register.

 

AARP Tax-Aide

• Mondays, February 6, 13 and 27, 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

IRS certified volunteers will provide free tax counseling and preparation services to seniors and low–to moderate–income taxpayers. Every Monday, February 6 through April 16 (closed Monday, February 20).
No appointments are necessary; this service is provided on a first come/first served basis with preliminary screening to identify those requiring special attention.

 

The Joy of Journaling: Parts 2 & 3

• Thursdays, February 9 and 23, 7:00 p.m.

These are follow-up meetings to the January 26 program. Frances H. Herron, licensed professional counselor, will be here to talk about the various types of journals and to help you find the inspiration and satisfaction of creating something which is unique and beneficial. You will learn effective ways to use your
journal to improve your mental and physical health.
Please bring a small notebook or notebook paper so you can begin on your own journal that night!
Call to register.

 

North of 50 Lunch `n' Learn: Medicare

• Thursday, February 23, 12:30 p.m.

Although Medicare was created more than half a century ago, many of us are still confused by it. Get your questions answered at this free seminar. Bring your lunch; we'll supply beverages and dessert.
Call to register. This is a special program for the over 50 set. 

 

Random Reads Book Club

One True Thing by Anna Quindlen

• Monday, February 27, 1:00 p.m.

Author Anna Quindlen tells the story of Helen, who gives up her high-powered job to come home and take care of her dying mother. Read her story and join the discussion. Please feel free to bring your lunch.
No registration required.

 

Teen Summer Job Fair

• Thursday, February 2, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• Ages 14–18

After a short presentation about finding and holding a job, prospective employers from area pools and parks will talk briefly about the jobs available at their facilities during summer. Representatives from area volunteer organizations will describe various service options available to teens during summer. There will be an opportunity to meet and talk with the employers & volunteer representatives afterward.
No reservations required.

 

Free copies of Wintergirls

 

On March 3, at 3:00 p.m, we are having a book discussion of Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls , a hardhitting teen book about eating disorders. During February we are handing out free copies of the book to participants. We are encouraging parents and teens to read this together, and then attend the discussions. There will be separate discussions for teens and adults, led by professional counselors.

Ages 12 and up.

 

Back by Popular Demand! A Special Concert Series

Prince William Public Library System and Prince William Symphony Orchestra presents:

The 10th Annual Sounds of a Symphony

 

Enjoy a live concert experience while learning about different instrumental voices that make up the modern symphony. The Prince William Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players will perform selections to spotlight various orchestral sections in this entertaining and educational free series.

 

 

The PWSO Woodwinds Ensemble Potomac Community Library Sunday, February 19, 2:00 p.m.	The PWSO Percussion Ensemble Central Community Library Sunday, April 22, 2:00 p.m.
The PWSO Brass Ensemble Bull Run Regional Library Sunday, March 11, 2:00 p.m.	The PWSO Strings Ensemble Chinn Park Regional Library Sunday, April 29, 2:00 p.m.

 

Light refreshments will be served.

Registration in person or by phone begins at the hosting library one month before the concert date.

 

The 8th annual Love My Library campaign

Once again, it is time to love your library. The 8th annual Love My Library campaign has begun.
Branches and neighborhood libraries begin featuring displays of heart-themed cards with selections of books, music CDs and DVDs< needed for our collections on Valentines Day, February 14. You will find a wide-ranging selection of items to buy—everything from $4 paperbacks and board books to $35 audiobook sets. Best of all, everything to choose from has been selected to meet the needs of each individual branch.
Visit your closest library and select aone of the displayed cards with titles to donate. In return, you will receive a special "Love My Library" thank you. In addition to your thank you gift, the item you chose can feature a unique Love My Library book plate. You may donate your item in honor of or in memory of an individual or group, or simply have your gift acknowledged on the book plate.
The 2012 Love My Library campaign will end on the last day of National Library Week, Saturday, April 14.
Visit your local library and show us some love!

 

Kill A Watt™ Energy Meters Initiative

The Prince William Public Library System in partnership with Dominion Virginia Power will begin its Kill A Watt™ Energy Meters program December l. The purpose of this program is to help patrons learn about their energy consumption and to take steps to conserve energy and lower utility bills.
The energy meters will measure the amount of energy needed to run your toaster, refrigerator, cell phone
charger and other appliances. The energy meters may be checked out for a 3 week loan period.
The energy meters can be checked out at

• Bull Run Regional Library, 703-792-4500
• Central Community Library, 703-361-8211
• Chinn Park Regional Library, 703-792-4800 and
• Potomac Community Library, 703-494-8126.

For more information, please contact your local public library.

 

Online Library Degree Database

Check out a new addition to the Resource Links page.  If you are interested in study towards a Library Science Degree, the Online Library Science Degree Programs Guide is "an unbiased and updated list of every school that offers a library science degree in the US" according to the creator.

 

Wowbrary

Prince William Library now offers Wowbrary which is a free subscription to email or RSS notifications of the Library's newest acquisitions.  The subscriber can choose from up to 31 topics including DVD's and receive email notifications on new additions.  Or the subscriber can elect RSS notifications and will not even have to provide email account information.  For information about RSS, scroll down to the bottom of this page for a short video provided by CommonCraft. Common Craft also offers videos on other subjects such as Twitter, Phishing, Blogging, and Investing. 

  

Sign Up for Free Email Reminders!

Prince William Libraries offer a free email reminder system.  Sign up for Email Notifications and receive notices 3 days prior to the due date.  Then you can either return the item on time or renew it. 

 

Overdrive

Prince William Library has started adding MP3 titles to the collection of eaudiobooks. This format can be played on an IPOD. Fairfax and Loudoun also offer MP3 titles. Check Overdrive for information on compatible devices.

 

Libraries with Wiki's

Loudoun Library Wiki offers information on all of the county library branches and local information. Beautifully done, through PBworks of course.

 

Virginia History

Check out a new website dedicated to Prince William County history.

 

RSS In Plain English