Arlington Public Library

Alprin

October 7 is “Let Freedom Read” Day!

Let Freedom Read Day

Today and Everyday Read Whatever You Want--Whenever, However.

Each year, libraries and bookstores across the country observe Banned Books Week.

This year, Arlington County and Arlington Public Library became an official Book Sanctuary.

On September 26, the Arlington County Board adopted a Resolution in support of Arlington Public Library declaring, “Arlington County libraries as Book Sanctuaries, committed to protecting banned and challenged books and the right of the residents of Arlington to read the books they choose without fear of suppression.”

Banned Books Week encourages readers to examine challenged literary works and promotes free and open access to ideas and information.

Alert: Heatwave Advisory Starting July 26.

Arlington County is forecasted to experience a heatwave starting tomorrow, July 26, with heat indices as high as 110 degrees.

Visit libraries/community centers for free, cool places to spend time indoors.

To find a library nearest you, visit our hours and locations page.

Limited Parking at Columbia Pike Library.

Parking at Columbia Pike Library will be impacted starting June 20, due to APS construction project at the Arlington Community High School.

On June 20, Arlington Public Schools will begin major construction on the Arlington Community High School which is located on the same block as Columbia Pike Library.

Columbia Pike Library will remain open during construction. No library services or programs will be affected.

However, parking will be impacted. To access the surface parking lot for Columbia Pike Library, enter from S. Highland Street. Access from S. Walter Reed Drive will be for construction vehicles only. Consider walking, biking or taking the bus to Columbia Pike Library.

Phasing and logistics are subject to change due to design progression, contractor input, and unforeseen conditions.

For more information: Arlington Career Center Project - Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us)

For National Library Week the Human Library Comes to Arlington Public Library on Sat., Apr. 29

Delve into the life story of someone in this unique experience, a global initiative to increase understanding and empathy.

On Sat., April 29 at Central Library, the Human Library comes to Arlington.

At this in-person event developed by the Human Library Organization in Denmark, human "readers" are invited to check out a “human book" for an enlightening conversation. A “human book” speaks to their lived experience as a person who is commonly judged by society for some aspect of their existence.

Our “human books” are volunteers and active members of the Arlington community or the Washington metropolitan area.

“Everyone has a story,” said library director Diane Kresh. “As part of National Library Week, we are thrilled to host this global initiative, the Human Library, that increases understanding of 'others' through open, respectful conversations.”

A person with blue hair, glasses, and a visible tattoo wearing a shirt that reads "I am a Book of the Human Library" speaks to a group of people.

Attendees, also known as "readers," will be able to borrow "human books" for 30-minute conversations. All human books come with a title and synopsis to help readers select what they would like to "read" (i.e. with whom they would like to converse).

The book will introduce themselves and tell you a little about themselves before you begin to ask questions. If a book you would like to read is not immediately available, you can place a hold for a later timeslot. Readers in a family or small group can check out a book together. All books and checkout periods will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event is best for ages 14 and older. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a Code of Conduct and expectations of behavior for participants.

Invited “human books” include: "Blind/Low Vision," "Black Transgender Man," "Tattoo Artist," "Bipolar Disorder," "Anxiety Disorder," "Previously Incarcerated" and "Nonspeaking Autism."

###

The Human Library® creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers. All of our human books are volunteers with personal experience with their topic. The Human Library® is a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.



Download the Library App