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Welcome Back to the Library!

Author Talk with Marcia Chaletain: "Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America"

Escapism Book Club: "A Sweet Mess" with Author Jayci Lee

Storytimes for Babies and Preschoolers

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Free Walk In COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Individuals 12 and Up

July 26 – August 7 at Aurora Hills, Columbia Pike, Shirlington, and Westover Libraries.

Oral History: Public Shoe Store

Interview with Dr. Sholom “Doc” Friedman and Karen Widmayer

Three Additional Library Locations To Open & Hours Expand Across the System

News Release: Starting July 6, Arlington residents and Library patrons will have access to five open library locations.

New! Complete Summer Reading, Win 2 Tickets to a Washington Nationals Game!

For select games in August and September.

An (Un)familiar Tune: Arlington’s Song

Though many may not know the words to this reverential tune, Arlington has had an official song for more than 50 years.

Celebrate the Newly Renovated Columbia Pike Library

July 8: Grand reopening and ribbon cutting of newly renovated branch.

Search Thousands of Historic Arlington Papers Online for Free

News Release: Discover Arlington’s history and browse newspaper content online from 1935 to 1978.

Joan Cooper: Taking a Stand

Joan Cooper (1940-2014) was an African-American Arlington social and civic activist, community leader, and passionate anti-drug campaigner.

Aurora Hills, Columbia Pike and Central Library to Reopen July 6

With Summer Reading in full swing, Arlington Public Library is prioritizing expansion of in-person service and increased access to library collections this summer.

Dorothy Hamm: Speaking Out

Dorothy Hamm was at the forefront of the civil rights movement in Arlington, and lead efforts to successfully desegregate Arlington’s schools and theaters.

Video: Arlington Reads with Emma Brown

Brown discussed her book “To Raise a Boy,” an investigation into how we teach boys to be men—and how we can do better.

Video: Interview with Freddie Lutz

A lively conversation with the owner and operator of Freddie’s Beach Bar, Arlington’s only LGBTQ+, straight friendly restaurant and bar.

Video: Arlington Reads Signature Author Laila Lalami

Laila Lalami discusses her life, her work, and the question, “What does it mean to be American?”

Video: Arlington Reads with Jenny Offill

Acclaimed fiction writer joins us for a conversation about her latest work, “Weather.”

Video: Multiracial Coalitions in the Civil Rights Era

The Poor People’s Campaign was held in Washington, D.C., during the spring of 1968.

Video: New APL Kids YouTube Channel

Storytimes designed to help your child learn reading readiness.

Video: Live from Diane’s Living Room

Diane speaks with Arlingtonians who have made a difference in our community.

Video: Book Covers Project

Artists, their books, and their creative processes.

Video: Stepping Stones to Early Literacy

Help your child get ready to learn to read!

Video: Alexis Coe in Conversation with Diane Kresh

Recorded for Arlington Reads, Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

Library Service News and Updates

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Food for Thought: Summer Reading Starts June 1

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eAudiobooks from OverDrive

Fiction, nonfiction, sci-fi, detective, romance and more.

eBooks from OverDrive

Fiction, nonfiction, sci-fi, detective, romance and more.

eNews

Read today’s headlines and the latest magazines.

Literary Classics

Free from Audible Stories, as long as schools are out.

Request Personalized Reading Recommendations

We’ll help find your next great book.

SYNC Audiobooks

Get two free YA audiobooks each week, April 30 – August 4.

Staff Picks

cover of "Born to be Posthumous"

Born to be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey

This is a substantial look at writer and illustrator Edward Gorey, detailing both his life and his works, and especially his relationships with other people. It's a strong attempt to know someone who desperately wanted NOT to be known.

Heather C.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T16:38:15-04:00

Heather C.

cover of "Born to be Posthumous"
This is a substantial look at writer and illustrator Edward Gorey, detailing both his life and his works, and especially his relationships with other people. It's a strong attempt to know someone who desperately wanted NOT to be known.
cover of "Women in Black"

The Women in Black

This delightful book about four women and a teenage intern, who work at a high end Sydney clothing store in the 1950's during the busy holiday season, will make you laugh and smile throughout its 200+ pages. For once the blurbs on the cover are accurate - a wonderful read.

Mike N.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T16:43:18-04:00

Mike N.

cover of "Women in Black"
This delightful book about four women and a teenage intern, who work at a high end Sydney clothing store in the 1950's during the busy holiday season, will make you laugh and smile throughout its 200+ pages. For once the blurbs on the cover are accurate - a wonderful read.
cover of "Midnight Riot"

Midnight Riot

When Peter Grant tries to take a witness statement from someone who turns out to be a ghost, he finds himself reassigned to The Folly, a forgotten branch of the Met that handles all the “weird stuff.” The first in a series that is the perfect blend of British police procedural and magic.

Jennie R.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T16:47:49-04:00

Jennie R.

cover of "Midnight Riot"
When Peter Grant tries to take a witness statement from someone who turns out to be a ghost, he finds himself reassigned to The Folly, a forgotten branch of the Met that handles all the “weird stuff.” The first in a series that is the perfect blend of British police procedural and magic.
cover of "I Left the House Today!"

I Left the House Today!

Life not working out quite how you expected? Calin's short and expressive illustrations reflect how it feels when everyday things don't go as planned. Relating to these small, life adventures put a smile on my face.

Sarah C.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T16:53:07-04:00

Sarah C.

cover of "I Left the House Today!"
Life not working out quite how you expected? Calin's short and expressive illustrations reflect how it feels when everyday things don't go as planned. Relating to these small, life adventures put a smile on my face.
cover of "Submission"

Submission

In a near-future France, François, a middle-aged academic, is watching his life slowly dwindle to nothing. In a late-capitalist society where consumerism has become the new religion, François is spiritually barren, but seeking to fill the vacuum of his existence.

David B.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T16:55:48-04:00

David B.

cover of "Submission"
In a near-future France, François, a middle-aged academic, is watching his life slowly dwindle to nothing. In a late-capitalist society where consumerism has become the new religion, François is spiritually barren, but seeking to fill the vacuum of his existence.
cover of "Scary Stories for Young Foxes"

Scary Stories for Young Foxes

What kind of scary stories do foxes tell? The yellow disease...Mr. Scratch...the witch with the silver claw... Each interlocking story reads like a folk tale, but describes a very real threat to the fox heroes. Did you love "Watership Down" or "Charlotte's Web"? Try this!

Charlotte M.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T17:00:29-04:00

Charlotte M.

cover of "Scary Stories for Young Foxes"
What kind of scary stories do foxes tell? The yellow disease...Mr. Scratch...the witch with the silver claw... Each interlocking story reads like a folk tale, but describes a very real threat to the fox heroes. Did you love "Watership Down" or "Charlotte's Web"? Try this!
cover of "The Fire Next Time"

The Fire Next Time

This short essay provides examples of what it was like to live as a Black man in the civil rights era, how to evolve our way of thinking less of someone, and what Americans need to do to achieve lasting change. It is a warning and it is about hope.

Brit A.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T17:03:38-04:00

Brit A.

cover of "The Fire Next Time"
This short essay provides examples of what it was like to live as a Black man in the civil rights era, how to evolve our way of thinking less of someone, and what Americans need to do to achieve lasting change. It is a warning and it is about hope.
cover of "Real Murders"

Real Murders

If you're looking for a bit of an escape and mystery than "Real Murders" is for you. It's a great audio listen for your morning walks. You'll be right there with Aurora mulling of over details and working to solve the murder. Can't get enough? There are 9 more in the series!

Karen S.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T17:08:38-04:00

Karen S.

cover of "Real Murders"
If you're looking for a bit of an escape and mystery than "Real Murders" is for you. It's a great audio listen for your morning walks. You'll be right there with Aurora mulling of over details and working to solve the murder. Can't get enough? There are 9 more in the series!
cover of "Surveillance Capitalism"

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power

Meticulously researched and painstakingly argued, this book unfolds like a real world dystopian novel. It made me think about technology, democracy, and society in a whole new light.

Amy S.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T17:14:05-04:00

Amy S.

cover of "Surveillance Capitalism"
Meticulously researched and painstakingly argued, this book unfolds like a real world dystopian novel. It made me think about technology, democracy, and society in a whole new light.
cover of "Atchafalaya houseboat"

Atchafalaya Houseboat: My Years in the Louisiana Swamp

In the early 1970s, two idealistic young people decided to leave civilization and re-create the vanished simple life of their great-grandparents, building and living on a houseboat for eight years in the heart of Louisiana's million-acre Atchafalaya River Basin Swamp.

Sara Z. K.

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-24T17:19:39-04:00

Sara Z. K.

cover of "Atchafalaya houseboat"
In the early 1970s, two idealistic young people decided to leave civilization and re-create the vanished simple life of their great-grandparents, building and living on a houseboat for eight years in the heart of Louisiana's million-acre Atchafalaya River Basin Swamp.
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Arlington Public Library

More Staff Picks

Book Lists for Kids

Explore books about and for kids.

Book Lists for Teens

Explore books about and for teens.

BookFlix

Explore educational topics through favorite storybooks.

Kids Audible

Streaming audio stories for kids, in six languages, available as long as schools are closed.

Kids YouTube Videos

Storytime Videos

OverDrive for Kids

ebooks and eAudiobooks for kids.

OverDrive for Teens

eBooks and eAudiobooks for teens.

Parent and Caregiver Support Webinars

From the Department of Human Services.

SYNC Audiobooks

Get two free YA audiobooks each week, April 30 – August 4.

Videos: Stepping Stones to Early Literacy

Help your child get ready to learn to read!

Kids, Teens and Families

What's the Story?

Sign Up for the Library Newsletter

Small Business

Get help with your small business or begin your own small business with our tools and resources.

For Job Seekers

Job search and resume tools to help you find your perfect career.

Nonprofits

Nonprofit events, programs, videos and booklist to get you started in Arlington County.

COVID-19 Small Business Resources

The latest business resources, all in one place.

Virtual Resume & Job Search Help

30-minute appointments with experienced volunteers.

Job Search Books

Networking, cover letters, resumes and interviewing.

Job and Business Help

Learn New Ideas and Skills

Mango Languages

Pick from 71 languages, for multiple skill levels.

LinkedIn Learning

Learn the latest commercial software, business and creative skills.

Introduction to Coding

Interested in learning to code, but not sure where to start?

Great Courses

Lectures on literature, religion, history, music, physics and more.

Consumer Reports

Research products and services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the County’s Face Covering Policy?

When visiting the Library, the County Visitor Face Covering Policy from the Arlington County Government website is in effect.

Learn more

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-22T12:30:30-04:00

Learn more

When visiting the Library, the County Visitor Face Covering Policy from the Arlington County Government website is in effect.

I’d Like to Volunteer at the Library. How Can I Apply?

We are in the process of welcoming back our pre-existing, trained volunteers. At the moment we are unable to accommodate new volunteers, but we will do so as soon as possible.
Arlington Public Library
2021-03-22T12:31:57-04:00
We are in the process of welcoming back our pre-existing, trained volunteers. At the moment we are unable to accommodate new volunteers, but we will do so as soon as possible.

When will Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Open?

Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Library will reopen in Fall 2021.
Arlington Public Library
2021-03-22T12:33:58-04:00
Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Library will reopen in Fall 2021.

Is the Library accepting book donations?

Book donations will be accepted by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library at all open Library locations after August 6.

The answers to most common questions about donations can be found on the Friends of the Arlington Public Library website. If you don't find the information you are looking for, use this form to contact us.

Learn more

Arlington Public Library
2021-03-22T12:36:12-04:00

Learn more

Book donations will be accepted by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library at all open Library locations after August 6. The answers to most common questions about donations can be found on the Friends of the Arlington Public Library website. If you don't find the information you are looking for, use this form to contact us.

Why are returned items still on my account?

For staffing reasons, items may not get checked in for several days after they have been returned in a book drop.

If over 7 days have passed since you returned your library items and they remain on your account, please use this form to tell us which items you returned, and we’ll update your account.
Arlington Public Library
2021-03-22T12:37:30-04:00
For staffing reasons, items may not get checked in for several days after they have been returned in a book drop. If over 7 days have passed since you returned your library items and they remain on your account, please use this form to tell us which items you returned, and we’ll update your account.
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Arlington Public Library

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