Arlington County's Response to the Outbreak and Your Library
Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) is monitoring the latest information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and following directions from state and local health officials.
At this time, all 8 Arlington Public Library locations are open and operating on our normal schedule.
Events and Programs
To ensure the health and safety of our community, Arlington County has recently issued Guidance for Public Meetings and Gatherings to Mitigate and Contain the Spread of COVID-19.
Check the Library calendar for the status of individual events. Event policies are under review and will be updated as necessary.
- Winter Reading Hot Chocolate Party - This event will take place as scheduled, but in a modified format. Please use your own discretion on whether to participate.
- Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale - Postponed.
- Paws to Read - This partner program is suspended until further notice.
Steps We Are Taking
Your safety, and that of Library staff, is our primary concern. With that in mind we are taking the following steps:
- We are cleaning and sanitizing as much as possible, especially in "high touch" areas of all Library facilities.
- Shared toys and other children's high-touch items will be removed from our public spaces.
- American Girl Dolls will not be available for holds or borrowing until further notice.
- Hand sanitizer is available for library users.
Library Access from Home
If you prefer not to visit the Library in person, you can contact library staff during open hours via Chat or Text. Or call us at your favorite Library location.
With our digital services, your library card gives you free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, online classes and more. Learn more about our eCollection.
Library Materials
Some patrons have asked about the viability of disinfecting returned materials. We currently do not disinfect borrowed materials when they are returned or used in the Library. Currently, disinfecting these types of items and materials is not included in the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Check back for updates as the situation evolves.