October 22-25, score rare finds and amazing deals at the can't-miss book sale!
The Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) invite you to the 2026 Fall Book Sale!
The much-anticipated semiannual sale returns this fall to the Central Library parking garage and features thousands of books, games, puzzles and other items for all ages and interests at incredible bargains—with proceeds supporting library collections and programs like Arlington Reads.
Dates, hours and location
Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., parking garage
- Thu., October 22, 3-7:45 p.m. (FOAL Members Only Night)
- Fri., October 23, 10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (Public sale)
- Sat., October 24, 10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (Public sale)
- Sun., October 25, 10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (Public sale, Half-Price Day)
Major credit cards and cash will be accepted. Checks are no longer accepted.
Please bring your own bags or boxes.
Teachers and librarians with school IDs, enjoy a 50% discount on book purchases Friday and Saturday, while everyone saves 50% on Sunday!
Grab refreshments while you shop! The Rossana food and coffee truck will be at the Library on Friday, October 23, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, October 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Friends to support the Library's services and programs.
Explore the Specialty Books Room
Looking for signed books, first editions, full sets and other rare finds? We have plenty for you to peruse inside!
Take the G2 elevator or stairs up from the book sale and visit the Quincy Room (on the first floor of the library by the Quincy Park entrance). Specialty books will be sold on Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Parking & Garage Access
There will be no parking available in the library garage for the duration of the Book Sale. The ramp will also be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The Central Library’s Quincy Street entrance is temporarily closed. The library remains open during ongoing building upgrades, but visitors should use the 10th Street or surface parking lot entrances while work is underway.
To access the sale in the garage, use the Central Library G2/3 elevator, located near the entrance from the surface parking lot, or use the garage stairwells.
Please take Metro or park in the outdoor lots surrounding the library. The closest Metro stations are Ballston and Virginia Square on the Orange and Silver Lines.
For accessible parking, use the surface lot behind Central Library. The elevator inside the building (surface parking lot entrance) will take you to G2 and the sale.
Free parking, without parking meters, within a short walk may also be available at:
- Quincy Park (gravel lot)
- N Nelson St (weekends & after 5 p.m. on weekdays, street parking)
- Eastbound Washington Blvd (street parking)
Nearby paid parking options include:
FOAL members enjoy early access!
Thursday night is Members Only Night! To become a FOAL member, use the online application form.
Interested in volunteering?
Contact volunteer@arlingtonlibraryfriends.org or fill out the volunteer application form to find out more about volunteering opportunities for the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.