Public libraries are the great equalizers in society: all – regardless of income, birthplace, or education – are invited to expand their minds and access critical community resources. As public funding dwindles, organizations like Fairfax Library Foundation make all the difference. The Foundation supports the county’s network of 23 public libraries, providing essential funding for programs and services that benefit more than 1 million residents. Monthly early literacy activities bring volunteers into more than 120 childcare centers and Head Start programs where low-income preschoolers gain essential pre-reading skills. Changing Lives Through Literature offers first-time juvenile offenders an alternative to formal court action, building self-esteem and critical thinking skills ... and drastically reducing recidivism. Funding for new books and materials (more than $100,000 annually) ensures the largest possible selection is available. Libraries are needed more than ever.

COVID-19 Update: Floor markings, disposable keyboard covers, free masks for those who need them, safe handling of returned, touched, and used materials – including quarantining – make it possible to welcome a limited number of visitors. ("Grab-and-go" is encouraged but not required.) Online literacy activities and storytime for small children, digital events for teens and adults (from Rainbow Teen Book Club, to yoga, to English Language Learning online), all say that the libraries are now "open."

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Fairfax

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+); All

Population(s) Served: All


  • Books distributed to underserved preschoolers:   30,000 each year
  • Juvenile first-time offenders served in the Changing Lives Through Literature program:   Nearly 600 teens to date
  • Funds provided to purchase books for the library:   More than $100,000 annually
  • Scholarship funds awarded to library staff and volunteers:   $230,000 and growing
  • Attendance at library programs:   210,000 annually

Awards & Recognition

Ready to Read Early Literacy Outreach Program won the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award, 2014

Fairfax County Changing Lives Through Literature Program received two awards: An Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation Award and a NACo (National Association of Counties) Achievement Award, 2008

Art in the Pages, the first ever public art initiative in Fairfax, brought large decorative book statues to all library branches and other locations in the Fairfax area supporting programs and services, 2006

Foundation received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the library to create six new computer clubhouses throughout Fairfax County, 2005

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors issued a resolution declaring the month of October as Foundation Month in the County of Fairfax, 2004

Press

  • Library Jubilee Fundraiser in McLean
    Tue Oct 25 2016, Connection  
    "We raise money to enhance the library beyond the taxpayer funded budget," said Brian Engler, Foundation Board Chair.

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Fairfax Library Foundation is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Fairfax Library Foundation you might also like



This organization collaborates with