Public libraries have evolved from quiet book-borrowing institutions to bustling community centers that are cornerstones of civic and social infrastructure.

Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) has embraced this change and seized the opportunities it offers. PWPL has improved its operations and services and diversified its programs. To amplify its service to the community, PWPL has established many new partnerships with local government, businesses, community groups, and individuals.

These partnerships have allowed PWPL to offer everything from literature to reading programs to various civic and social services not previously available at the library. People visit libraries for free social, legal, and health programs and services. They can register to vote, research land records and court cases, and even get married.

In May 2023, PWPL launched a joint project with the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk's Office to give residents access to court services at libraries. This collaboration is the first of its kind for PWPL.

The Clerk's Office brings its mobile service center, “Seals on Wheels,” to libraries at least once a month. It rotates among all 12 PWPL branches and comes on Saturdays to extend the services outside the court's business hours. The public can file marriage license applications, notary applications, and more. According to the Clerk's Office, the “Seals on Wheels” is the first in Virginia and the United States.

In addition, Bull Run Library has become the first PWPL branch to have a self-service kiosk for residents to obtain the Clerk's Office services, including marriage licenses, deed copies, case information, and payment services. The kiosk provides other Prince William County services, such as general district court information, voter registration, and tax payments.

The collaboration between the Clerk's Office and PWPL is a stride in cooperation between county agencies to better serve the community. The Clerk's Office services are now more accessible and convenient to residents, who can access them at times and locations convenient to them.

The self-service kiosk at Bull Run Library was installed in February 2024 and has already served more than 620 people. The most sought-after service was applying for a marriage license. The Clerk's Office will install kiosks at additional PWPL branches in the coming months.

While the kiosks have successfully provided passive services, the mobile service center “Seals of Wheels” adds a valuable opportunity for county officials to engage with the public. From May 2023 to May 2024, the mobile service center “Seals on Wheels” visited PWPL branches 12 times and served 529 people. Perhaps the most memorable outcome of this collaboration is, and for some time will be, the marriages at libraries last summer.