Browsing and Holds Pickup
Effective, March 9, 2021, Arlington Public Library is reopening the Shirlington and Westover Branch Libraries for a 15-minute Express Library Service.
"This has been a long year and Arlingtonians have missed their libraries. We are delighted to bring back time-limited, in-person browsing and reconnect with the community we love," says Library Director Diane Kresh.
Open Hours
- Tuesday through Thursday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At Shirlington and Westover Express Service locations, library patrons will be able to:
- Browse books and media
- Pick up holds
- Check out items by using the self-serve checkout stations
- Receive physically-distanced assistance for account management and wayfinding
Patrons will be able to browse and check out books and media for 15 minutes initially with the possibility of expanding to 30 minutes after evaluating patron demand. The library’s priority is to provide library access to as many patrons as possible while ensuring patron and staff safety by limiting the number of people in the building at one time.
All other services will be unavailable, including public seating, meeting rooms and public computers.
Holds Pickup and Online Services
The Holds Pickup Service at Central Library will continue to operate as scheduled and patrons can use online Library resources 24x7. Patrons are encouraged to use these services in lieu of browsing when possible.
"Our plans for reopening have always been predicated on our ability to establish a sustainable model and maintain the safety of patrons and staff. The last thing we wanted to do was reopen prematurely and close again, frustrating patrons and staff, alike," Kresh continued.
All other branches will remain closed at this time, and a reopening date for the remaining branches has not yet been determined. Arlington Public Library continues to work closely with County Government leadership and the Department of Public Health to make decisions about Library operations.
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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.
