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Arlington Public Library

Christopher George

The Free Mobile Checkout App Makes Borrowing Books Easier!

Three screenshots of the Meescan app user interface.

Arlington Public Library is introducing a new option to check out library items!

Download the Arlington Public Library Mobile Check Out app to your mobile device (available from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store), log into your library account and scan the library barcode to check out an item.

There are three ways to check out at the Library: at the service desk with staff, a self-check terminal or with the Mobile Check Out app (powered by Meescan).

Mobile Check Out will only allow you to check out items while in a library location. The app does not work for the following collections:

  • Garden Tools
  • Hot Spots
  • American Girl Dolls
  • Energy Lending Library
  • DIY Items
Get it on Google Play
Download on the app store

In addition to the check out app, the Library offers two more mobile tools!

The Arlington Public Library App

Access the library catalog, manage your account, learn about programs and receive library news.

Developed in partnership with Arlington County’s Department of Technology Services, the app for iOS and Android puts the library at your fingertips, wherever you may be!

  • Browse book lists and news
  • Create your own lists in the app
  • Rate titles and get personalized recommendations
  • Search the catalog and library events
Download the Library App

The Libby App from OverDrive

Access eBooks, listen to eAudiobooks and read digital magazines.

Kids, teens and adults can read or listen to thousands of popular titles on their phones or tablets.

Download the Libby App

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



Download the Library App