For Immediate Release
March 20, 2009
Contacts:
Bobbie Longworth 703-324-8313

National School Libraries Month ties Art in the Pages with Public Schools

""Fairfax, VA – In celebration of National School Libraries Month, miniature Art in the Pages statuettes were presented to Fairfax County Public School Board members, superintendants, and school librarians by the Fairfax Library Foundation at the Thursday, March 19th School Board meeting. Many school librarians participated in the presentation that was made by Bobbi Longworth, Foundation Executive Director, and Susan Thorniley, Foundation Secretary who also serves as the School Board's appointed Trustee for the Fairfax County Public Library Board.

Each Fairfax County Public School library received a miniature statuette that may be custom painted to represent that school then displayed in the school library. This public schools initiative, sponsored by ExxonMobil with support from Baker & Taylor, is an extension of the Art in the Pages large scale public art sculpture project.

“Art in the Pages is a rare one-time project that showcases the talent of local artists while celebrating the joy of art and reading among by the entire community,” stated Longworth, “and this certainly includes our schools!”

The collaborative effort between the Fairfax Library Foundation, Fairfax County Public Library and Signature Sponsor, Verizon, was initially funded through a grant from the Arts Council of Fairfax County. Now, thirty-one large open book sculptures, approximately 4 feet high are displayed in front of Fairfax County Public Library branches, George Mason University and other locations. A large statue is displayed at Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon and in South County Secondary School in Lorton. Fairfax County Public School teachers artistically designed four large statues. Another was created by a very talented 2008 graduate from Lake Braddock High School.

Fairfax County Public Library Foundation, Inc., doing business as Fairfax Library Foundation, is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to providing supplementary support to the Fairfax County Public Library. The Foundation, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the library, serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to enhance library services for our community.