Mychal Threets Brings the Joy as Fairfax Library Foundation Turns 30

BURKE, VIRGINIA — Fairfax Library Foundation celebrated an inspiring milestone at its 30^th Anniversary Celebration held on Saturday, March 29, at the Burke Centre Library.

The fundraising event drew a crowd of over 120 guests to help honor the Foundation’s three decades of impact in our community. Guests snapped photos at the Selfie Station and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and celebratory drinks while reflecting on the accomplishments of both Fairfax County Public Library and the Foundation through the years.

The always-stunning Burke Centre Library seemed especially glamorous at dusk as Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw was on hand to welcome guests to the branch, Kathy Smith, Vice-Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, presented Fairfax Library Foundation Chair Miriam Smolen with a plaque recognizing the Foundation’s thirty years of service to the community. Ronell Chatmon, a representative from Congressman Gerry Connolly’s office also presented the Foundation with a proclamation recognizing the milestone.

The centerpiece of the evening was keynote speaker and social media sensation Mychal Threets, famous for his enthusiastic book recommendations, personal library anecdotes, and all-around library joy.  He captivated the audience with an inspirational speech relating his journey to becoming America’s best-known and most visible librarian.

Thanks to the generosity of both the attendees and the event’s sponsors (Friends of the Burke Centre Library, Friends of the Reston Regional Library, David & Michelle Baldacci, Friends of Richard Byrd Library, George Mason Friends, Miriam & Gerald Smolen, Claire Sheahan, Thompson Hospitality Corp. and The McGarey Family) the evening also proved to be a fundraising success, raising significant donations to support and enhance the programs of Fairfax County Public Library.

With this solid foundation (pun intended) of accomplishment and an ever-growing community of resolute supporters, the Fairfax Library Foundation is more committed than ever to making our outstanding libraries even better.

Since 1994, the Fairfax Library Foundation has existed solely with the mission to enhance the programs and services of the Fairfax County Public Library, the largest public library system in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable and educational organization, the Foundation provides supplementary support to the community by providing access to information, technology, innovations, civic engagement and entertainment, and by offering literacy and educational opportunities.

---

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to this blog for regular updates on what’s happening at the Fairfax Library Foundation.