From her first interview for the role of Director of Arlington Public Library, Diane Kresh had a goal: to create a community reading program that not only followed in the footsteps of Nancy Pearl's "If All Seattle Read the Same Book" project, but also engaged challenging topics facing the Library's community.
In 2006, Kresh and her colleagues began the series that would bring her vision to life: Arlington Reads. Designed for Arlington's diverse, civically engaged residents, Arlington Public Library's signature program pairs popular authors with timely themes and uses the Library’s role as a trusted convener to foster civil conversation, empathy and positive action.
The evolution of a series
In 2006, Arlington Reads brought the community together to read and discuss Anne Tyler's "Digging to America," exploring immigration and belonging. In 2009, the first unforgettable in-house author visits of the series brought insider perspectives on the United States Supreme Court.
Now, each season of Arlington Reads curates authors around central themes—from housing inequity and climate change to graphic novels and romance—balancing fiction and nonfiction to surface hard truths and human stories.
The evolution of a series
In 2006, Arlington Reads brought the community together to read and discuss Anne Tyler's "Digging to America," exploring immigration and belonging. In 2009, the first unforgettable in-house author visits of the series brought insider perspectives on the United States Supreme Court.
Now, each season of Arlington Reads curates authors around central themes — from housing inequity and climate change to graphic novels and romance — balancing fiction and nonfiction to surface hard truths and human stories.
The evolution of a series
In 2006, Arlington Reads brought the community together to read and discuss Anne Tyler's "Digging to America," exploring immigration and belonging. In 2009, the first unforgettable in-house author visits of the series brought insider perspectives on the United States Supreme Court.
Now, each season of Arlington Reads curates authors around central themes — from housing inequity and climate change to graphic novels and romance — balancing fiction and nonfiction to surface hard truths and human stories.
“I wanted it to be meaningful in terms of the topic and the conversation — to have relevance to what we were dealing with as a community. Not just ‘we’re all going to read the same book,’ but something that could spur action.”
—Diane Kresh, Director of Arlington Public Library
“We wanted the program to be inclusive of everyone in the community: How do we get other folks to come into our doors? We have done that, and we continue to do that.”
—Vicky McCaffrey, Librarian & early Arlington Reads collaborator
“During the pandemic, Arlington Reads kept people engaged. It gave people a way to talk about books, to be with people virtually.”
—Megan Wianecki, Librarian
“I wanted it to be meaningful in terms of the topic and the conversation — to have relevance to what we were dealing with as a community. Not just ‘we’re all going to read the same book,’ but something that could spur action.”
—Diane Kresh, Director of Arlington Public Library
“We wanted the program to be inclusive of everyone in the community: How do we get other folks to come into our doors? We have done that, and we continue to do that.”
—Vicky McCaffrey, Librarian & early Arlington Reads collaborator
“During the pandemic, Arlington Reads kept people engaged. It gave people a way to talk about books, to be with people virtually.”
—Megan Wianecki, Librarian
From conversation to action
Arlington Reads supported Arlington's food sustainability initiative in 2010, sparking the creation of Central Library’s demonstration vegetable garden. This fostered a partnership with the Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA) and its Plot Against Hunger program.
Supported by volunteers, the garden models sustainable, urban-friendly practices, offering a hub for hands-on learning while donating 100% of its harvest to local families.
Arlington Reads reaches far beyond the Library through engagements with Marymount University, local schools and the Arlington County Detention Facility, where authors meet with highly engaged participants from the Community Readiness Unit's book club.
Through book discussions, student Q&As and hands-on creative workshops, these outreach efforts foster connection and inspiration across age groups and communities.
When Arlington Reads celebrated romance in 2025, the Library hosted a contest for one lucky couple to win a free public library wedding. Patrons took part in crafting decorations, arranging flowers, sharing well-wishes and celebrating the ceremony together.
What emerged was a warm, collaborative community effort — with ample moments of belonging, creativity and shared joy among neighbors and local businesses.
Arlington Reads is made possible in part through the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
Arlington Reads video archive
Most Arlington Reads events welcome virtual attendance through live streams, available to view for a limited time after each event.
Past Arlington Reads authors
View past Arlington Reads author lineups, with links to each authors' titles available at the library.