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Arlington Public Library

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Director’s Message: A Year of Reading and Fellowship

Our Year in Review

Arlington Public Library experienced a productive year in 2025, achieving several notable milestones.

Over 4,200 library programs attracted thousands of participants, while our staff conducted 400 outreach events in partnership with Arlington Public Schools, numerous County departments, and community development and housing organizations such as Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) and True Ground.

Library patrons—numbering over 95,000—accessed more than 2.1 million physical books and 1.8 million digital media resources. Numerous titles offered both valuable insight into and relief from current events.

My 2025 reading list is available below, accompanied by commentary on the most noteworthy books.

I was already familiar with Lily King and Amy Bloom; the remaining three are notable new authors I intend to follow closely. The common theme among them is the exploration of love and family—whether it involves those we are related to by birth or those we select throughout life. Love and family. Frankly, what else is there?

Diane's 2025 Reading List

As I reflect on this past year, I am proud of the work we have done to serve and support the community of Arlington. Here are some highlights:

Katie and Vincent smile while they walk down the aisle after getting married at Central Library.
Photo by Alex Sakes Photography.

The Arlington Reads theme, “Share the Love,” was showcased through four distinguished author events featuring Julia Quinn, Curtis Sittenfeld, Casey McQuiston, and David and Nicola Yoon. Additionally, the program included Central Library's inaugural public wedding, attended by more than 300 guests including library patrons, in celebration of love and community.

The Community Picnic and Joining Fair brought hundreds to Central Library, where 29 local clubs recruited new members. Earlier in the year, a screening of “Join or Die” highlighted social scientist Robert Putnam’s research showing that democracy relies on robust civic connections.

Over 200 teenagers, including volunteers of the Teen Network Board, took part in a “Teen Takeover” after-hours event at Central Library, gaining exclusive access to The Shop and fun activities like fort-building, ZTAG and manicures.

Patrons visit a table at the Community Picnic and Joining Fair.
Director Diane Kresh smiles in front of a crowd of Pride paraders in Washington D.C.

During WorldPride 2025 in Washington, DC, local libraries joined the Pride parade, with staff members marching alongside a "Freedom to Read" banner to support literacy and access to information. Hearing the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd for both librarians and the LGBTQIA+ community—which I am proud to belong to—was both uplifting and exciting as we started along the parade route.

The “From Barriers to Ballots” exhibition highlighted the achievements of Arlington and Northern Virginia voting rights activists. Reverend Dr. DeLishia A. Davis closed the event with moving remarks and led a communal singing of “We Shall Overcome.”

Furloughed federal employees received comprehensive support, including access to meeting facilities, wellness initiatives, legal assistance, peer support groups, career development services and additional resources.

Our partners are vital: the Friends of the Arlington Library fund all Library programs and equipment for The Shop; One More Page Books supports our author events; and our County government colleagues and Arlington’s non-profits provide valuable expertise.

Engaging with patrons is a rewarding aspect of my role as Library Director. Arlington resident Susan Senn and her book club, active for over 40 years, have impressively completed 532 books.

A large group photo of Arlington Public Library staff enjoying a holiday party.

The values guiding our work—love, empathy, family, social justice and community—continue to shape our future direction. Thank you for your continued support of Arlington Public Library. We exist because of your engagement, and we deeply value the trust you've given us to be responsible and compassionate stewards—a responsibility we will always honor.

Always Free. Always Open. And wishing you all the best in the new year.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

Coming Soon: New Evening Hours Starting Jan. 12

Starting January 12, 2026, evening hours on Monday and Wednesday are changing at the following library locations: Aurora Hills, Cherrydale, Courthouse and Glencarlyn libraries. The new hours will affect the Teleconnect Space at Courthouse Library.

Collage of four photos of different libraries.

The new hours will be:

Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

(Previous hours 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

(Previous hours 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

There are no changes in hours at Central, Columbia Pike, Westover and Shirlington libraries; these locations will remain open until 8 p.m. on Monday.

The number of open hours for all libraries will remain unchanged while allowing the Library to serve more patrons.  The Library evaluated door count data and checkout information to make this decision.

Thank you for your continued support of Arlington Public Library and your participation in our programs and services. For questions or feedback, please contact the Library online.

Too Cool For Yule #18

As we (finally) reach the home stretch of 2025, it is time for the annual release of Arlington Public Library’s “Too Cool for Yule” playlist. Take a beat, press pause and reset. Whatever reflection and chill look like to you, let Arlington Public Library provide the score.

A couple of musical notes about the selections we’ve included.

Tom Lehrer, the brilliant satirist died this year at the age of 97. Those of us of a certain age will remember his ingenious topical takes on full display in songs like “Vatican Rag,” “Hanukkah in Santa Monica,” and many others. Pure genius.

Since I began this list 18 years ago, I never fail to include a cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” first introduced by the incomparable Judy Garland in the 1944 cinematic classic “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Frank Sinatra serves it up here with his impeccable phrasing and rhythm. Sublime.

We close the playlist with the Staple Singers’ version of “Will the Circle be Unbroken.” A tune first penned in 1907, and later popularized by the Carter Family and the 1960’s Nitty Gritty Dirt Band--when I first heard the tune as a tribute. The lyrics speak to our fractured times and the promise of better days. And don’t we all need a little hope for better days right now.

So, brew a cup, raise a glass, relax with loved ones and hit play. Let this playlist serve as a reminder that Arlington Public Library is always free. Always open. Always listening.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane Kresh
Director
Arlington Public Library

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.

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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