Be part of shaping the future of the public library.
Arlington Public Library is committed to providing the best possible services and resources to our community.
We invite you to participate in a brief 10-minute questionnaire to share your thoughts and opinions on a set of 12 potential services and experiences we developed with the community. Your input will help influence the decisions and tradeoffs we make to enhance our programs, collections and facilities to better serve you and the community. The last day to respond to the questionnaire is May 31.
We appreciate your feedback and dedication to Arlington Public Library. Together, we can make our library an even better place for everyone.
Want to join the conversation in person?
Drop by Community Voices Day on May 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shirlington Library to explore the concepts and share your feedback through in-person activities. Please RSVP at libraries@arlingtonva.us to notify us of your attendance.
The process so far
A year ago, County Manager Mark Schwartz called for libraries to engage the public in envisioning our future.
Last summer, Arlington Public Library held “Future of Libraries” conversations with staff which included in-person and virtual meetings and a digital staff survey. In the fall, the library conducted a search for an outside consultant to lead the public-facing portion of the project. Accenture was awarded the project.
Concept development
Accenture has developed future state scenario concepts with accompanying visuals of potential Arlington Public Library experiences, services and interactions.
Community members, library staff and County stakeholders provided input into scenario development. These scenarios are being pushed out to active library patrons and Arlington residents via a digital questionnaire and through a community engagement day May 21 aimed at attracting non-library users.
Participants are asked to prioritize and consider tradeoffs among scenarios. The process will assist in establishing priorities for moving the library forward in a resource-constrained environment. A final report will be delivered with the results of the community engagement and recommendations for implementation will be provided.
Engagements past and present
Site visits by Accenture staff at libraries. Accenture staff has observed programs and patron engagement at a representative sample of various library locations.
Interviews with the public. Accenture staff has conducted intercept interviews with a sampling of the public at sites across Arlington County. These informal conversations are meant to capture people where they work, play and live.
Co-Creation Workshop led by Accenture. In April, community members, a limited number of staff from the library and other County departments, and County stakeholders gathered at Central Library to dream big about libraries. All Arlington civic associations received invitations to participate. Senior library leadership observed but did not participate.
A digital questionnaire created by Accenture. The questionnaire is being distributed to cardholders and program attendees through email, as well as to the broader public through County and community partners. Flyers with QR code will be displayed at all library locations.
Community Voices Day on May 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shirlington Library facilitated by Accenture. This will be a chance to attract non-library users and for anyone interested to take part in evaluating and prioritizing scenarios. Interested participants should RSVP at libraries@arlingtonva.us to notify us of your attendance.
If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, email: libraries@arlingtonva.us.