Chantilly's New Gum Spring Library to Hold Grand Opening Next Saturday

The countdown is on for Chantilly's brand new library that will serve 100,000 Loudoun County residents. At 40,000 square feet it will be the largest of the county's eight libraries.

Gum Spring Library will open its doors next Saturday, Feb. 23, with a grand opening beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m. The library is located in Stone Ridge at 24600 Millstream Dr. at the intersection of Stone Spring Boulevard and Route 50.

The library was funded with $10.5 million approved by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

Gum Spring Library will provide:

• A unique, ceramic mosaic created for Gum Spring Library by local tile artist, Joan Gardiner.
• 40,000 square-feet of new library space spanning two stories with separate entrances for other businesses in the building
• Unique areas designated for young children, teens, and adults
• Public computers with internet access and print capability
• Wireless internet access for personal laptop, tablet or SmartPhone
• Large meeting room for 150 people, a conference room and five private study rooms
• Add 80,000 new materials into Loudoun County Public Library’s collection
• Full complement of educational and cultural programs for young children through senior citizens
• Self check-out stations
• Payment kiosks
• Elevator and stair access to the second floor
• Expansive view of area wetland from the second floor

The library was designed with input from local residents. Teenagers from Mercer Middle School, Stone Hill Middle School, Freedom High School, and Briar Woods High School were invited to participate in a Teen Focus Group meeting to discuss the Teen Area in the new Gum Spring Library. Teens were invited to meet with the interior design architect from Samaha Architects, Loudoun County Public Library personnel, and the Friends of the Gum Spring Library. 

The "teen area" of the library is mean to be a "welcoming place for them to do research for class assignments, meet for group projects, or just hang out," according to the Friends of Gum Spring Library. 

Friends of the Gum Spring Library have worked to raise money for the library by holding walks and selling handmade tiles by Gardiner.

For more information about the library and its grand opening, visit the Friends of the Gum Spring Library Facebook page.

Paintings by artist Sherry Zvares Sanabria will be on display in the library (as are works by other artists in all Loudoun County libraries).