Placing Holds and Borrowing
How Do I Borrow an American Girl Doll?
Place a doll on hold through the Library catalog.
Where Do I Pick Up My Hold?
American Girl Dolls will be delivered to the Library location of your choice, but will not be shelved on the self-service hold shelves.
Pick up your hold:
- At Central Library – the Youth Services Desk
- At Branch Libraries – the Service Desk
What is the Borrowing Period?
One week (7 days)
Where Do I Return My Doll?
Dolls can be returned to any Library location:
- At Central Library – the Youth Services Desk
- At Branch Libraries – the Service Desk
Please do not return dolls in the Book Returns.
What Comes in an American Girl Kit?
Each kit includes:
- 1 Doll
- Set of doll clothes
- The first book about the doll
- A guide depicting life in Arlington during the doll’s era, created by the Library’s Virginia Room
- A journal to record the doll’s ongoing adventures
- Carrying case
How Do I Care for a Doll?
Please do:
- Brush and style your doll’s hair.
- Clean your doll’s face when necessary. Instructions: Protect your doll by pulling her hair back from her face and cover her clothing. Mix 1 Tablespoon of baking soda with warm water, then dip a washcloth in warm water and rub the doll’s face with the baking soda paste, being careful not to get her eyes wet. When finished, dry her face with a soft towel.
Please do not:
- Cut or shampoo her hair (the hair can get frizzy and damaged.)
How is the Program Funded?
The American Girl Doll Lending Program is made possible by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
Can I Donate to the Program?
Due to the generosity of Arlington’s patrons, our collection is at full capacity.
Visit the American Girl Lending Program page to keep up with all the news!
