Alert

Storytime programs are paused August 15-29. More Info

Alert

Update: Quincy St entrance closed during upgrades at Central Library. More Info

Arlington Public Library

Christopher George

Your Library App has updated! Learn how to set it up.

Get Ready for an App Refresh

Released on August 4 for iOS and Android devices, the updated Library App provides a sleeker look and new features like optional reading history tracking and easier navigation to our mobile checkout app. You'll enjoy the same streamlined access to Library collections, ability to manage multiple card holders, and timely information about programs, services and locations.

If the app on your device doesn’t update automatically, search your app store for the Arlington Public Library app and manually download the latest version (version 3.0), compatible with iOS 16.4 and Android 7.0 or later.

Setting Up Your Library App

When logging in for the first time, you will need to relink your library card account(s). Some account details, including active Summer Reading logs, may take a few minutes to update. Look up your library card number.

Homescreen of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to an icon in the upper-right corner.
Account preferences of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to a plus icon in the upper left-hand corner.
New account menu of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to username/barcode, nickname and password fields.

After updating the app, push notifications will be automatically disabled. You may enable these by navigating to the notifications section of each account and selecting your preferred categories.

Account preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with an arrow pointing toward the Notifications option.
Notification preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with all notifications disabled.
Notification preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with all notifications enabled.
Browse book lists from the homepage.
Filter events by interest, date or location.
Rate titles or add them to your lists.
Get recommendations based on titles you rate.

Features and Upgrades

  • New! Option to enable reading history tracking
  • New! Link to mobile checkout app
  • Browsable booklists and news
  • Create and update your own booklists in the app
  • Rate titles and see personalized recommendations
  • Share books and events with your contacts
  • One-touch digital library card

Questions? Comments?

Use the Library App Feedback Form to share your experience.

The Library App is a collaboration between the Arlington Public Library and Arlington’s Department of Technology Services.

Storytime programs are paused August 15-29.

Storytimes are taking a short pause.

We hope you've had a great summer!

As Summer Reading draws to a close, our Youth Services librarians take a short break to get ready for our fall storytime schedule.

They're gathering books, practicing their songs and rhymes and preparing crafts to help your little ones learn about sounds, words and reading!

Keep practicing early literacy with our other offerings.

Storytimes will resume Saturday, August 29.

Bookmark Contest: Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Design a bookmark to be professionally printed and distributed at the library.

Submit your entry September 1-28 online or at any library.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, Arlington Public Library has celebrated the theme "Libraries, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" through a yearlong Arlington 250 series.

Now, we invite you to create a bookmark design for Arlington Public Library that explores this moment in our nation—and the role that libraries have played in it from the beginning.

Winning entries by age category will be professionally printed and distributed at all library locations in early December.

A winning artist of 2024's Freedom to Read Bookmark Contest poses with their printed bookmark.
A winning artist of 2024's Freedom to Read Bookmark Contest poses with their printed bookmark.

Submission guidelines

  • Entries should aim to fill or fit within a space of 3x7.125 inches.
  • Artwork should relate to the nation's 250th anniversary, books or the library.
  • You may use any material including colored pencils or crayons to create your artwork or design.
  • Digital entries (JPEG, TIF, PNG, AI, PDF, EPS) are accepted up to 25 MB per entry.
  • Winners will be notified by late November and may pick up copies of their printed bookmark to share starting in early December.
  • Art will become property of Arlington Public Library and will not be returned. It may be used for future library promotional materials.

Submit your entry September 1-28 at any library location with a printed submission form (PDF) [update forthcoming] or online using the form below.

The contest is free and open to all!

Online submission form

Artist's Name(Required)

Contact Info for Artist or Guardian

Guardian Name (if applicable)
If an artist's design is chosen, a set of printed bookmark copies will be reserved for them to pick up at their chosen library. Artists will have a chance to change this later!

Max. file size: 25 MB.

Available Now: An Updated Library App

Get Ready for an App Refresh

Released on August 4 for iOS and Android devices, the updated Library App provides a sleeker look and new features like optional reading history tracking and easier navigation to our mobile checkout app. You'll enjoy the same streamlined access to Library collections, ability to manage multiple card holders, and timely information about programs, services and locations.

If the app on your device doesn’t update automatically, search your app store for the Arlington Public Library app and manually download the latest version (version 3.0), compatible with iOS 16.4 and Android 7.0 or later.

Setting Up Your Library App

When logging in for the first time, you will need to relink your library card account(s). Some account details, including active Summer Reading logs, may take a few minutes to update. Look up your library card number.

Homescreen of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to an icon in the upper-right corner.
Account preferences of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to a plus icon in the upper left-hand corner.
New account menu of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to username/barcode, nickname and password fields.

After updating the app, push notifications will be automatically disabled. You may enable these by navigating to the notifications section of each account and selecting your preferred categories.

Account preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with an arrow pointing toward the Notifications option.
Notification preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with all notifications disabled.
Notification preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with all notifications enabled.

Features and Upgrades

  • New! Option to enable reading history tracking
  • New! Link to mobile checkout app
  • Browsable booklists and news
  • Create and update your own booklists in the app
  • Rate titles and see personalized recommendations
  • Share books and events with your contacts
  • One-touch digital library card

Questions? Comments?

Use the Library App Feedback Form to share your experience.

The Library App is a collaboration between the Arlington Public Library and Arlington’s Department of Technology Services.

Browse book lists from the homepage.
Filter events by interest, date or location.
Rate titles or add them to your lists.
Get recommendations based on titles you rate.

July 18, enjoy free all-day fun at LibraryFest!

Happy 250! LibraryFest

Join us for a free, all-day community festival

Update: LibraryFest will proceed rain, shine or smog! Some events may be moved indoors. Check the schedule below for updates.

Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Arlington Public Library hosts an all-ages celebration at Central Library to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Experience multiple back-to-back musical and spoken word performances, a large LEGO sculpture of the U.S. Constitution, DIY arts and crafts activities, singing storytimes about America, genealogy and digitization workshops, and cultural and historical demonstrations.

View the LibraryFest Lineup

Enjoy food trucks or a picnic

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Bring your own picnic to enjoy at tables near the library and Quincy Park, or visit multiple food trucks from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Children receive free popcorn while supplies last.

Travel by bike, bus or Metro

libraryfest-biking

Limited garage parking is available, but the surface parking lot will be closed during LibraryFest. With our ART bus stop, Metro nearby and bike parking onsite, transit or biking is strongly recommended. Free overflow parking is available at Washington-Liberty High School.

Explore supporting programs

Blue and red 3D printed stars read "I heart my library" and "Arlington VA 250," with The Shop's 3D printers visible in the background.

Celebrate early by making a 3D printed star with The Shop makerspace, exploring our related Arlington 250 programs or submitting a favorite library memory!

LibraryFest is generously funded by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library which supports all library programs, including Arlington 250 and Summer Reading.

Logo of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL).
Logo for Arlington VA 250. Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

LibraryFest Schedule

Filter by Interest

Filter by Audience

Filter by Location

YoYo Workshop with the DMV Throwers

Learn yoyo basics, tricks and care from experienced practitioners. Loaner yoyos available for all skill levels.

10:00 am

-

2:00 pm
Second Floor

|

Public Computer Area
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families

Our Community Pavilion

Connect with local efforts and groups working to build a bright future for Arlington.

10:00 am

-

4:30 pm
Second Floor

|

Demonstration Room Entrance
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, History

Calligraphy Workshop

Learn basic calligraphy techniques and write a letter to a future Arlingtonian.

10:00 am

-

1:00 pm
First Floor

|

Quincy Room
Kids, Teens, Adults
Crafts

Make A Wish for America

Write your wishes for America’s future on a paper flame to help “light” a birthday cake poster!

10:00 am

-

4:00 pm
First Floor

|

Quincy Room Entrance
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Crafts

Crafts and Tasks from the Past

Try crafts and tasks that children undertook during colonial times with The Woman’s Club of Arlington.

10:00 am

-

4:00 pm
Second Floor

|

Demonstration Room Entrance
Kids
Families, Crafts, History

The Art of Paper, Writing & Publishing

Explore calligraphy, bookbinding, ink making, paper marbling and letterpress printing through live demonstrations.

10:00 am

-

4:00 pm
Second Floor

|

Demonstration Room
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Crafts, History

Print Your Own 250 Poster

Print a custom-designed commemorative America 250 poster to take home (while supplies last).

11:00 am

-

3:00 pm
Outside

|

10th St. Library Entrance
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Crafts

Words Matter: A Spoken Word Stage

Hear local poets, performers and leaders share works reflecting on America’s past, present and future.

11:00 am

-

4:30 pm
First Floor

|

Words Matter Stage
Kids, Teens, Adults
Music & Performance, History

Rainbow Rock Band

Sing, dance and rock along to an interactive, family-friendly mix of folk, pop and rockabilly music.

11:00 am

-

11:45 am
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance

Digital Preservation of Family Photos

Learn best practices for scanning, organizing and preserving family photos for future generations.

12:00 pm

-

1:00 pm
First Floor

|

Center for Local History
Teens, Adults
History

Traditional Tunes of the Dulcimer

Enjoy Appalachian folk music with all-ages singalongs and performances mixed with free dulcimer lessons for ages 12+.

12:00 pm

-

4:30 pm
First Floor

|

Glebe Room
Kids, Teens, Adults
Music & Performance

The Sunshine Gang

Sing, dance and jam out with a repertoire of classic rock tunes.

12:00 pm

-

12:45 pm
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance

Fort Washington Victorian Dance Society

Watch Victorian-era dances come to life and learn a few steps yourself—no experience required.

1:00 pm

-

1:45 pm
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance, History

Homemade Hornbooks & Quill Pens

Create a colonial-era hornbook and practice writing with a quill while exploring early American learning tools.

2:00 pm

-

4:00 pm
First Floor

|

Quincy Room
Kids
Families, Crafts, History

Washington Revels Heritage Voices

Experience traditional music, hymns and Civil Rights-era favorites that tell the American story.

2:00 pm

-

2:45 pm
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance, History

Whiskey Before Breakfast

Enjoy Celtic and bluegrass tunes from a WAMMIE Award-winning instrumental band.

3:00 pm

-

3:45 pm
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance, History

All-Female Native American Dance Blend

Experience powerful Native American song and dance traditions celebrating culture, storytelling and healing.

4:00 pm

-

5:15 pm
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance, History

The Capitol Hillbillies

Close out LibraryFest with a lively mix of blues, bluegrass, jazz, gospel and other American roots music.

5:30 pm

-

7:00 pm
First Floor

|

Auditorium
Kids, Teens, Adults
Families, Music & Performance

Make a 3D Printed Star for Arlington 250

For the month of July as part of Arlington Public Library's Arlington 250 celebration marking the nation's 250th anniversary, The Shop makerspace invites patrons to participate in a new Sit and Make activity: creating a custom 3D printed star!

Using the free Tinkercad design platform at home or at computers available in The Shop, patrons can design a red, white or blue star to submit for 3D printing. The Shop team will then print the star for free (limit one star per patron) and notify the patron by email when the star is ready for pickup!

View Project Guide

Perform Poetry and Spoken Word at LibraryFest

Words Matter: A Spoken Word and Poetry Stage

July 18, mark America's 250th birthday with an all-day LibraryFest celebration at Central Library—and perform a piece for our community to celebrate the power of words.

The Library invites performers to share original or favorite poems or speeches that capture what America means to you. This can range from how America has shaped you, your favorite things about America, your reflections on America's contradictions, and your hopes for America’s future.

Please submit your piece for consideration by June 14. Following review by Library staff, performers will be selected and contacted by July 1.

Speeches and poems in all languages are welcome. We would love to hear from as many voices as possible!

Selected performers will have up to 30 minutes to share their pieces.

Questions?

Email LibComms@arlingtonva.us. We'll do our best to help!

Words Matter: A Spoken Word and Poetry Stage

July 18, mark America's 250th birthday with an all-day LibraryFest celebration at Central Library—and perform a piece for our community to celebrate the power of words.

The Library invites performers to share original or favorite poems or speeches that capture what America means to you. This can range from how America has shaped you, your favorite things about America, your reflections on America's contradictions, and your hopes for America’s future.

Please submit your piece for consideration by June 14. Following review by Library staff, performers will be selected and contacted by July 1.

Speeches and poems in all languages are welcome. We would love to hear from as many voices as possible!

Selected performers will have up to 30 minutes to share their pieces.

Questions?

Email LibComms@arlingtonva.us. We'll do our best to help!

Submit Poetry or Spoken Word Pieces by June 14

Submissions have closed. We hope to see you at LibraryFest July 18!

Submit a Recipe for Arlington’s Community Cookbook

A Community Cookbook with the Library 

Calling all chefs and artists! In 2026, Arlington Reads Stirs It Up with a yearlong celebration of the nourishing and community-building power of food. As part of this series, the Library is celebrating Arlington's culinary diversity and creativity with a Community Cookbook.

Featuring recipes and art from our neighbors and proudly supported by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, the cookbook will be printed and available for purchase at the Fall Book Sale in October 2026—where all proceeds benefit library programs.

Read on for details on how you can share a recipe for consideration, or learn more about how you can submit artwork.

Submit a Recipe

We are looking for recipes that show off the flavor of Arlington’s varied communities. Whether it’s the show‑stopper that disappears at every potluck, a nostalgic favorite from your childhood, or a wonderfully weird creation you swear is delicious, it's welcome in our Community Cookbook. Show us what's cooking in your kitchen!

Recipe Participation Details

Submission guidelines:

  • Applicants must be an Arlington Public Library cardholder, or eligible for a card.
  • Recipe entries must be submitted online or in-person at any library location by Sunday, August 23, 2026.
  • There is no fee to submit an entry. 

Please note: 

  • Submitted recipes will be visible for other contributors to see.
  • Arlington Public Library staff are encouraged to submit a recipe.
  • Recipes become property of Arlington Public Library and the Friends of the Arlington Public Library. Submissions will not be returned and may be used for future library promotional materials.
  • Cookbook sections include:
    • Appetizers & Beverages 
    • Soups & Salads 
    • Vegetables & Side Dishes 
    • Main Dishes 
    • Breads & Rolls 
    • Desserts 
    • Cookies and Candy 
    • This & That (Whatever you want it to be!)

How to Submit Your Recipe

Recipes must be submitted through the typensave platform from Morris Press Cookbooks.

Step 1

""

Step 1

Log in to typensave using the following credentials:

User Name or Group Login: ArlingtonVALibrary
Password: jelly478

Step 2

""

Step 2

Select the Add Recipes option and submit your recipe using the form.

We suggest browsing the recipe writing tips available from typensave first!

Questions?

Email LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us. We'll do our best to help!

Submit Artwork for Arlington’s Community Cookbook

A Community Cookbook with the Library 

Calling all chefs and artists! In 2026, Arlington Reads Stirs It Up with a yearlong celebration of the nourishing and community-building power of food. As part of this series, the Library is celebrating Arlington's culinary diversity and creativity with a Community Cookbook.

Featuring recipes and art from our neighbors and proudly supported by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, the cookbook will be printed and available for purchase at the Fall Book Sale in October 2026—where all proceeds benefit library programs.

Read on for details on how you can submit artwork for consideration, or learn more about how you can share a recipe.

Submit Artwork

Our Community Cookbook will showcase Arlington's terrific taste as well as its stories, creativity and local spirit.

We invite artists of all ages and styles to help shape the look of our book! Whether you love colored pencils, crayons, markers, paint or digital tools, we’d be thrilled to feature your artwork that celebrates Arlington, community and the Library. The theme for our submissions is “Cooking Up Community in Arlington.”

With community input, our cookbook committee will choose nine winners. Eight winners will have their art featured on one of our section dividers, and one grand prize winner will have their artwork featured on the cover. All winners will see their art featured in the cookbook and will receive a free copy of the cookbook.

Artwork Participation Details

Applicants must be an Arlington Public Library cardholder, or eligible for a card. All ages are welcome to participate.

Submission guidelines:  

  • The size for entries is 6 x 8 ¾ inches.
  • Artwork must be vertically oriented.
  • Please respond to the prompt: "Cooking Up Community in Arlington."
  • Aim to showcase Arlington’s diverse neighborhoods.
  • Entries must be submitted online or in-person at any library location by Thursday, April 30, 2026. Deadline extended to May 17, 2026!
  • You may use any medium, including digital tools. Digital entries (JPG, JPEG, PDF, PNG, DOC, DOCX) are accepted up to 10 MB per entry.
  • Optional: Submissions may include a brief artist statement of two to three sentences.
  • Cookbook sections that will feature community artwork include:
    • The cover of the cookbook
    • Appetizers & Beverages
    • Soups & Salads
    • Vegetables & Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Breads & Rolls
    • Desserts
    • Cookies and Candy
    • This & That (Whatever you want it to be!)

Please note:

  • Submitted art becomes the property of Arlington Public Library and the Friends of the Arlington Public Library. Submissions will not be returned and may be used for future library promotional materials.
  • One entry per person

Questions?

Email LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us. We'll do our best to help!

Cookbook artwork applications have closed.

Questions?

Email LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us. We'll do our best to help!

Central Library Children’s Art Collection

The youth services area of Central Library is home to a wide array of art pieces—including many picture book illustrations—donated by illustrators, community members and the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

The Story

Artist: Florence B. Higgs

Presented to Arlington County Central Library by Florence B. Higgs, SC (sculptor)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Artist: Leo and Diane Dillon

Signed: For the children of Arlington Virginia. Diane Dillon / Leo Dillon, 1993

Title unknown

Artist: Paige Keiser

Inscription reads: "Arlington Libraries... Opening Doors. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

The Dragons are Singing Tonight: Poems by Jack Prelustsky

Artist: Peter Sis

Signed: Peter Sis and Jack Prelutsky

Lullabies and Night Songs

Artist: Maurice Sendak

Inscription reads: "In Memory of Elizabeth Tennyson Cocklin"

Johnny Appleseed: A Tall Tale Retold

Artist: Steven Kellog

Signed: Steven Kellog, 254/400

Micky in the Night Kitchen

Artist: Maurice Sendak

Inscription reads: "Gift of Chuck Kipp and Sarah Pitkin"

My Best Friends Live in Books

Artist: Rosemary Wells

Signed: Rosemary Wells

Tintin: The Blue Lotus

Artist: Hergé

Inscription reads: "A Gift to the Friends of the Arlington Public Library in memory of William Brennan Prince (1996-2009). An avid reader, library user, and fan of Tintin and Snowy. Dedicated February 13, 2010."

Lion

Artist: Unknown

Dinner at Aunt Connie's House

Artist: Faith Ringgold

Signed: Faith Ringgold, 6/28/93

Island Baby

Artist: Holly Keller

Signed: Holly Keller, 1994

Town Mouse Country Mouse

Artist: Jan Brett

Signed: For Deborah, Best wishes Jan Brett

Original Animation Cel: Owen

Inscription reads: "Weston Woods Studios, Paul R. Gagne, Producer. 1996 Carnegie Medal Winner for Excellence in Children's Video. Based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Kevin Henkes. Gift of Lisbeth Goldberg and Rob Farr."

Good Boy, Fergus!

Artist: David Shannon

Inscription reads: "Scholastic, 2006. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Fiestas

Artist: Elisa Kleven

Inscription reads: "Fiestas. Elisa Kleven. Dutton 2002. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

The Warrior and the Wise Man

Artist: David Wisniewski

Inscription reads: "David Wisniewski. From his book 'The Warrior and the Wise Man.' Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Poster for An Evening with Hans Christian Andersen

Artist: David Wisniewski

Inscription reads: "David Wisniewski. 'An Evening with Hans Christian Andersen.' Gift of Eleanor K. Pourron"

A Zooful of Animals

Artist: Lynn Munsinger

Inscription reads: "Lynn Munsinger. A Zooful of Animals. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Train Song

Artist: Mike Wimmer

Inscription reads: "Mike Wimmer. Train Song. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Come Again Pelican

Artist: Don Freeman

Signed: With glad tidings to the children of Arlington County from Don Freeman. Oct 23, 1963. Washington D.C.

I Love My Hair

Artist: E.B. Lewis

Signed: Earl B. Lewis, 97

Inscription reads: "I Love My Hair. Little Brown 1998. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Art in the Park

Artist: William Bracey

Signed: W Bracey. 3/96. © 1996

Inscription reads: "Bill Bracey. Art in the Park. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Zlateh the Goat

Artist: Maurice Sendak

Inscription reads: "In Honor of Ethel and Jules Clemens."

The Circus Baby

Artists: Maud & Miska Petersham

Top inscription reads: "The Circus Baby. Maud & Miska Petersham. Macmillian, 1950. In Memory of Lillian Samlegaard Fisher."

Bottom inscription reads: "The Circus Baby. Maud & Miska Peterhsam. Macmillan, 1950. In Memory of Alene Fisher Yamarik."

Mrs. Katz and Tush

Artist: Patricia Polacco

Signed: Patricia Polacco, 1992

Inscriptions read: "Gift of Patricia Polacco from her book Mrs. Katz and Tush. To the children of Arlington County."

A Poke in the I

Artist: Chris Raschka

Signed: C Raschka

Inscription reads: "Chris Raschka. A Poke in the I. Candlewick, 2001. Gift of the Friends of the Library."

Title unknown

Signed: Virginia Kahl

Inscription reads: "Virginia Kahl."

Geraldine's Baby Brother

Artist: Holly Keller

Signed: Holly Keller

Inscription reads: "Gift of the Author."

First Tomato

Artist: Rosemary Wells

Signed: (not legible)

Inscription reads: "Rosemary Wells. 'First Tomato.' Gift of the Friends of the Library."



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