The last year at the Manassas Park City Library (MPCL) has been eventful one full of growth, strong service, and a warm embrace from the community.
Visits
New Cardholders
Open Hours
Physical Items
The year started with the closing of the Blooms Park location and opening of the new, expanded location downtown at Park Central.
Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life.
-Sidney Sheldon
Technology, including new interactive screens, laptop kiosks, hotspots, launchpads, kits, and more were introduced to further inspire, educate, and support the community.
I could not be more excited about MPCL’s changes over the last year and our beautiful new Library. MPCL’s space and services now align so much better with the needs of our community and will continue to evolve.
Keep reading to see all of the exciting things already happening.
Holly Ritchie, Library Director
Community
Manassas Park City Library is such a clean and calm place to study. Good atmosphere inside, absolutely recommend for everyone to try this place.
-Faisal S.
More than a space, the Library is the heart of the community where all are welcome. Library programs – events, classes, and workshops – offer new experiences and opportunities to learn, discover, create, and connect.
Total Programs
Program Attendance
Volunteer Hours
With MPCL’s mission of enriching lives, building community, and fostering success, Library programs work to bring people, information, and ideas together.
Such a wonderful addition to Manassas! There are a lot of fun sitting areas and the Library hosts tons of fun events each month. We were able to catch mini-golf and it was a great memory!
-Maya P.
The diversity of Manassas Park is reflected in all aspects of Library programs, collections, and services. Spanish-language and bilingual resources are a priority.
Spanish Titles
Spanish Title Checkouts
Children's Spanish Title Checkouts
One of the most popular programs continues to be Spanish Storytime.
Now held weekly, Ms. Roxana encourages little ones to read, create, and play – all in Spanish.
Lovely new library! Great kids section with lots of toys to keep my toddler busy. They even have a kids section with books in Spanish.
-Maryam S.
Diverse Books Were Popular
Book Nook Open Hours
Book Nook Visits
The Book Nook, located at the Manassas Park Community Center, opened in July 2022 to offer Library services during the time between the closing of the previous Library and opening of the new one. It also bridges community gaps by providing Library services on the west side of Manassas Park.
The Book Nook offers a welcoming space for the community to gather, read, study, or relax. All books, puzzles, and games in the Book Nook are free.
Library Staff regularly visit the Book Nook, bringing materials, information, and pop-up programming, enabling residents to enjoy Library services from afar.
ENGAGEMENT
A hidden gem with great services. Very peaceful neighborhood. Quaint location. Personable Library Staff ready and willing to help, answer questions, etc.
-Felicia M.
The Library offers fun and excitement for all ages. New technologies and age-appropriate programs make the Library a destination spot in Manassas Park.
Virtual Reality and 3D Printing offer patrons a chance to experience innovative technologies, discover new worlds, and explore their own creativity.
Creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.
-Ken Robinson
Children’s programs, such as Storytime, bring books and imagination to life through song, dance, art, and play for our young patrons.
The Builders Club program, inspires children to design a masterpiece based on a specific theme. Once completed, the designs are displayed around the Library until the next month.
Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.
-Fred Rogers
For the Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Children dropped off their plushy friends to enjoy a night of fun!
Upon pick up, the children watched a short video of the stuffed animals’ adventures.
Teens and young adults meet friends and make new ones during programs designed to encourage safe socialization and interpersonal skill development.
Teen-driven programs such as Anime/Manga Club, Teens Create, and Candy Olympics engage teens in challenges and creativity designed to test limits and encourage growth.
Adolescence is the conjugator of childhood and adulthood.
-Louise J. Kaplan
Adults and seniors also engage in programs at the Manassas Park City Library. Whether visiting with family, or on their own, they enjoyed lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities.
From crafting to education and everything in between, workshops offer adults a chance to try out new hobbies, make new friends, create memories, and take home handmade creations.
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
-Tony Robbins
Programs designed for the entire family encourage cross-generational collaboration and socialization.
Craft & Create and Game Night, both held monthly, give families a chance to create mementos and memories to hold forever.
Play is not just about having fun, but about taking risks, experimenting, and testing boundaries.
-American Academy of Pediatrics
LEARNING
Everyone was so nice. I was welcomed to the Library. I decided to attend a program. Jason was warm and welcoming! We had a pleasant chat. They have a Scavenger Hunt for kids where they get to pick a prize from the Treasure Box if they solve the clues. Picked up a Calendar of Events as I was leaving. Nice trip to the Manassas Park Library!
-Monique M.
The Library works to make information accessible and learning fun for all who visit.
Physical Checkouts
Digital Downloads
Questions Answered
Whether requests for a physical book, an eBook, or general information, Library Staff focus on saying ‘yes’ to every patron.
Libraries are more than just a storage place for books, they are treasure troves filled with creativity and knowledge. And that knowledge can be empowering.
-R.L. Hemlock
Available for all ages, MPCL circulated S.P.A.R.K.℠ & S.T.E.A.M. Kits to both help with childhood development and inspire patrons to explore interests and hobbies.
Hotspot Checkouts
S.P.A.R.K.℠/S.T.E.A.M. Kits Checkouts
Launchpad Checkouts
• Non-fiction books
• Many kits contain a discovery sheet for recording what you learned, observed, and designed
MPCL bridges the digital divide through access to computers, Wi-Fi, and technology and informational classes.
Website Visits
Computer Sessions
Wireless Sessions
Digital literacy refers to someone’s ability to use IT and digital technology to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.
– Rasmussen University
Preventing the “summer slide” is another crucial goal of the Library, and MPCL’s annual Summer Reading Program encourages reading through fun programs and incentives for all ages. Last summer’s theme, Read Beyond the Beaten Path, invited readers of all ages to engage with the Library while we moved locations.
Readers
- Badges Earned: 967
- Days Read: 859
- Completed Activities: 555
- Total Completions: 23
Participating in voluntary summer reading opportunities, along with increasing the likelihood of higher reading achievement, can also result in improved reading skills, motivation, confidence, and enjoyment.
-Dominican University
Over the course of three days, 226 kindergarteners came to the Library for their first field trip! 78% of the children had or received a library card during ther visit. Library cards are instrumental in encouraging engagement and return visits. MPCL values literacy and instilling a love of reading at a young age.
Outside organizations and partnerships allow the Library to bring in expertise and resources to further enhance programs and services available to the community.
Featured Community Partners
- Manassas Park Community Center
- Manassas Park City Schools
- Prince William County Public Defenders
- Library of Virginia
- Park Place – Senior Living
- Virginia Master Gardeners – Extension Master Gardeners
- Roxana – Spanish Storytime Professional
- Merrimac Farm Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists
- Care Access
- Fair Opportunity Project
- Andre Gatling – Author
- Kay Dental
- Rodney Jenkins – strategy recruitment manager
- Kim B Miller – 2020-2022 Poet Laureate for PWC, VA
CITY OF MANASSAS PARK
GOVERNING BODY
Jeanette Rishell
Mayor
Haseeb Javed
Councilmember
Laura Hampton
Councilmember
Alana Mensing
Vice Mayor
Yesy Amaya
Councilmember
Darryl Moore
Councilmember
Michael Carrera
Councilmember
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
Laszlo Palko
City Manager
Keith Nguyen
Deputy City Manager
Sarah Barnett
City Operations Officer
Toni Jenkins
City Budget Manager
The Manassas Park City Library is operated by Library Systems & Services, LLC
