The controversy over renaming the Oakton Community Library to add Gerry Connolly, honoring the late Congressman, was halted during the March 11, 2026 Library Board of Trustees meeting in order to form an Ad-hoc Oakton Library Renaming Committee.
The committee held its first meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Fairfax County Government Center, marking the start of what could become a significant community conversation about how public libraries are named—and potentially renamed—across the county.
The meeting introduced committee members to existing policies and past decisions related to library naming. Participants have been provided with a packet of materials outlining key background documents, including Fairfax County’s official policy on naming libraries, spaces, and fixtures, as well as historical context on how branch libraries have received their names.
Among the materials is a report examining the renaming of the Woodrow Wilson Library in the Culmore area—an issue that has drawn attention in recent years as communities nationwide reconsider names tied to historical figures. The committee will also review the process behind the renaming of the Vienna-Carter Library, including the Board of Trustees’ decision and meeting minutes from February 14, 2024, when the name change was formally approved.
Fairfax County Public Library officials say the goal of the committee is to ensure that naming decisions reflect community values, historical understanding, and inclusivity, while maintaining a transparent and consistent process.
Printed copies of meeting materials will be made available at the Government Center and the Oakton Library upon request.
Residents interested in the future of Fairfax County’s library system—and the stories behind the names on its buildings—are encouraged to follow the committee’s work as discussions get underway.
