Join us as we celebrate 70 years of Prince William Public Libraries’ (PWPL) history and look forward to our next chapter. Follow PWPL on facebook.com/PrinceWilliamPublicLibraries for throwback photos and articles over the years.

While the past 70 years have helped PWPL offer free literacy and leisure programs our community have come to love, we need your help! Prince William Library Foundation has launched a special anniversary fundraising campaign. To learn more and to donate, visit give.classy.org/PWPLanniversary. Donate through December 31, 2022.

PWPL will recognize the 70th anniversary donors on posters displayed at all 12 libraries beginning January 2023 and on the PWPL website, social media, and Explore magazine.

Library service to the residents of Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park was established in July 1952. The first permanent library building, Central Library, opened in 1971.

Since then, PWPL continued to grow and evolve. There are now 12 library branches across the county and in the City of Manassas. From serving 22,000 residents in Prince William County in 1952, PWPL has expanded to now serve more than 520,000 people.

Today, PWPL brings people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community in a welcoming, inclusive environment. With 12 libraries, an extensive Digital Library, and a rich history of educational programs and community outreach services, PWPL is the hub connecting residents to the transforming power of information.

Readers of all ages still visit libraries to read books like they did 70 years ago, but they also borrow laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, explore modern technologies at Makerspaces, stroll through pollinator gardens, improve their career skills and advance lifelong learning, listen to audiobooks from the comfort of their home, and so much more.

Learn more about PWPL at pwcva.gov/department/library.