Article Text

Vienna residents will likely wait until late July for an in-town library branch after permitting, supply and contractor issues delayed the opening of a temporary facility at Cedar Park Shopping Center.

The branch was previously expected to open in June, but Fairfax County Public Library could not begin preparing the site until the Town of Vienna issued an occupancy permit. The permit was approved Tuesday, July 1, allowing work to start after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

FCPL communications director Sara Prohaska said the project has faced HVAC problems and other supply and contractor complications common in construction.

The 2,800-square-foot branch at 262C Cedar Lane SE will offer a small collection of books and other materials, free Wi-Fi and Chromebooks for public use. Visitors will be able to place and collect holds and attend some programs, including storytimes.

The temporary location will operate while Fairfax County builds the permanent Vienna-Carter Library at 101 Maple Avenue. The new facility will replace Patrick Henry Library, which closed May 9.

At approximately 19,000 square feet, the permanent library will be larger and more modern. Plans include an outdoor space for reading and gatherings, along with a four-level parking garage containing 209 spaces. Of those, 84 will be available for general public use.

Construction is still expected to begin this summer, although officials have not announced a more specific date. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, which is overseeing the project, expects the library to reopen in summer 2027.

Until the temporary branch opens, residents can use Oakton Library at 10304 Lynnhaven Place or Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library at 7584 Leesburg Pike.