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Library Operations Update: 2021 Service Changes

Preparations Underway for New Express Service at Two Locations

The Arlington County Board has allocated funding to reopen two Branch Library locations – Shirlington and Westover – for Express Library Service. Preparations are underway, and service is planned to begin as soon as January 2021. 

What is Express Library Service? 

  • Patrons will be able to browse collections, check out materials and pick up holds.
  • Patrons will use self-serve checkout stations.
  • All other services will be unavailable, including public seating, meeting rooms and public computers.
  • Occupancy will be limited; patrons will be asked to take no more than 30 minutes inside the library.
  • State and local public health guidelines will apply.
  • Service will operate during select days and times, including on weekends.

What does this mean for the Library?

When Express Library Service begins at Shirlington and Westover, Central Library will continue to operate the current Holds Pickup Service in the Auditorium. All other library locations will remain closed (including the Columbia Pike Branch, which is under construction).

What are our next steps?

More details about Express Library Service will be published in late December. Arlington County is closely monitoring public health data, and Library operational plans are subject to change as necessary.

Please continue to send us your feedback. We read and consider all comments.

Send Us Your Feedback

If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds, please contact us by phone, online chat or text.

November 18, 2020 by Web Editor

Filed Under: News

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Peg Morris says

    November 21, 2020 at 12:41 PM

    Love it. I can walk to Westover.
    Also suggest having bathroom open. Will love express pickup. Will
    the books be put on the hold shelves again. Frantically reading to catch up on my holds.

    Really appreciate services provided.

  2. Mary Penchoff says

    November 22, 2020 at 4:20 PM

    Will I be able to pick up holds at Shirlington in 2021?

    • Web Editor says

      November 29, 2020 at 11:45 AM

      Mary,
      Yes, the Express Library Service plan includes holds pickup.

  3. Kathleen says

    November 29, 2020 at 3:58 PM

    I’m curious how the two locations were selected. As a Westover resident, it benefits me, but I can’t help but wonder if class played into the decision, even unintentionally.

    • Michael says

      December 1, 2020 at 9:51 AM

      I’m curious about that as well. If they were basing the decision on population density, the next two to reopen would have been Plaza and Aurora Hills. If they were basing the decision on distance from Central, the next two to reopen would have been Shirlington and Aurora Hills. Residents of Aurora Hills must be especially curious because that branch remains closed even though it would have been reopened under both criteria.

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