As it was envisioned, the Oakton Library has grown and blossomed. More than a repository for books, the library became, upon its birth, a gathering place and focal point of the Oakton community. Programs for all age groups and life stages and interests are offered, even a children’s Spanish-language section. At 17,304 square feet, the interior is spacious and customer-friendly. Shelves in the children’s area are a child’s height so lower eyes can browse and shorter arms can reach the books. Several shelves are dedicated to the youngest readers: rows of colorful board books.

"What I like most about this library is the community feeling here," said Chris Machovina, an Oakton parent. "We run into friends from the kids’ school [Oakton Elementary] all the time." Justin Machovina, 6, and his twin, Libby, enjoy practicing on the computers and picking out their own books.

When it opened in late September 2007, it was the first "green" public library in Fairfax County designed and constructed under the Leadership Energy In Environmental Design (LEED) program.

The building is infused with abundant natural lighting. Large expanses of glass bring the outdoors in. Outdoors, the Oakton Library is a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Patrons like the design of the building and its interior. "It’s a great place, especially the eco-friendly design," said father Ramesh Shrwastow, helping his son, Ritesh, 5, choose books. "I like the natural light. I try to come as much as I can."

Oakton Library manager Jerilyn Polson notes a growth in the library’s customer base and range in programs they are able to provide now that they know who their customers are. "At first, we offered pretty generic programs, but now, we’re more customized to the demographics walking in our door. As an example, we developed a literary heroines book group."

Last fall, to celebrate the first anniversary of the library’s opening, the Friends of the Oakton Library hosted a chocolates-and-champagne reception with guest of honor, David Baldacci, New York Times best-selling author and Oakton resident.

"We hope to see our circulation continue to mount and the size of our collection grow through high-quality donations of books and funds," said Polson. The Friends of the Oakton Library pledged $2,500 to boost Oakton’s development efforts.



POLSON EXPRESSES some concern over impending budget cuts on library services across the county. "There’s so many uncertainties with budgets and staffing," said Polson.

"The Adopt-a-Shelf program is one we’re promoting heavily now to help compensate for the loss of staff. The Friends [of Oakton Library] group is such a big force here. If I need volunteers to adopt a shelf, they’re at the door."

Carole Dowd of Vienna, treasurer of Friends of the Oakton Library, described the role "Friends" has played since the library’s conception. "Even before the library was a reality, we created Friends of the Oakton Library to generate support for its construction."

"We’re delighted to buy more books," Dowd said. "That’s what the library is all about. We’ve sponsored events here. We helped pay to hold a mystery night. The Oakton Library is trying to encourage young readers. We give as much money as we can to support library programs, like the summer reading program and puppet shows."

The Five Hills Garden Club planted the flowers and plants in the library’s gardens and keeps up their care.

Currently, the Friends of the Oakton Library counts 224 families or individuals as Friends members. Dowd emphasizes that "you don’t have to be a Friend to volunteer," and the library, particularly with county budget cuts, "needs more volunteers."

At the Oakton Library’s grand opening celebration, Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth (D-Providence) credited former Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-At-large) with insistence. Connolly, she said, approached the Hunter Mill Road/Route 123 developer with the question, "how about a piece of land for a library?"

"Gerry got something very valuable here," Smyth said.

"The Oakton Library is one of my proudest achievements," Connolly said. "I made a commitment to the people of Oakton to build the library and I was able to redeem that pledge. The Oakton Library is a green building that now serves as a center of activity in the Oakton community. I believe it will benefit the community for decades to come."



REGISTRATION for library events is recommended. Registered guests can be notified if an event is canceled and can sign up for a reminder service as the event nears. Guests also have an option to receive e-mail notification when new programs are announced. To register online, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/BRANCHES/ok/ and choose "Events." To register by phone, call 703-242-4020.