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 are judgement free zones — safe spaces that welcome all who enter their doors, regardless of beliefs, gender preferences, country of origin, age, income status, education or appearance.
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 help people find their way and those who are alone find connection and companionship.
Libraries celebrate history and culture and honor the personal
stories of those who came before. Susan Orlean, author of “The Library Book,” describes the library as “a gathering pool of narratives and of the people who come to find them. It is where we can glimpse immortality; in the library, we can live forever.”
Library staff do what they do with empathy, generosity and creativity.
Our services are free.
These are a few of our reasons. We bet you can name others.
Thank you for giving Arlington Public Library many reasons to be.
Diane
I have loved the Arlington Reads series — provocative and erudite discussions of literature, politics, and life by superb writers. It may be the best English literature class offered in the area . . . and it’s free.
I really enjoyed Reel Page Turners at Westover and Lee Center. Hope you do it again.
I am very proud of my Library
Arlington is a wonderful
Place to live and to amazed with our libraries
God bless you ❤️
A D.C. resident, I was privileged to be at the Main Branch Arlington library for the first time when Tommy Orange spoke there this fall. I have heard perhaps 50 or so famous authors interviewed at public events including those at the Library of Congress. I say without qualification, that no author interview I have been at was conducted nearly as well as that evening in Arlington.
Each question posed by the head librarian (you, Diane?) was excellent. Nothing trite. Respectful but not fawning. A broad spectrum of interesting and relevant questions that triggered some responses not found in his other interviews.
I have been praising your skill to many ever since and am only disappointed it was not video-captured and made available on the library’s web site. Nonetheless, I will now make a point to come to future such events at the Arlington library.
I just moved to Arlington last month and have been so happy that I made this my choice for new community. A real plus is having a welcoming library community within walking distance! Hope to become more involved next year.
Eileen
This is a long delayed but deeply heartfelt thank you for the quick actions of the staff on duty at the Westover Library on January 23, 2019. Their actions saved my mother’s life. She began showing signs of a stroke while at the library on that afternoon. They called 911 and took her to the staff room until the ambulance arrived. Thanks be to them, the quality medical care from the EMT’s and VHC, and God, she is a thriving example of the effects of rapid treatment.
Ann Gray’s grateful daughter,
Stephanie