Dumfries Neighborhood to reopen at new location on Feb. 21

After more than 30 years in the same spot, the Dumfries Neighborhood Library is bound for some new digs just across the street from its former location. The old library closed at the end of last month.

The new library is scheduled to open Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 18115 Triangle Shopping Plaza in Dumfries. A public celebration of the move is planned for Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. After the ceremony and cutting of the ribbon, there will be some light refreshments and some family-friendly activities to enjoy.

Andrew Spence, the library communications division chief, said the new library will offer a better deal to the library system while library patrons will get a larger library with more public-access computers, two study rooms and a much larger children’s area. “We’re getting almost double the space at a cheaper rate, and everything will be brand new.”

Spence said the library’s collection will continue to offer a wide selection of books. “All of the collection will be moving to the new library. The size of the collection will not necessarily change, but the children’s area will be larger. Instead of adding more books, we’re adding more space.”

The Prince William Public Library System Board of Trustees decided to move the library to provide better options for a growing community with demands for newer, more up-to-date services, Spence said. “The Library Board saw an opportunity that provided more space for a community that needed more features and enhancements.”

Library proffer funds paid for the one-time relocation costs, totaling $125,000, which includes installation of technology, communications, furniture, electronic security, signage and relocation of the library’s shelving and materials collection.

More information about the Dumfries Neighborhood Library and other library projects is available at http://www.pwcgov.org/library.