Central Library Unveils New Community Quilt

Crafting and the arts have a way of bringing people together—something Prince William Public Libraries sees every day through its programs and inviting spaces. It is with that goal in mind that Prince William Public Libraries is excited to announce the completion and permanent installation of their new community quilt at Central Library. The community quilt is a collaborative project between library patrons, Central Library’s Adult Services and Makerspace staff, and local fabric artist Sharon Triska.

Central Library staff began 2025 with the goal of creating a more inviting, inclusive space throughout the branch. Multiple projects were completed throughout the year, including reorganizing the foreign language collection to increase visibility, revitalizing the Children and Teen spaces with new furniture, and reorganizing the Makerspace to make machines and supplies easily accessible to patrons and staff. One of the many projects included creating a creative space specifically for adults looking for a calm, clean, and comfortable place to work, study, or spend time. The focus on connection and creativity is reflected in the community quilt itself.

“This quilt is a beautiful example of how our libraries bring people together to create something meaningful that reflects who we are as a community,” said Library Director Jennifer Patterson. “We’re proud to provide spaces where creativity and connection can thrive, and this project will inspire visitors for years to come.”

The library put out a call to the public last September, requesting donations of handmade quilt squares that would be added to its community quilt. Eighty-eight squares were collected, organized, and sewn together by Makerspace Librarian Wendy Weldon and local artist Sharon Triska. Wendy has over 32 years of experience creating a wide range of sewing projects for her children and for the library’s Makerspace programs.

Wendy describes how she first found her love for sewing as a new mother. “I needed to find an outlet, so I took a sewing class at a local community college in California. One of my favorite quilts that I’m hoping to complete this year is a tall ship quilt with friendship stars. It will be for my son, who is in the Navy, and I’m looking forward to being able to send it to him so he can feel a hug from his mom.”

Sharon has been crafting all her life and calls sewing her “superpower.” She has mastered the art of creating handmade purses, quilts, and even a plush bat for each staff member at Central Library. Each one reflected their favorite colors and came with a tag personally signed by Sharon as a token of appreciation for their dedication to public service.

The idea for the quilt was inspired by another quilt that Adult Program Librarian Rachel Rivero had seen at a previous branch where she had worked in Texas. She said that “the Community Quilt is a reflection of our community, their artwork, and their stories. It gives them a chance to participate in creating a more beautiful space, one where everyone has a chance to enjoy it while spending time in the library.” She also stresses that the project would not have been possible without the contributions from the patrons, the support from library staff, and Sharon’s expertise.

The quilt was officially unveiled by Greg Fahey, Central Library’s branch manager, at the Library Advisory Board meeting on April 23. It will be hung permanently in the library near the Quiet Study Rooms for everyone to enjoy.

The quilt offers visitors a reason to pause and take in the details—each square a small piece of the community that created it. Projects like this reflect a larger part of what PWPL aims to do: give people space to create, learn, and connect. For those interested in trying quilting or other crafts, the library offers programs, online resources through the Digital Library, and a range of resources available through its collection at pwcva.gov/library.