Arlington Public Library

Christopher George

Arlington GameFest 2023

Enjoy a board game meetup for the ages!

Arlington GameFest 2023: Meet, Learn, Play

Make friends and learn new board games as we celebrate International Games Month at Arlington GameFest on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join us to play board games in positive and supportive environments for all ages and interests. Don't know how to play? Volunteers will be available to help you get started!

Join Us Nov. 12

Explore the lineup of activities...

Close-up of Black man playing board game

In the auditorium: bring a photo ID to borrow 200+ board games from our circulating collection and beyond for open play—or bring your own favorites to share!

Three people smile and laugh as a jenga tower falls

In the lobby: supersize your fun with oversized games featuring a lineup of can't-miss classics like Connect 4 (11 a.m.), Battleship/Rhino Hero (1 p.m.) and Jenga (3 p.m.)!

A smiling group of all ages gathers around a board game

In the Quincy Room: friendly volunteers will welcome you into the fun and help you get started with game teaching sessions at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sign up in the lobby!

A 20-sided die on a Dungeons and Dragons character sheet

In the Glebe Room: learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons in a low-commitment, bite-sized guided adventure. Sessions begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sign up in the lobby!

Text: quiet space on a background of an astronaut in a relaxing pose in space

In the Wilson Room: a quiet, low-sensory space is available where guests can take a break from events as needed and decompress throughout the day.

Nautical board game box and pieces for Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest

Outside the auditorium: learn games with their creators in the designer's corner or try "Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest" for a chance to win a copy at 12, 1 and 2 p.m.

All attendees are also invited to enter our raffle to win board games. Must be present to claim prize.

Games, gaming instruction, and support provided in part by NOVA Board Game Group.

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Alert: Disregard Erroneous Hold Ready/Due Date/Renewal Emails.

Due to a platform issue, patrons may receive emails erroneously alerting them about an impending due date, a renewal, or a hold becoming ready for pickup.

Below is an example of this message.

From: <notices@library-arlingtonva.us>
Subject: Arlington Public Library Notice: HOLD READY FOR PICKUP

---
messagebee: yes
hold: 1851108

Our service provider is troubleshooting and hopes to resolve the issue shortly.

In the interim, patrons are encouraged to disregard the emails and confirm the status of any holds, due dates, or renewals using the Library's website or mobile app.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Director’s Message: Summer is a Time to Read for Fun. Seriously.

Diane Kresh stands at a podium with her hands raised.

Diane Kresh warms up an Arlington Reads audience. Photo by Daniel Rosenbaum.

Public libraries across the nation are in the heat of Summer Reading Programs and Arlington Public Library is, too. We believe summer reading is for everyone—and if you have not yet signed up, you can do it now. Join the 5,673 who have already registered and you too can earn Washington Nationals tickets, a free book and more.

The New York Times recently reported on the “new, low test scores for 13-year-olds,” the lowest level in decades. “The percentage of 13-year-olds who reported reading for fun has also declined. Last fall, 31 percent said they ‘never or hardly ever’ read for fun, compared to 22 percent in 2012.”

Not good news.

What is good news? This is a problem that can be fixed. One book, one reader at a time.

Patrons at the Friends of the Arlington Public Library Book Sale. Photos by Christopher George.

The benefits of reading are well documented: reading increases creativity and imagination; reading together builds strong family and community bonds; reading expands one’s vocabulary and promotes and enhances critical thinking skills; reading teaches all of us, and especially young people, about the complex world we live in. And I haven’t even mentioned the health benefits which include reducing stress and anxiety and even countering mental decline.

One of the joys in my life is reading.

And not just reading itself, but sharing and talking about what I am reading with others: friends, coworkers, patrons. And with print, eReaders and eAudiobooks, one can read pretty much anywhere at any time—on family trips in the car, commuting to work on the bus or subway, in a book club, at a coffee shop or on a comfy couch. And if you can’t find something to read, we are here to help with suggestions for every taste and reading level through our website, new app and book displays throughout our library locations.

Let’s read, share, and then read some more. Let’s make a habit of reading for fun. It’s a habit you’ll never want to break.

Always open. Always free. Always reading.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane KreshDirector, Arlington Public Library

Spring brings playspaces and tool lending!

Curated Arlingtown playspaces for little learners are now open at all libraries!

Arlingtown is a fun space where families and caregivers with young children can spend time learning and building connections.  With an intentional selection of toys, prompts, signs and books now available at all library locations, parents and caregivers can engage with children in the five early literacy practices: talking, writing, reading, playing and singing.

Kids can engage in pretend play while parents and caregivers can explore early literacy tips for children ages 0 to 5, which will help children enter school ready to learn.

View each location's hours and plan your visit to Arlingtown!

The Shed garden tool lending library is back for your Spring projects! 

Want to start gardening, but don't have the right tools? Ready to tackle a big yard project and need an unusual tool? The Library can help!

Visit The Shed—our garden tool lending library—open Mondays and Wednesdays 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Shed is located at Central Library and open to all Arlington residents and property owners age 18+ with a library card.

Learn more and explore the garden tool lineup.

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