Stunning New Library Prepares for Its Debut

Say goodbye to the cozy 1940ish McLean Library. The new light-infused Dolley Madison library set for public unveiling next week finally lives up to the panache and elegance of its namesake.

Only one word describes the new library: Wow!!

Here are 5 things to know about our long-awaited $8 million, newly renovated library:

1. When you walk in you will think you are in a park. That's because the library has doubled in size and it's back wall is made completely of windows. The library's floor-to-ceiling windows look out into McLean Central Park. The library oozes cool and calm because it brims with muted tans and greens.

2. What's New? Baskets now await customers at the front door. Instead of toting around your books and magazines, you can browse with a basket. Also:

• 24 public computers, an increase of 10.

• Each desk is equipped with a lamp and you can plug you computer into the base. The library is totally wired. Walk in. Plug in. Go surf.

• More meeting space for community groups.

• An LCD bulletin board at the front desk.

• A small, ultra-quiet study room was one of the most requested additions, said librarian Starr Smith, who heads the Dolley Madison library.

3. The Dolley Madison Library, just off Ingleside Avenue, is the third most popular of the county’s 14  community libraries, according to Mary Mulrenan spokeswoman for the Fairfax County Public Library. Dolley Madison serves one of the must educated and affluent communities in the U.S.

That's one reason the new book section in the front of the library has been expanded. The magazine reading area in the back is much larger and will have comfy furniture for readers who want to stay awhile.

4. The roof looks like a container garden. You'll see little succulents growing up there. It's called a "green roof."

5. The library reopens to the neighbors 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Dranesville District Supervisor John W. Foust, Library Director Edwin “Sam” Clay III, and Kristin Cabral, the Dranesville representative to the Library Board.

If you want to skip the speeches and just see the library, come about 11. "Dolley Madison" will be there. The library is also giving away goodies to mark the occasion.

The library closed its temporary facility in the Balducci's shopping center May 24 to prepare for its reopening July 9.

Starr Smith, who is bustling around overseeing the final preparations for the opening, and brimming with pride, said: "The thing I'm most excited about is getting this open to the community. We just want our family back again. We have missed them."