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ALERT: Scheduled eCollection Downtime Wednesday, Sept. 22 More Info

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Library Operations Updates and Mask Requirement More Info

Arlington Public Library

Virtual Services Manager

Public Computers, Meeting Rooms and Friends Bookstores are Back!

These popular services are all returning to Arlington Public Library:

Public Computer Stations, Printers and Scanners

  • Now available for 30 minute sessions, up to 180 minutes per day.
  • Physical distancing and Library mask requirements apply.

Meeting Rooms and Small Study Rooms

  • Can now be reserved for public meetings and group study.
  • Physical distancing and Library mask requirements apply.

Friends of the Library Bookstore at Central Library

  • Open at Central Library August 6. Additional bookstores will open at branch locations over the next month.
  • Browse affordable used books and more for sale daily, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Arlington Library (FOAL).
  • Open during regular Library hours.

Donations -

  • Donations of gently used books and other materials to FOAL are now welcome at all open library locations during regular hours.
  • Locations that are currently closed (Cherrydale, Glencarlyn and Plaza) are not able to receive donations at this time.

Library visitors age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask while inside all Library facilities. Learn more.

Fall Expansion of Services

The Library has been steadily working to fill a high number of vacant public service jobs after an unprecedented staff shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent hiring freeze. Hiring and training new staff continues with the goal of arriving at more normal staffing levels in the fall.

  • Sunday hours will return after Labor Day.
  • Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Library will reopen fall 2021.

Additional Updates

  • Please Note: The Parking Garage at Central Library follows Library hours, and closes when the Library closes. Vehicles left after closing cannot be retrieved until the Library reopens.
  • The Shed, the Library’s seasonal garden-tool lending service, will remain closed for the 2021 growing season for staffing reasons, with plans to reopen in 2022.
  • The Shop, the Library’s maker space, will remain closed until staffing allows for increased levels of programming.
  • The Plaza Branch will remain closed in preparation for a long-planned expansion and renovation.

We value your feedback. Tell us what you think about our Library services. We will read and consider all comments.

Library Services Feedback

Central Library Holds Pickup Service Closing at 4pm Sunday and Closed Monday; Will reopen on Tuesday, January 26

Central Library’s Holds Pickup Service will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 24 and will remain closed on Monday, January 25 after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member did not have recent contact with the general public and there is no concern for exposure to library patrons.

As a precaution, Central Library will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitizing. Any items currently on the hold shelf and due to be picked up will be extended an extra day. Customer Service help via phone and online chat will remain available during all regularly scheduled hours. Central Library Holds Pickup Service will resume Tuesday, January 26.

Arlington Public Library works closely with the Arlington County Department of Public Health and will follow recommended procedures to protect the health of staff and patrons.

Library Calendar

Holds

  • Holds due to be picked up Sunday, Jan. 24 and Monday, Jan 25 will be available on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Service Update: Hold Wait Times

In July, patrons placed over 50,000 items on hold for pickup. Due to the increased demand for holds and in order to provide a safe, contact-less holds-pickup service, patrons will experience longer than usual wait times for holds to come ready.

Sorting Holds

How do you know when your hold is ready?

  • You will receive a holds pick-up notice by email or text.
  • You can also track the status of your holds in your library account online or in the Library App.

How long should you expect to wait for your holds to come ready?

  • Wait times for items showing in the catalog as “available” will vary but may take several weeks to fulfill.
  • Wait times for items with waiting lists are longer than usual as returned items must be quarantined for 72 hours.

What can you do to help?

  • Pick up your holds as soon as you are able, to help make room on the shelves for new holds.
  • Freeze or cancel any holds you are not interested in receiving before they come ready.

We are continually evaluating workflows to improve hold wait times. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to keep Arlington reading!

Arlington Public Library

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