Library History
In 1936, the population of Arlington County was 40,000. There were 74 farms, 25 businesses, two ten-cent stores, one theater, one post office—and five community libraries. Four libraries had been established by citizen groups, with one built as the result of a bequest. All housed collections of mostly donated books and were operated by volunteers.
Realizing the advantages of combining their forces, the groups organized the Arlington County Library Association in 1936. The Arlington County Board appropriated $3,000 for the new library association in July of 1936. The following year, the Department of Libraries was established as part of the county government and the first librarian was hired.
In commemoration of the 75th year anniversary of Arlington Public Library, and picking up on the County initiative “Tell Arlington’s Story,” we’ve created a fun and interactive timeline telling Arlington Public Library’s story.