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Arlington Public Library

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Director’s Message: Reflections on the Human Library

Arlington Public Library hosted a "Human Library" this past Saturday.  Some hours after it ended, I felt a deep appreciation for an extraordinary day spent with Arlington County colleagues, friends, families, a baby and more than a hundred curious readers eager to engage in honest, face-to-face conversations. “Human books” and readers sat across from one another, respectfully probed highly personal subjects, listened and learned.   Living as we do in a time when technology makes information constantly available, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of news stories that highlight our differences and headline depressing topics.

The "Human Library" offers an alternative. A promise of increasing understanding, acceptance and mutual respect by simply sitting down and talking openly and unreservedly to one another.

On Saturday, April 29, 16 "human books" were accessed over 110 times by event participants. Photo credit Daniel Rosenbaum.

I was a "human book"—my title, “Coming Out Late.” Each conversation I had was a revelation, an opportunity for me to delve further into my own story and relate to someone as they reflect on their own or those they hold dear.

What an honor and a privilege to share one’s most intimate thoughts and experiences with a stranger and come away feeling seen and heard. 
I am thankful to the Library leadership for their willingness to try something completely different and to our extraordinary staff who spent months planning the program.

I am grateful to those who joined us and gave selflessly of themselves and for demonstrating to the community how to care for one another.

Our "Human Library" was a very big deal, and we hope to bring it back again soon.

Always open. Always free. Always human.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane KreshDirector, Arlington Public Library

Director’s Message for National Library Week

There's more to our story.

Library Director Diane Kresh smiles at her desk, with a bookshelf and cherry blossoms outside visible in the background.

April 23-29 is National Library Week. A pretty big deal for libraries across the nation, including this one.

This year’s theme is “there’s more to the story.” Libraries are full of possibilities ranging from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks and now we offer Kanopy (30,000 documentary films and movies to stream for free). In addition, we have the Library of Things where patrons borrow American Girl dolls, games, gardening tools and DIY kits.

Library programming connects community members to one another through book clubs, storytimes, musical performances, crafting classes at The Shop and author talks with Arlington Reads. Award-winning graphic novelist Jerry Craft ("New Kid," "Class Act" and "School Trip") will be in person (and streaming) at Central Library on Apr. 27.

Library infrastructure provides high-speed internet and computers, indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi, spaces for meetings or group study, comfortable seating for reading and tables for doing homework. The Teleconnect Space at Columbia Pike Library enables patrons to conduct online healthcare appointments, job interviews, career counselor meetings and social service appointments in a private setting. We invite you to check out our newest location, the Courthouse Library, on the ground floor of the Ellen Bozman Government Center.

Library professionals support businesses, job seekers and entrepreneurs. Youth Librarians help hone literacy skills for our youngest residents. At Arlington Public Library we offer all this for free.

Arlington Public Library’s vision is to be “the heart of a thoughtful, inclusive and dynamic community where people and ideas connect.” Let’s think about a few of those words. Thoughtful: our collections represent diverse points of view and appeal to a myriad of lifestyles. Inclusive: Arlington’s libraries accept all people. We are welcoming spaces where all who enter our doors are accepted for who they are. Where people and ideas connect: libraries are safe places for exploration and discovery. To learn about the world and one’s place in it. To learn who we are.

And speaking of increasing understanding, on Sat., Apr. 29 we will host a Human Library, where human “readers” are invited to check out a human “book” and engage in a conversation.

In February, The New York Times published “A Love Letter to Libraries, Long Overdue.” If you have not read it, I encourage you to do so. The article speaks volumes to people like me who have spent close to 50 years working in libraries. There is one line from the article I keep thinking about:

"The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected."
— Elisabeth Egan and Erica Ackerberg for The New York Times

Yes, yes, and YES.

There is and will continue to be “more to the story” in libraries – in their collections and in their services. Let us help you discover new aspects of your story. We will write it together.

Always free, always open, always your library.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

 

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

New: stream films and TV free with Kanopy!

Just added: Kanopy offers streaming films and TV with a free, constantly updated library!

Using your Arlington Public Library card, you can now access Kanopy—a new-to-Arlington streaming service offering an extensive collection of narrative and documentary films, TV series, kids content and digital courses.

Getting started

Step 1. Sign up for a Kanopy account using your library card number, accessible on your physical cards or your account profile in the Arlington Library website or app.

Step 2. Find and download the Kanopy app for your television or mobile devices. Streaming in a web browser does not require an app.

Step 3. Explore the Kanopy library, select your film or series  and start streaming!

Play credits and viewing periods

Every library card is granted 30 "tickets" each month, which are redeemed when viewing a film or episode. Many offerings on Kanopy have a 48 or 72 hour viewing period, and patrons can watch their selection as many times as desired during this time without using another ticket..

Kanopy Kids content does not deplete tickets. Series and Great Courses are variable based on run time.

Create Your Account
Kanopy Help

Arlington Reads: Get Graphic

Jerry Craft, Apr. 27 and Gene Luen Yang, May 4 at Central Library, 6-8 p.m.

Families with middle school/high school students and adults are in for a double treat this spring.

Meet the Newbery Medal winning graphic novel author Jerry Craft (Apr. 27), creator of “New Kid,” and the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Gene Luen Yang (May 4), author of “Dragon Hoops.”

Their graphic novels will be available for purchase during both events, courtesy of One More Page Books. The conversations will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Both in-person events are free and will be livestreamed and made available as a recording for 30 days on the Arlington County's YouTube channel; RSVP to receive the online link.

Arlington Reads is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

All are welcome!

 

RSVP for Jerry Craft (Apr. 27)
RSVP for Gene Luen Yang (May 4)

"Get Graphic" with Jerry Craft

On April 27, join us for a conversation between author Jerry Craft and Library Division Chief Peter Petruski about Jerry Craft's novel "New Kid," and his newest installment "School Trip."

In “New Kid,” seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

"Get Graphic" with Gene Luen Yang

On May 4, join us for a conversation between New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang and Librarian Jennifer Santure about Yang’s graphic novel career, from "American Born Chinese" to his latest graphic novel, "Dragon Hoops."

In Yang’s latest graphic novel, “Dragon Hoops,” he turns the spotlight on his life, his family and the high school where he teaches. The graphic novel character Gene understands stories—comic book stories featuring action and heroes, in particular.

But Gene doesn’t get sports. As a kid, his friends called him “Stick” and every basketball game he played ended in pain. He lost interest in basketball long ago, but at the high school where he now teaches, it's all anyone can talk about. The men’s varsity team, the "Dragons," is having a phenomenal season that’s been decades in the making. Each victory brings them closer to their ultimate goal: the California State Championships.

Once Gene gets to know these young all-stars, he realizes that their story is just as thrilling as anything he’s seen on a comic book page. He knows he has to follow this epic to its end. What he doesn’t know yet is that this season is not only going to change the "Dragons’s" lives, but his own life as well.

Our shelves are blooming with fresh new reads.

Get Your Hands On These New And Upcoming Titles

Spring is definitely here and just like our gardens, our shelves are blooming with fresh new reads!

During the French occupation of Mexico, the Luna sisters are sent to London for their safety, but the swirling skirts of the ballrooms mask the swirling storm of politics and danger that surround Ana María in the swoony romance "Ana María and The Fox" by Liana de la Rosa.

When new music by the late, great composer Frederick Delaney is found in his papers, researchers Hendricks and Eboni discover most of Delaney’s work was stolen from a jazz musician, a secret some will go to great lengths to ensure stays buried in "Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb.

Calling all cooks and history buffs—by recreating recipes from ancient Rome to Ming China and medieval Europe—YouTube personality Max Miller explores the history and culture through the lens of food in "Tasting History: Explore the Past in 4,000 Years of Recipes (a cookbook)."

While a sightseeing trip to a nebula won’t happen this summer, astronomer Philip Plait imagines a future world where it could and gives us a science-filled travel guide to the cosmos in "Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer’s Guide to the Universe."

For middle grade readers, Jordan and his friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are back and navigating complicated friendships and next steps as well as a foreign country in "School Trip" by Jerry Craft. Don’t miss seeing Jerry Craft in person at Central Library on April 27 at 6 p.m.

Teen readers will be fascinated by the story of a Viking warrior mummy found in 1878, and how over a century later scientists discovered the presumed male warrior was actually female. In "Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior," C.M. Surrisi explores research bias and Viking history.

Place Your Holds Now

Exhibition: “Power in the Public” at Shirlington Library

On National Public Television Day (Apr. 7), the public is invited to an opening reception and community celebration of the newly opened exhibition, "Power in the Public: The Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Campbell," at Shirlington Library.  The exhibition is presented in partnership with WETA.  

Join us on Fri., Apr. 7, 1-3 p.m., for a reception with light refreshments and crafts for children. A community scavenger hunt will be announced along with the “unveiling” of the desk of Elizabeth Campbell. All are welcome! 

Power in the Public: The Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Campbell
Opening reception and "unveiling" of the Elizabeth Campbell desk.
Fri., Apr. 7, 1-3 p.m.
Shirlington Library 

RSVP
Photo of Elizabeth Campbell sitting at her desk. Photo credit: Chad Evans Wyatt.
Photo of Elizabeth Campbell sitting at her desk. Photo credit: Chad Evans Wyatt.

The exhibition includes materials from WETA and the Center for Local History (CLH) which collects, preserves and shares resources that illustrate Arlington County’s history, diversity and communities. The CLH collection includes documents, photos and publications pertaining to Campbell’s work and life.

Learn about the legacy and life of Elizabeth Campbell: a trailblazer who fought for public education; a woman entrepreneur who was recruited by publisher Willard Kiplinger to head the Greater Washington Educational Television Association (GWETA) and activist who, together with her husband, joined in the struggle to desegregate Virginia’s public schools. 

About National Public Television Day: 
National Public Television Day (Apr. 7) commemorates the day in 1927 when the AT&T company first transmitted a successful long-distance public broadcast of television. 

About WETA:
Founded in 1961, WETA is the leading public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital and serves the community with educational initiatives and high-quality programming on television, radio and digital platforms. 

Exhibition: “Arlington Volunteers” at Central Library

In April, join us for the opening reception, a wet plate photography demonstration and a shadowgram sunprinting workshop at Central Library with acclaimed photographer Mac Cosgrove-Davies.

Cosgrove-Davies employed the historic wet plate collodion (or tintype) photography technique to create unique portraits featuring scores of Arlington volunteers. Representing over 30 local organizations and causes, this exhibition spotlights the experiences of dedicated community volunteers.

The exhibition will be on display during open hours at Central Library, April 1 - May 31.

This exhibition is supported in part by Arlington County through Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, and the Arlington Commission for the Arts.

About the Exhibition

Photography and volunteering have been two longstanding interests of photographer Mac Cosgrove-Davies, and it was from the intersection of the two that the "Arlington Volunteers" project emerged.

Conceived as a way to honor Arlington’s many volunteers and volunteer organizations, and to introduce others to volunteer opportunities, Cosgrove-Davies sought to depict participants in their chosen volunteer activity and environment.

From April to December 2022, Cosgrove-Davies conducted over 30 photo shoots across the County.

The resulting more than 135 photo plates, of which 35 are on display at Central Library, are the culmination of the desire and passion of people to help others and to improve our local community — a manifest to Arlington’s outstanding volunteer spirit.

The Process

Although commonly known as tintypes, the images in this exhibition were made on sheet aluminum using the wet plate collodion photographic process.

All photos were taken outdoors since this process responds to blue and ultraviolet light. Anything that moved during the multi-second exposures is blurred or invisible.

The process starts with coating the plate with the collodion mixture. Once coated, the plates must be sensitized exposed and processed before they dry which is why the process is called wet plate. This requires a portable darktent which the photographer brings to each photo shoot.

About the Artist

For more than half a century, Mac Cosgrove-Davies has used photography to express his view of the world.

Cosgrove-Davies began this photographic conversation producing black and white photographs in a darkroom at age 12. In college, an independent study in historic photographic processes revealed their creative potential.

Cosgrove-Davies has been using gum bichromate, cyanotype, oil and carbon printing to produce striking, unique images for more than 40 years.

His 2021 foray into the wet plate collodion process at the Maine Media Workshops became the starting point for the Arlington Volunteers project.

Cosgrove-Davies currently teaches a variety of hand-made photo processes at Photoworks, Glen Echo Park.

He has exhibited nationally and is represented in public collections, including the Library of Congress, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Ogunquit Museum of American Art and others.

New March Releases

Get Your Hands On These New And Upcoming Titles

The vultures are literally circling the house in T. Kingfisher’s new Southern Gothic infused horror novel, "A House With Good Bones." If you ever wondered how Princess Mia Thermopolis Renaldi led Genovia, as well as her family and friends, through the early days of the COVID pandemic, be sure to check out "The Quarantine Princess Diaries" by Meg Cabot.

Maggie Bullock knits fashion, business, and cultural history together in "The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (Near) Fall of J. Crew." When a local midwife supplies arsenic to the wives of abusive husbands, she creates a murder ring with possibly over a hundred victims in "The Angel Makers: Arsenic, a Midwife, and Modern History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring" by Patti McCracken.

At the peak of Malaysia’s COVID lockdowns, Hamra enters the jungle and sets off on an epic quest to restore a weretiger’s humanity in the middle grade title "Hamra and the Jungle of Memories" by Hanna Alkaf.

Alisha Rai’s teen debut, "While You Were Dreaming" nods to the movie "While You Were Sleeping" when Sonia Patil saves the life of her crush while in full costume at a local Comic Con.

Place Your Holds Now!

More Book Lists To Explore

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this recent fiction list by Irish authors.

Recent Irish Fiction

March is Women's History Month.

Explore Women in Hollywood and Televison

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New February Releases

Get Your Hands On These New And Upcoming Titles

The fourth (and final) installment of Peter McLean’s War for the Rose Crown series, "Priest of Crowns," sees Tomas Piety trying to come to grips with the man he has become and the things he’s done in this page-turning dark fantasy. On a lighter front, professional dancer Gina and Alaskan outdoor man Stone must deal with their growing attraction to each other while competing on a reality dance show competition in Alexis Daria’s award-winning "Take the Lead."

Lamya H’s uplifting memoir, "Hijab Butch Blues," explores her faith, immigration, Islamophobia and building a community of queer Muslims while envisioning a better world. Explore how the appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1910 led to a hysteria of misleading headlines, bad science, and wild speculations in "Comet Madness" by Richard J Goodrich.

Middle grade readers will love "Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind" by Misa Sugiura, a Japanese folklore and Shinto inspired epic fantasy quest.

Teen readers will be creeped out by the gothic haunted-house horror of "She is a Haunting" by Trang Thanh Tran.

Place Your Holds Now!

More Book Lists To Explore

Check out these recent releases from African-American authors that have gotten rave reviews!

Best Recent Black Fiction

You’re in for a thrilling night with these romantic suspense reads.

Love In Danger






















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