The Potomac Community Library Garden
In 2005, the Library Foundation Board of Directors took on
the challenge of supporting the design and construction of
The Potomac Community Library Garden. This innovative
Foundation Project will develop a valuable, but currently
unused area behind the library. The site for the
Potomac Library Garden is behind the library. The Garden
will be embraced by the
L-shaped building and two steep wooded hills that form the
backdrop for the open setting. A key part of the design is
the Machine in the Garden. The idea of providing "benevolent
technology in a green oasis," the Garden blends
information and entertainment technology, lighting, a
palette of elegant natural materials – stone, wood and glass
– and green lawns and plants to offer visitors a new
range of activities and experiences.
Since the weather is pleasant for about six months of the
year, the development of the Garden will increase the use of
the library as a “community center.” By enhancing the
Potomac Library and keeping it as a vibrant part of the
community, and, in particular, as a destination for families,
the Garden
will provide a positive library experience for children.
The planning, architectural design, and approval stages are complete.
Construction on The Garden is expected to commence in
2007. The Library Foundation is raising funds through the
sale of “Gift Bricks,”
which will be incorporated into the patio.
Book & Author Programs
Prince William Regional
Chamber of Commerce
To enhance this
important business resource, the Prince William Public Library
System
Foundation annually partners with the Chamber to sponsor a
speaker for the Corporate Book and Author Seminars. In each
seminar, a nationally recognized speaker conducts
interactive sessions based on best selling books. The
seminars primarily focus on helping professionals, ranging
from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations, to
benefit from new learning opportunities and practical
strategies. The seminars are open to the public.
July 2007 Seminar
Good
To Great
Jim Collins
Friday, July 13 - 8:00 am to 12:30 pm - Location TBA
Presented by Patrick McGaughey of Activating
People
One of the Top 5 "Enter-Trainers" in The U.S.
June 2006 Seminar
Who
Moved My Cheese
Dr. Spenser Johnson
June 2005 Seminar
The
Fish Philosophy
Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen
Library Connection @ Manassas Mall
The Library Connection @ Manassas Mall was a successful
venture funded by the Prince William Library System
Foundation and its partnerships. Open for 2 years and 4
months, it was an “Electronic Library” which provided
internet access on 25 computer
workstations. This unique venture allowed access to the electronic resources of the Prince
William Public Library System, including the Library’s
catalog and databases as well as educational software
products and the Internet. The electronic library also
provided free computer training classes, targeting youth,
welfare-to-work individuals, those in career transition, and
senior citizens.
When the Library Connection @ Manassas Mall closed it had
served 46,633 users.
Although the Library Connection closed at the Mall, the
venture continued. The computers were moved to Library
branches, creating a Computer Lab at Central and additional
PC’s at the Bull Run Regional Library and the Chinn Park
Regional Library. All the furniture not needed
for the Central Library Lab was sold to area social services
agencies for the
One Stop Career Center in Manassas, currently located in the
Manassas Mall.
The Library Connection received the following awards and
commendations:
The Virginia Governor’s Technology Award, awarded
by Don Upson, Secretary of
Technology
Executive Director, Dick Murphy, was awarded
Library Director of the Year by the
Virginia Library
Director’s Association, for his vision and direction in
opening the
Electronic Library
Executive Director, Dick Murphy, was one of three
finalists for the “Visionary of the
Year” award, given by
the Northern Virginia Technology Council
Certificate of Special Recognition at the PWC Business
Appreciation
Breakfast
