Lorton Library, a branch of the Fairfax County Public Library, is expected to close for renovation at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Renovations to the branch are expected to take a minimum of 21 months.
“The renovation of Lorton Library – as well as the co-location of other county resources – will help us better serve our community,” said Jessica Hudson, Director of the Fairfax County Public Library.
The footprint of the renovated branch will be 60 percent larger than its current 10,000 square feet, and the layout will be more efficient for customer use. Infrastructure will be updated to meet modern technology requirements, and building systems nearing the end of service life will be renewed. The building design will meet Fairfax County green building and Americans with Disabilities standards and be completed to achieve LEED® Silver certification. In addition to energy-saving features, the library will have an expanded children’s space, a teen room with gaming station, a Wi-Fi/laptop bar and other seating areas for wireless device users, group study rooms, two conference rooms and a meeting room available for before- and after-hours use.
Unique to the Lorton Library branch will be its co-location with the Lorton Community Action Center and the brand-new Lorton Community Center, which will include a senior center, teen space, sensory room, art room and gymnasium. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is managing design and construction of the new shared facility.
“I envision the new site to be an inviting and engaging place where all of us will feel a sense of community and wellbeing – the basis for building even stronger connections with our neighbors. At my urging, we were able to accelerate the Lorton Library renovation and combine these two resources to provide a truly modern 21st century community center with education, recreation and support services. Completing these two projects in coordination will save the County over $1 million,” said Dan Storck, Fairfax County Supervisor for the Mount Vernon District.
The Lorton Library, originally called the “Lorton Mini Library,” first opened in Williamsburg Square as a storefront location in 1980. The current library at 9520 Richmond Highway in Lorton opened its doors in April 1990.