Notable Events

  1. The New Library Is Now Open!

    We've officially re-opened!. Come see - and use - our newly expanded and renovated library building at 120 N. Virginia Avenue. All visitors to the library (and other City buildings) are required to wear a mask. Learn more...
Date Event
1899-1909 A Library Association is organized. The Falls Church Village Improvement Society helps amass about 750 books for circulation among members.
1913 The Civic League, an organization of women, retrieves the collection and revives book lending.
1916 The Civic League becomes the Woman's Club of Falls Church and continues to operate a library from various locations.
1919 Library moves into small quarters in the Congregational Church building after congregation disbands.
1928 Ordinance establishing the Falls Church Public Library is passed and $300 appropriated for its use.
1939 After the establishment of the Fairfax county Public Library, the Town library becomes a free public library with the professional assistance of the county Librarian.
1946 A librarian and assistant are hired.
1948 The Town becomes a City of the Second Class.
1949 Library Board is established, the collection moves to larger quarters at 151 East Broad St., and the services of a certified librarian are secured.
1950 Move to larger rented quarters at 934 West Broad Street.
1954-1955 City reaffirms establishment of the Falls Church Public Library overseen by a 7-member Board of Trustees. Collection moves to larger rented quarters at 201 East Broad Street.
1956 Bond issue passes to build a library facility on land donated by the Styles family.
1958 Present facility at 120 North Virginia Avenue opens its doors.
1968 The addition of the children's and technical processing wing is completed.
1977 Library is renamed in honor of Mary Riley Styles, the mother of the land donors.
1980 Lower level of building opened to the public.
1990 Catalog and circulation system are automated.
1992 The library moves to temporary quarters at 134 West Broad Street during library expansion.
1993 Return to expanded and renovated facility at 120 North Virginia Avenue.
2001 RFID system installed in library.
2002 Library's Local History Room celebrates 50th anniversary.
2009 Library named one of "America's Star Libraries" by Library Journal magazine.
2010 New catalog system launched.
2011 Downloadable eBooks added to collection.
2012 Downloadable music added to collection.
2013 Downloadable audiobooks and downloadable magazines added to collection. Consultant hired to produce a Master Plan Development and Space Study.
 2014  Addendum to Master Plan completed. 
 2016  $8.7M library bond referendum approved by City residents.
 2017 Capital Improvement Plan including a library expansion & renovation approved by City Council. Library launches new catalog system. 
 2018 Library named one of "America's Star Libraries" by Library Journal magazine for 10th straight year. 
 2019 Streaming video added to collection.
 2020 Construction begins on new 6,600 sq foot expansion and renovation. Library opens temporary facility in March only to close to the public one week later due to COVID-19. Curbside pickup and virtual programming started in response. 
 2021 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for newly expanded and renovated  building takes place on September 10.