What is it about a library that keeps its patrons coming back for more, year after year?
I can think of a few reasons.
Libraries increase our understanding of the world we live in: whether it’s the 26 square miles of our community or the nations beyond our borders, libraries keep us informed and curious.
Libraries champion all points of view and accept people as they are.
Libraries call out the unjust through community-wide dialogues and offer comfort for those in need.
Libraries celebrate history and culture and honor the personal stories of those who came before.
Libraries help teens find their way and those who are alone find connection and companionship.
Libraries deliver all of these services through books and exhibits, gardening tools and American Girl Dolls, board games and jigsaw puzzles, music and dance, maker labs and computer classes, podcasts and pumpkins, in traditional ways and in new ways yet to come.
Libraries do what they do with compassion, generosity, creativity and a sense of fun.
And best of all, use of the library is FREE. In the words of British novelist and essayist Zadie Smith, our guest for 2018 Arlington READS, “… what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay.”
These are a few of our reasons; I’ll bet you can name others.
Thank you for giving Arlington Public Library a reason to be.
Diane Kresh, Director, Arlington Public Library
I love the Arlington library system, and especially the Westover branch. It is wonderful to have such a rich resource in our neighborhood. I enjoy it when I am in the area and when I am away, and I am grateful for all the e- and audiobooks in the collection when I am not able to peruse the aisles physically. I know communities where their libraries are not supported, how unsettling. Thank you, Arlington County libraries!
We love Arlington Library, our favorite branch is Columbia Pike. Great people are helping us find books. Interesting events for kids and adults are happening there too.
That is great to hear, thank you Carmen!
We loved Arlington County Public Library. There is always a person who can answer your E book questions . How to access the references and use the system.
That is great to hear, thank you Teresa!
Arlington Public Library is one of the county’s very best resources! We love the entire system, especially our neighborhood branch here in Glencarlyn. My son has made many friends there!
That’s wonderful to hear Marie, thank you!
Thank you for publishing this report! I love my Arlington libraries and am glad to see so many new developments!