One of Fairfax County's busiest library branches is shut down while crews wait on replacement parts for its broken air conditioning system, leaving the building unavailable until Sunday.

The Reston Regional Library at 11925 Bowman Towne Drive has been closed due to HVAC failures. The branch was also closed Thursday due to the same issue, according to Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who noted it was unavailable as a cooling center during that week's heat wave. On Tuesday, Fairfax County Public Library announced the closure would extend through at least July 12 as facilities management awaits parts.

The library circulates more than 500,000 items a year and holds a collection of roughly 145,000 items, according to its branch page on the Fairfax County website.

What patrons need to know

Holds placed at Reston Regional will not expire during the closure, and due dates are being extended until the branch reopens, the library system said. Digital services, including eBooks through the Libby app and e-magazines, remain available around the clock.

The library system named two nearby branches as alternatives:

  • Herndon Fortnightly Library, 768 Center St., Herndon. Phone: 703-437-8855. Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Phone: 703-757-8560. Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Reopening timeline

Fairfax County Library said the branch will reopen "as soon as repairs are made," cautioning that the July 12 target depends on parts arriving on schedule. The system said it will post updates on its website and Instagram account (@fairfaxlibrary).

Supervisor Walter Alcorn posted on X on July 2:

@WalterAlcornFFX: "Reston Regional Library will remain closed today, Thursday, July 2 due to HVAC issues, so it will not be available as a cooling center. Visit the human services center across the street at 1850 Cameron Glen Dr if you need a place to get cool."

Residents who need a cool public space can still visit the Fairfax County Human Services Center at 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, directly across the street from the library.

Upcoming

  • Through Sunday, July 12: Reston Regional Library closed; holds and due dates extended.
  • Sunday, July 12 (estimated): Reston Regional Library expected to reopen, pending completion of HVAC repairs.