As residents walked through the doors of Bull Run Library, they were greeted with an updated look, open and inviting spaces, enhanced services, and the only Makerspace in the region with an HQ Moxie long-arm quilting machine. These are some of the many improvements to the Bull Run Library that reopened Monday, September 12, 2022, after extensive renovations.
A small gathering, including local dignitaries, library officials, and staff, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony held outside the well-known building. Presenters shared opening remarks, then invited attendees to tour the facility – an entirely different Bull Run Library since it closed in late 2021 for renovations.
“Prince William County emphasizes and prioritizes supporting lifelong learning opportunities in the community, including efforts to eliminate barriers to participating in learning opportunities,” remarked Chair Ann B. Wheeler, Board of County Supervisors. “The staff, resources, and information made available through Prince William Public Libraries help the community with educational opportunities for all ages and workforce readiness.”
Bull Run Library’s redesigned interior offers more open space for programming and general enjoyment. There are new carpet and furniture and the walls have been painted including new accent walls and a new mural in Children’s Area. The library has an open floorplan, streamlined and more flexible service desk, more seating areas for patrons, one new and one renovated study room, and four new self-checkout machines.
The expanded Teen Area allows more programming and space for them. The Children’s Area has a new look as well. Moreover, the partial glass wall across the Children’s Area will help contain the noise from the happy activities in that area so as not to interfere with other patron services.
An interesting addition to the library is a dedicated seating area for tweens, the first for this age group at Prince William Public Libraries. The highlight is the Makerspace Hive 8051 with Moxie HQ Long Arm Quilting Machine, the first in the region, and equipment for digital creative classes.
The Makerspace Hive 8051 also includes 3D Printers, a photo light box, a heat press and laminator, sewing machines and a serger, and many arts, craft, and jewelry tools and machines. Fiber arts lovers will appreciate a rigid heddle loom and other weaving, crochet, knitting, locker hooking, and rug-making tools, while music lovers will not oversee five ukuleles. Programs and events will give patrons opportunities to become familiar with the equipment.
The physical changes make the library look more modern and allow for patron-centric services and programming. PWPL continues to enhance its buildings to create more functional, inviting spaces for the greater Prince William community. “The changes and improvements to the facility mirror the evolution of our libraries and how they function since Prince William opened its first branch in 1952,” said Deborah Wright, library director.
The library closed its doors to the public on December 11, 2021. The costs of the renovation – covered by proffers, library operating funds, and funds from the Prince William County Department of Facilities & Fleet – total $1,279,843.
PWPL, through Bull Run Library and its other 11 branches around the county, is committed to enhancing the patron’s experience at the library while also offering a virtual experience 24/7 through its Digital Library. Learn more at pwcva.gov/library.
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