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John Barton Payne Community Room

2 Courthouse Square, Old Town Warrenton
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History

The gracefully columned John Barton Payne Building is still called the "old library" by some Warrentonians. Home to the Warrenton Library from 1924 through 1982, the upstairs portion of the building is now used for library programs and as a community meeting hall.

The building lends itself to hosting a variety of events. Folding tables and chairs are available for large meetings, conferences, retreats, receptions and weddings. A galley kitchen is equipped with a full-size oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. Wireless Internet access is also available throughout the building.

A large conference table sits before a fireplace, above which hangs a large oil painting of John Barton Payne, who served as Secretary of the Interior under President Woodrow Wilson and was president of the American Red Cross for 14 years. Judge Payne donated funds in 1922 to build the first permanent home for the Warrenton Library, which is now located across the street at 11 Winchester St.

For more information, view our policy, rental fees and guidelines for use of meeting room space.

For information on the community room's availability and to request a reservation form, call 540-349-1820 or e-mail Lynn Hawkins.

An "Outstanding Facility"

In April 2007, the building won the 2007 award for "outstanding library facility" from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association (VPLDA). Recently completed renovations include making the building compliant with American Disability Act standards. Interior work, including a lift and a rear stairway, are key features of the project. The new stairway provides a second means of egress, which increases the building's occupancy load to 100 people. Additional work was done to the building's basement, home to The Book Cellar, a used book store operated by the Friends of the Fauquier Library.