With computer wires tucked in the ceiling like spaghetti, a tiny hole in the plumbing of the women’s bathroom and barely any natural light, Richard Byrd Library is ready for a change.

As manager of the Springfield library, Peggy Cope is one of many people eager for the library’s upcoming facelift, set to begin this fall.

"This is not coming a moment too soon" for the library, which first opened in 1963, Cope said. "Copper plumbing does have a life expectancy. We’re tearing apart the women’s bathroom right now because we sprung a leak over the weekend. And when you think of all the (technological) changes in the past 10 years, there’s lots of wiring in the ceiling."

Computers had not yet become essential tools for work and study when the library first opened, noted Mary Mulrenan, public information officer for the Fairfax County Public Library system. The current library has six Internet stations, when the library’s expansion and renovation project is over, it will have 24 stations.

"This building currently does not serve the community as well as new building will," Mulrenan said.

In addition to more computers, the new library will also feature a larger meeting room, two conference rooms, an additional 35 parking spots and will incorporate green building techniques, she said.


THE NEW LIBRARY, which will feature an additional 7,200-square feet of space, will be built in compliance with LEED criteria, said Brian Worthy, a representative with the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs.

"The Board of Supervisors recently adopted a green building policy, and this building will comply with that policy," Worthy said. "We will be using a variety of green technology, including waterless urinals, automatic dual-flush toilets, more natural lighting, a rain garden in the back and the facility will be powered 100 percent by green power."

Recycled carpeting and cork flooring will also be used in the library, Worthy said.
"The county estimates there will be a 15 to 25 percent decrease in energy and water use by building green," he said.

The new library will cost about $9.36 million, partially funded through a 2004 bond referendum, Worthy said. Work is slated to begin in fall 2008 and the library will re-open in 2010.

In the meantime, a temporary facility will be located on the second floor of the Bank of America building at 6315 Backlick Road, Mulrenan said. That facility will not be in use until later this fall.