From vibrant book sales to innovative community initiatives, the Friends of the Chinn Park Regional Library have a story that celebrates the power of collaboration, service and lifelong learning. Rightly so, they were recognized for it: a vibrant and dedicated volunteer organization with 175 active members, the Friends were honored for their outstanding service to the Prince William Public Libraries by receiving the prestigious Virginia Library Association’s Friends of the Library Award for 2025. This honor highlights the Friends’ unwavering commitment to enhancing library services and programming and underscores the vital role they play in the Prince William community.
The Friends of the Chinn Park Regional Library is an all-volunteer, non-profit (501C) organization dedicated to supporting Chinn Park Regional Library as well as Dale City and Lake Ridge Libraries through fundraising and advocacy. Each year, the Friends raise nearly $50,000 through book sales, membership contributions and community events. The funds provide direct support to the Library’s programming needs. Thanks to their efforts, the library is able to offer engaging programs for all ages, from early literacy initiatives and teen events to technology classes and cultural programs for adults.
The history of their service goes back decades. Since the organization’s founding in 1991, the Friends have served as an integral link between the libraries and local residents, ensuring access to exceptional collections and inviting spaces while fostering enriching educational and cultural experiences.
Throughout the year, the Friends typically conduct three to four major book sales in the library’s lobby and community room, as well as ongoing book sales in the lobby and Book Shop. Proceeds from these sales alone — amounting to approximately $30,000 annually — are provided directly to the library to fund programming and the purchase of equipment and furniture. Their recent and ongoing support has enabled the library to host a variety of Children’s, Young Adult, and Adult Programs, including signature programs. The Friends have also contributed to important facility improvements, such as upgrades to the staff kitchen and library infrastructure.
Membership in the Friends comes with special benefits, including advance notice of book sales and invitations to members-only pre-sale events on the first night of each sale. By becoming a member or supporting their efforts, community members help ensure the continued success and vibrancy of Chinn Park Regional Library.
In presenting the award, the Virginia Library Association praised the Friends’ “unwavering commitment to literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.” The association noted that through their extraordinary efforts, the Friends have significantly enhanced the resources and programming available to patrons.
From engaging author visits and STEM workshops to children’s Storytimes and cultural events, the Friends’ contributions have enabled the library system to offer diverse programs that cater to the needs and interests of the entire community. Their continued dedication has demonstrated that libraries are more than just buildings filled with books —they are essential centers of learning, connection, and opportunity.
As the Friends of the Chinn Park Regional Library celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we celebrate with them and thank them. The legacy of the Friends’ support will be felt for generations to come, including throughout the current, exciting renovation taking place at the library.
Upgrades to Chinn Park Regional Library
Currently, the library is undergoing an extensive renovation that began in late November 2025 and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. This major project, a collaboration between Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCDEDT), will introduce new spaces and resources, with a special focus on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the greater Prince William community.
When the renovated library reopens in summer 2026, visitors can look forward to an array of new and updated spaces. Among the most exciting additions will be PWPL’s third makerspace—joining those at Bull Run and Central Libraries—equipped with technology and tools specifically designed to help local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. The new floor plan will also include three small study rooms, a quiet study room, and an enhanced area for the Management and Government Information Center (MAGIC), which will continue to provide specialized support to business owners and nonprofits.
A central highlight of the renovation is the creation of a new small business resource center, led by the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. This space will serve as a physical representation of the department’s commitment to small business education, offering resources and support to help ideas flourish into successful enterprises.
Accessibility during renovations
To ensure continued service during the renovation, a smaller temporary library is open in the Administrative Support Center’s (ASC) Trustee Conference Room on the lower level of Chinn Park Library. This temporary space is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering access to the library’s collection, computers, Wi-Fi, and other essential services during the renovation period. The ASC Library is located at 13083 Chinn Park Drive in Woodbridge. The library can be reached at 703-792-4800 and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and curbside pickup is not available. Books can be dropped off at any of PWPL’s 11 other locations, or one of its three off-site book drops.
“We’re committed to providing access to our libraries, even while enhancing our spaces,” said Jennifer Patterson, director of Prince William Public Libraries. “The short-term solution of having a smaller library space available during the renovation ensures the public can still browse for new books, research job opportunities on our computers, and enjoy our inviting spaces.”
Chinn Park Library’s renovation marks a significant step in strengthening resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, while also creating more welcoming and functional spaces for the general public. Throughout the process, the Friends continue to be an important part of that support.
For renovation updates, visit pwcva.gov/library.
To join the Friends of the Chinn Park Regional Library, complete the application. For more information on the Friends, email chinnparkfriends@gmail.com