There's more to our story.
April 23-29 is National Library Week. A pretty big deal for libraries across the nation, including this one.
This year’s theme is “there’s more to the story.” Libraries are full of possibilities ranging from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks and now we offer Kanopy (30,000 documentary films and movies to stream for free). In addition, we have the Library of Things where patrons borrow American Girl dolls, games, gardening tools and DIY kits.
Library programming connects community members to one another through book clubs, storytimes, musical performances, crafting classes at The Shop and author talks with Arlington Reads. Award-winning graphic novelist Jerry Craft ("New Kid," "Class Act" and "School Trip") will be in person (and streaming) at Central Library on Apr. 27.
Library infrastructure provides high-speed internet and computers, indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi, spaces for meetings or group study, comfortable seating for reading and tables for doing homework. The Teleconnect Space at Columbia Pike Library enables patrons to conduct online healthcare appointments, job interviews, career counselor meetings and social service appointments in a private setting. We invite you to check out our newest location, the Courthouse Library, on the ground floor of the Ellen Bozman Government Center.
Library professionals support businesses, job seekers and entrepreneurs. Youth Librarians help hone literacy skills for our youngest residents. At Arlington Public Library we offer all this for free.
Arlington Public Library’s vision is to be “the heart of a thoughtful, inclusive and dynamic community where people and ideas connect.” Let’s think about a few of those words. Thoughtful: our collections represent diverse points of view and appeal to a myriad of lifestyles. Inclusive: Arlington’s libraries accept all people. We are welcoming spaces where all who enter our doors are accepted for who they are. Where people and ideas connect: libraries are safe places for exploration and discovery. To learn about the world and one’s place in it. To learn who we are.
And speaking of increasing understanding, on Sat., Apr. 29 we will host a Human Library, where human “readers” are invited to check out a human “book” and engage in a conversation.
In February, The New York Times published “A Love Letter to Libraries, Long Overdue.” If you have not read it, I encourage you to do so. The article speaks volumes to people like me who have spent close to 50 years working in libraries. There is one line from the article I keep thinking about:
"The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected."
— Elisabeth Egan and Erica Ackerberg for The New York Times
Yes, yes, and YES.
There is and will continue to be “more to the story” in libraries – in their collections and in their services. Let us help you discover new aspects of your story. We will write it together.
Always free, always open, always your library.
Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library
