Bristow Central Public Library – One of the Key Ingredients to our Local Economy

Bristow has seen a lot of changes in recent years. From a handful of developments such as Braemar I, Saybrooke Development, and shopping center such as the Giant Food Store off Linton Hall Road and Route 29. Bristow has grown tremendously as the result of attractive and affordable housing prices, convenience to major thoroughfares, taxes, and the quality of life. Over the years, Bristow has attracted a lot of young families and mature adults; consequently retirement communities like Dunbarton and Heritage Hunt have been built around these growing communities.

According to various sources including the Census Bureau, Bristow has roughly between 8,000-12,000 local residents. Given the proximity to Gainesville and Nokesville, Virginia, Bristow has spawned from somewhat a sleepy town to best sought out places to live in Western Prince William County and not to overshadow neighborhood communities like Gainesville or Nokesville, Virginia.

Although Bristow is not incorporated with the City of Manassas and solely rely on other libraries such as the Bull Run Regional Public Library, Nokesville Library, and the upcoming Haymarket Central Library, I think this may be a good time for local residents to think about, explore the possibility of having a Central Library in Bristow.  With the advent of digital age such as broad band and wireless technologies the library can be a sole source for bringing the communities together. How would it help the communities?  Simply the library can be an instrumental place in providing local residents the space for collaboration such as the discussion of ideas, voicing out community concerns, and generally a safe haven for children and young adults to explore the world through reading, open discussion, and use of Internet technologies.

Having a Central library has several  key advantages, namely:

1. Local businesses can expect increase in sales revenues as a result visits to the local library
2. Increase in library usage can promote literacy, business productivity, personal, and professional growth.
3. The library can unite residential and business together.
4. The library can be a significant contributor to a Cultural Arts Center.
5. The library can be shown as an illustration icon for community brochures, events, etc.
6. The library can provide Bristow a sense of Pride and Vitality.
7. Provides young adult volunteerism.
8. Provides mentoring programs.
9. Provides an insight to our historical past and to preserve our local heritage.

 

At some point in time local residents will see the need and benefit of having a Central Library at the heart of Bristow.  We need a Central Library in Bristow. Although a new library is being constructed in Haymarket, VA, Bristow deserves one too! The infamous questions of where, when, who, and what will be determined at a later time. But for now, as a community let’s explore these ideas and proceed with enthusiasm. For comment and suggestion, please email editor@bristoenews.com.

Date Published: 2008-05-07 06:00:00

Section: Editorial Comments,