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Arlington Public Library

Library Communications Team

The Library Wedding Approaches!

Love is in the air at Arlington Public Library.

Romance is the theme for the 2025 series of Arlington Reads. To share the love, the library picked one very special couple to win a free wedding hosted by Arlington Public Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

Katie and Vincent, the library’s winning wedding couple, smile while standing arm in arm between bookshelves at Arlington Public Library.

On July 12, Arlington Public Library hosts the wedding of Katie Lettie and Vincent Bauer—also available to watch on the Library's YouTube channel. Katie and Vincent’s story is one for the books!

After more than a decade together (sometimes on opposite coasts, sometimes an ocean apart), these two built a life full of love, literature and culinary adventures! But when it came to choosing a wedding venue, nothing felt quite right… until now.

Arlington is where they finally put down roots together, where they found their community, and now, where they’ll say “I do.” This couple were the winners selected in the library’s first and only public library wedding contest. Katie and Vincent will be married by our Library Director, Diane Kresh, who will officiate their ceremony on the first-floor lobby of Central Library. The ceremony, beginning at 4 p.m., will have seats reserved for the couple’s guests, but the public is invited to stand and witness the nuptials. The public ceremony will be followed by a private reception for their closest friends and family.

In the weeks leading up to the wedding, patrons will find a guest book in the lobby of Central Library, where they can leave their well wishes and advice for the couple. They can also dive into Katie and Vincent’s favorite books with a book display or online booklist. Patrons are also invited to help in the preparation of the wedding with two special events.

Many thanks are offered to the following local community vendors involved in the production and decoration of the wedding—donating their time and expertise to this unique community event.

See LOVE at the library.

LOVE-at-Reston-Town-Center-Virginia.jpg

In partnership with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the library will showcase a large outdoor LOVEwork sculpture on the grounds at Central Library July 10-16, 2025. Visitors and Arlington residents will be able to enjoy and take photos with the iconic sculpture, which is part of the Commonwealth’s "Virginia is for Lovers" brand.

Parking Updates for Columbia Pike Library

The outside of the Columbia Pike Branch Library building, with its name spelled in metal lettering on the exterior wall.

The library remains open with its full array of services during ongoing construction and we look forward to seeing you!

Dedicated library parking spots will be relocated adjacent to the construction fence starting the week of August 18. These spots will be marked as library parking by stencils on the ground and by standing metal signs. Entrance to the parking lot remains through Highland Street only.

Consider walking, biking or taking the bus to Columbia Pike Library.

Phasing and logistics are subject to change due to design progression, contractor input, and unforeseen conditions.

For more information, visit Arlington Career Center Project - Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us).

Director’s Message: Taking Pride in Stride

WorldPride 2025 is in full swing and Arlington County is all-in. Hosted by Washington, D.C.'s Capital Pride Alliance, WorldPride offers a gazillion opportunities from May 17 through June 8 to enjoy music, art and fellowship.

The event is expected to attract nearly 3 million visitors to our area—a great chance to showcase Arlington’s strong commitment to inclusivity.

A new Pride banner at Central Library's east entrance.

The County took the festival to the next level with its Show Your Pride events held May 16 and 17 with a Block Party celebrating an installation from projection artist Robin Bell and a forthcoming work from muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer.

Left: installation by projection artist Robin Bell (Photo: Sora Yamahira / Bellvisuals.com). Right: digital artwork for a forthcoming mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer (Lisa Marie Studio).

Arlington Public Library is hosting a range of Pride events culminating in the June 7 WorldPride Parade, where we will walk alongside colleagues from libraries in D.C., Prince William and Prince George's counties. And check out my Pride playlist and my book list curated for Pride Month—a list of LGBTQIA+ classics and titles new to me, and maybe to you, too.

"Trans Anthology Project" discussion and signing with authors Chrissy Boylan and Heather Kirby, presented May 14, 2025, at Central Library.

A resolution adopted by the County Board on May 13, 2025, reaffirmed a commitment to equity originally adopted in September 2019 and further emphasized the County’s aim to ensure Arlington is welcoming and inclusive of all, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.

Along with dozens of others, I was in attendance in the County Board room as the resolution was read by Board Member Maureen Coffey and passed unanimously. The spirit in the room was electric.

A large group of community members poses in the Arlington County Board meeting room on May 13, 2025, celebrating the passage of a Pride resolution. People of all ages hold rainbow, Progress Pride, and transgender flags, smiling in support of LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Behind them, a screen displays a heart graphic with rainbow stripes and the message “YOU ARE ALL WELCOME HERE,” alongside text affirming Arlington County’s support for WorldPride 2025 and the LGBTQIA+ community. The Arlington County seal and U.S. and Virginia flags are visible in the background.
The County Board and community members following the Pride resolution on May 13, 2025.

One section of the resolution resonated with me both personally and professionally:

“WHEREAS social acceptance and inclusion leads to better outcomes for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and helps ensure full participation in and enjoyment of communal life, which in turn enriches the cultural and social fabric of our community.”

Librarians bring The Truck to Arlington County's Pride Proclamation on June 5, 2024.

This statement mirrors a stated goal of Arlington Public Library, to be a third place where all belong. A place where continuous learning, discovery and self-fulfillment are limitless, and community connections broadened. A judgment-free zone where all who enter our doors, regardless of beliefs, gender preferences, country of origin, age, income status or appearance are welcome.

A place where you can come as you are and not as someone wants you to be. Your life, your choice.

Arlington Public Library: Always Free to Come as You Are.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library



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