Anyone who travels out past Gainesville on Interstate 66 sees the large multi-story mill on the north side of the highway, but few go to see it in person.
Behind the mill and the railroad tracks is the south end of The Preserve, owned and operated by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.
Encompassing several hundred acres, this impressive nature conservancy extends from Mother Leather Coat Mountain on the west to the west line of the old Carter Tract, all north of Broad Run. The Preserve is frozen in time.
Mr. O’Neill, archeologist and historian, will give an overview of the land, including First Peoples, colonial landowners, the enslaved and post-bellum Black community, the Civil War, and the preservation of community efforts by the Virginia Outdoor Foundation. Future presentations are being planned to give more details on the multiple topics outlined in today’s presentation.
Central Library provides a full complement of library services: reference services, books and materials for children, young adults, and adults in print and digital formats; 3 catalog stations, 1 AWE Learning Station for preschool-1st grade, 2 Children's computers, and 9 Adult computers ; Wi-Fi; faxing, scanning, copying, and more.
NEW SERVICES
Central's Makerspace Studio 8601 offers dynamic programming and educational experiences, including Cricut vinyl cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, coding toys like Spheros, Ozobots, Makey Makey, and a Whisper Room.
Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center (RELIC) is a special collection devoted to genealogy and local history with a focus on Virginia and Prince William County. RELIC is open for walk-ins, reference service, and by phone 703-792-8380, and email at relic2@pwcgov.org Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
U.S. Passport Services are offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
SPACE
Central Library now has more open space for programming and general enjoyment of the library. It offers a strategically designed layout that allows for a better flow, as well as more study and conference rooms for patrons, including:
• Redesigned Children's Area
• Community Room booking for our civic organizations
• One Quiet Study Room
• Two Small Individual Study/Conference Rooms for up to four people
COMFORT
Central's bathrooms have been renovated and expanded and made ADA Compliant.
New, inviting seating is available, both in the study rooms and open-space areas.