About The Friends of Oakton Library
History
The Friends of the Oakton Library was founded in 2001 in response to community enthusiasm for creation of the new branch. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 8, 2006, and the Oakton Library opened on Sept. 29, 2007.Mission
The mission of the Friends of Oakton Library is to support and enhance library resources and services and to foster a strong connection between the library and the local community. As such, we are an incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit.Accomplishments
Since the Oakton Library opened, the Friends organization has raised funds through the sale of donated books, membership dues and individual monetary donations. These funds have supported the Oakton Library branch and the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) system as a whole, including contributions toward the following:- Collections including books, eBooks, audio books, CDs, DVDs as well as magazine and newspaper subscriptions
- Recognition and celebration of FCPL volunteers
- Provision of updated furnishings and interior décor
- Youth programming such as the popular Summer Reading Adventure as well as Brain Games, performances, and film screenings
- Adult programs, including speakers, educational and entertaining events
- Events such as Volunteer Fest, the Oakton Library’s 5th and 10th Anniversaries, Fairfax County Library's 75th Anniversary, annual Holiday Open Houses, Friends' Forums and Fall for the Book
- The Fairfax Library Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, Changing Lives Through Literature and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs as well as the organization’s annual Jubilee fundraiser
- Oakton Library’s National Wildlife Federation-certified outdoor habitat, including native and ornamental plants, bird houses and feed, furniture and fixtures. Friends members maintain the habitat year-round.
Book Sale Information
In addition to the ongoing book sale in the library lobby, two major book sales are generally held each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. During 2020, both seasonal sales had to be cancelled due to COVID; however, the ongoing lobby sales continue during library hours. We will resume our semi-annual book sales in the Fall of 2021. For the latest information regarding book sales and book donations, refer to the Book Sales and Book Donations page of this site.
Oakton Friends' Newsletter
Our newsletter is emailed monthly to all members of the Friends of Oakton Library. It includes Oakton branch and FCPL event information as well as a letter from the FOL president, news from the Oakton librarians and book/reading-themed articles.
Membership
Membership is open to all. Annual dues are $10 for individuals and $25 for families. To become a Friend of Oakton Library, follow the link on the home page. New members are always welcome! Please consider joining to help fulfill our mission.
Current Friends' Choice Award Recipients
The Friends' Choice Award was established by the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees to recognize the valuable contributions of Library Friends members or volunteers. The award annually spotlights a volunteer whose efforts had a positive impact on the work of each Friends group.
The Oakton Friends' Choice Awards for 2021 were awarded to:
- Barbara Hippe, who works tirelessly as our Book Sale Chairperson and coordinates donation sorting volunteers.
- Mary Colombi, our Second Vice President, who has a keen knowledge of books and works hard to find and sell the most wanted books to raise funds for the library.
- Ann Balch, who maintains our monthly newsletter and web site, and also serves as our Membership Chairperson.
Meeting Dates
Board meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of most months at 7 p.m. in the Oakton Library meeting room. The annual Membership meeting is held the third Tuesday of January.
