During the month of April 2020, Arlington Poet Laureate Emerita Katherine E. Young is posting poems from the forthcoming anthology Written in Arlington, which showcases the poets and poems of Arlington, Virginia.
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Introducing Quaranzine
When the Going gets Tough, the Tough get Arty...
On Monday, April 3, 2006, I began working for Arlington County as Director of Libraries. The difference between that day and this one could not be more stark. Back then, I had just retired from the Library of Congress and was looking forward to serving the community I grew up in. Today, our community is in the grip of a global pandemic, the long term effects of which can only be guessed at. Libraries and parks are closed, schools are empty as parents juggle home schooling careers. Church services are virtual, theaters dark. Graduations are cancelled; birthday parties Zoomed. And Metro stations are shuttered as phrases like social distancing and acronyms like PPE enter the vernacular.
But when the going gets tough, the tough get arty and Arlington Public Library is pleased to present the inaugural issue of “Quaranzine,” a weekly magazine of art, poetry, comics, photos, short fiction, even tutorials and “how-tos.” The zine is headed by a staff editorial board of Katelyn Attanasio, Brit Austin, Hannah Axt, Ruth Compton, Clea Counts, Deborah Khuanghlawn, Liz Laribee, Janelle Ortiz, Peg Owen, and Alex Zealand.
Zines, popular from the 1980’s through the early 1990’s, are small publications created by an individual or group. Handwritten, photocopied, hand-drawn, collaged, they can boast a DIY aesthetic or be highly stylized and released digitally. “Quaranzine” will likely be a mix of both. This first issue is comprised of submissions from County staff; hereafter we invite submissions from the community.
Artists get active in times of turmoil. Think Picasso’s “Guernica” or Brecht’s “Mother Courage.” (Okay, those examples may be a bit dark.) But we look to artists to make sense of the senseless, to be beacons of light in dark times, to document our days to keep us from forgetting. Not all submissions to “Quaranzine” need be deep or heady. They just need to be and to be shared with others. To sustain our community and bolster our connections to one another when we need them most.
I hate to use phrases like the “new normal” because there is nothing about this situation that is normal. It just is. Our hope is that “Quaranzine” will make what “is” a little easier. For all of us.
Stay safe, stay well and stay hopeful.
Diane
Diane Kresh
Director
Arlington Public Library
Quaranzine: Issue 1
April 3, Arlington County Staff Edition
Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.
Alex Zealand, "Rats for Social Distancing" - Street diorama with rubber rats holding signs. Photographed in Old Town Alexandria.
Aline Brito, "AFACting in Times of Quarantine" - A group of us from HR went down to AFAC to give them a gloved hand during the CORONA time as they were hurting in number of volunteers.
Brit Austin, "The Doctor" - I like to research and find out more when I'm anxious and feel I don't have control. Questions like, have we gone through something like this in the past? The answer is always yes, in a way. Plague Doctors look scary, but I encourage you to look closer; they were doctors. They were there on the front lines to diagnose and help. The beak of the mask was filled with flowers and herbs often thought to chase away the bad smells of disease. The stick or cane was used for social distancing and for examining. The round hat was the symbol of a doctor at this time. Of course, this was before germ theory. I wanted to draw and play with ink to get my mind off of our current situation, but still remember that we have survived.
Brittany Ham, "A Timeline of my Self-Quarantine Sweets" - A visual timeline of all the sweets I've made completely from scratch in the past two weeks!
Clea Counts, "Herman the Guinea Pig Monster"
Diane Kresh, "What a Difference 14 Years Makes" - When I was a teenager, I painted this scene on the cinder block wall of my parents’ basement. For 50+ years, The Caterpillar smoked his hookah and watched the world go by. His hookah smoking days may be coming to an end. The house was sold last week and the new owners might not be hip enough to handle it. The picture was taken on March 24, 2020.
Hannah Axt, "How to Make a Hand Sanitizer Mini Piñata " - Click on image for link to pdf instruction.
Janelle Ortiz, "Pothos Sketch" - I've decided to start making daily sketches of things in & around my home. This was my first sketch (3/29/2020) and I hope to continue this practice until this pandemic passes.
Katelyn Attanasio, "Reparo"
Liz Laribee, "Apologies I've Made to My Partner This Month vol. 1" - Remorse gets really specific in quarantine.
Maria Lauron, "Ivy Face" (editor's note: #mood)
Megan Biggins, "OK" - I made this for a friend who is having a lot happen in her life, in addition to what we're all living with. She's not the type to sit quietly and wait for something to be resolved. She's a fixer and a doer and I know how our current world and the necessity of just waiting is wearing on her. Going through this is requiring a quiet kind of courage and I wanted her to know that I see that in her.
Patricia Loverich, "Happy Birthday James" -A neighborhood birthday party in the time of coronavirus.
Peg Owen, "Haiku-In the Voice of Cheety" - My submission is inspired by a book in our library catalog called What I Lick Before Your Face: And Other Haikus by Dogs by Jamie Coleman. I decided to write a haiku in the voice of my dog, with the content of the poem being inspired by the lazy dog picture
Pete Petruski, "My Friend the 3 O'clock Shadow" - A poem about a very first world problem and minor disappointment of the social isolation era.
Ruth Compton, "And Just for a Moment: Wholeness" - Creating mandalas pulls me out of my analytical mind for a moment and gives me a sense of wholeness.
The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, April 9.
Friday: One-Day Donation Station at Central Library
Arlington County is seeking donations of unused, unopened containers of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and certain food to assist essential employees, nonprofits and community organizations with coronavirus (COVID-19) response operations.
A drive-thru donation station will be available on Friday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Library parking lot on 10th Street North. This activity conforms to the requirements of Governor Northam’s Stay-At-Home order, but if you are ill, please do not come or donate supplies.
Requested items include:
- Nitrile or vinyl examination gloves
- N95 or KN95 masks
- Surgical masks
- Protective surgical gowns
- Homemade masks
- Cleaning products and supplies
- Non-perishable food items, especially heart-healthy items low in sodium or sugar
No other donations will be accepted at this event.
Upon arrival, donors must stay in their cars until they reach the unloading area. There, donors will place their donation onto a cart and return to their vehicles to ensure proper social distancing. A separate line will be available for donors who arrive on foot or by bike.
All donors are expected to observe the proper physical distance of six feet in accordance with Governor Northam’s Stay-At-Home Order.
If you are unable to drop off donations, many other essential requests from Arlington nonprofits are posted on the Volunteer Arlington webpage. Most nonprofits’ primary need is funding.
People who donate are helping ensure essential supplies get to Arlington health care workers, first responders, and County and community workers whose essential jobs put them at risk of coronavirus exposure. Together, we will protect the health and safety of all Arlingtonians.
Learn more about the County’s response to the COVID-19 virus.
Board Games to Play During a Quarantine
Recommended by the NoVA Board Game Group
Since the Library's Games Collection is currently unavailable, we've teamed up with the NoVA Board Game Group to bring you recommendations for the best games to play at home while you practice social distancing.
The NoVA Board Game Group is a small group of passionate board game enthusiasts based in northern Virginia, who believe in creating and sustaining unique game experiences with an identified culture.
Email the NoVA Board Game Group your game questions: novaboardgamegroup@gmail.com
Most Recommended
Unique Recommendations
Solo Recommendations
The following 10 solo games were recommended if you want something to play by yourself. Note that some of these can be played with more people or cooperatively, but they were specifically mentioned as being great solo games.
Co-Op Recommendations
The following 10 cooperative games were recommended if you want a cooperative experience where everyone is working towards the same goal together.
Legacy Recommendations
Legacy games evolve and change as you play them over several game sessions.
Digital and Online Options
There are a variety of board games available digitally through services like Steam or the App Store/Google Play. Some examples are Ticket to Ride, Splendor, Istanbul, Lords of Waterdeep, Catan, Scythe, Terraforming Mars, Twilight Struggle, Raiders of the North Sea, and many more! Most of these games allow for both solo play and online play with others.
Also, you can virtually play board games on PC by using the Steam program called Tabletop Simulator ($20). It represents a game in virtual 3D and allows you to manipulate game pieces as if they were really on the table in front of you. However, Tabletop Simulator does not simulate game AI or rules - you still have to do that yourself as you would in an analog version. Tabletop Simulator must be installed on a computer. There is a fairly steep learning curve but there are many videos on YouTube that can help. On the plus side, there are a ton of games available in this format (some are free and some cost money).
Another popular option online is Board Game Arena. Board Game Arena is free and runs through a browser on either your computer, tablet or smartphone. Some of the games offered are Sushi Go, Colt Express, Stone Age, Tokaido, Terra Mystica, Puerto Rico, Hanabi, Love Letter, Roll for the Galaxy, and more. Board Game Area simulates game AI/rules for you and you can match up with players around the world.
If you would like to connect with others who use any of the above services, email the NoVA Board Game Group at novaboardgamegroup@gmail.com they will try to connect you with others who use the same service/play the same digital game. Be sure to be specific about the service/game you use/play.
All Library Locations are closed until further notice. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Get the latest on the COVID-19 outbreak in Arlington.
Dancing with Myself: Playlist for a Pandemic
Tunes from the Library Director
The Library may be physically closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, but we are here for you!
We promise to continue to be an essential link to information you can trust. You can find updates on COVID-19 on the Arlington County website and to resources to help keep you going on the Library website and our social media accounts.
We also want to provide our neighbors with some respite and rejuvenation through one of our favorite virtual offerings, the Director’s Playlist.
While some of the songs are... a little on the nose... many serve a functional purpose: the CDC has directed us to scrub our hands for at least 20 seconds each time we wash, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Don’t have a timer? Tired of humming the “Happy Birthday” song? No problem!
The first three tracks on this playlist have a chorus/pre-chorus of at least 20 seconds - sing or hum along (at the top of your lungs or in your head) while washing your hands, and you'll meet the CDC’s hand washing guidelines.
Whether you are waiting in the lobby of your Microsoft Team's meeting, planning fun and educational projects for your kids, starting that side-hustle, taking the dog out for her fifth walk, finally reading that book that has been on your nightstand for the last 6 months, or whiling away the hours on a Netflix binge, we hope that these songs can lift your spirits, give you a valuable break, or at the very least, remind you that we are all workin' together (track 20).
We know that Arlington Public Library is a valued resource for many in our community, and we look forward to when we can resume full, safe operations. To that end, we are in constant communication with the County Manager’s Office and the Public Health Department and look forward to welcoming you back when we can reopen.
But until then, join me as I dance on my own to Robyn (track 5).
Stay safe and stay home!
Diane K.
No Youth Services, programs, events or meeting rooms; Central and Columbia Pike open for Wi-Fi and Public PC use; All other Library locations closed
Saturday March 14 – Sunday, March 15
- All Library locations closed
- All Meeting Room reservations canceled
- All Library programs canceled
Beginning Monday, March 16
Central Library and the Columbia Pike Branch plan to reopen on their regular schedule for Wi-Fi and public PC use for adults and students. All other Library locations will remain closed.
- Adults: Self service access to adult materials available
- Kids and YA: Youth Services access closed to all at this time
- Events and Programs: Canceled
- AARP Tax Prep Help: Suspended until further notice
- Center for Local History, The Shed and The Shop: Closed
- Meeting Rooms: Closed (reservations canceled until further notice)
- Friends of the Library Book Store - Closed
- Holds: No new holds on physical items will be processed. Existing holds at Central and Columbia Pike may be picked up. Holds currently at other locations will be remain on the shelf.
- Interlibrary Loan - Suspended until further notice. If you currently have an ILL book checked out, please hold it until the Library resumes normal operation; you will not be charged any overdue fines.
- Books by Mail - Suspended until further notice.
- Talking Books - Suspended until further notice. If you currently have Talking Books cartridges checked out, please hold them until the Library resumes normal operation.
- Returns: All exterior branch book drops will be available
Fine and library cards renewals:
- All fines and due dates on physical materials are suspended until further notice.
- Any library cards expiring between March 1 and May 1 now expire on June 1.
Our online services are available 24/7 with your library card.
Arlington Public Library continues to assess COVID-19 Coronavirus information day by day. The information in this message is subject to change as the situation develops.
Learn more about how Arlington County is responding to COVID-19.
How to Use Your Library Card – Even If You Can’t Get to the Library
We're More Than Just Buildings with Books!
There are so many things you can do online with your Library card.
Don't have a library card? Apply for one online today!
Read the News
- RBdigital - Download a digital magazine.
- PressReader - Read today's newspaper headlines from around the world.
Learn Something New
- Lynda.com - Write a screenplay, become an IT security specialist, learn the foundations of managerial accounting and more.
- Mango Languages offers over 60 language courses and videos for multiple skill levels.
Plan for the Future
Legal forms - Download and print State, Federal, business, personal, and real estate forms. Subjects include wills, trusts, name changes, small businesses, LLCs and more.
You Can Still Enjoy a Good Book!
Join the Big Book Club Podcast:
Each month our librarian-bibliophile hosts share their insights and reactions to a buzz-worthy book. Join the conversation each month on our Facebook group, our Goodreads group or on Twitter with the hashtag #BigBookPodcast.
Download an eBook:
Overdrive eBook collection - Popular titles for kids, teens and adults. See what's available right now!
Or an eAudiobook:
Overdrive eAudiobook collection - Popular titles for kids, teens and adults. See what's available right now!
RBdigital collection - Includes Pimsleur Language lessons, Great Courses lectures, plus favorite fiction and nonfiction titles.
Get stories just for kids:
- BookFlix - Kids explore educational topics through favorite storybooks.
- Early World of Learning - Stories, videos, songs, and games for preK through 3rd grade.
- Overdrive - eAudiobooks and eBooks just for kids.
2020 Census is Here
What is the Census?
The U.S. Census counts each and every resident in the nation, including here in Arlington County.
The data helps determine things like the number of seats Virginia has in the House of Representatives, and how to distribute federal funds to local communities like ours.
Why Does the Census Matter?
The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to communities like Arlington is based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, libraries, roads, public works and other vital programs.
How Does the Census Work?
In mid-March, households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census. You have three options:
- Online
- By Phone
- By Mail
For some people, it's not clear how they should count themselves or the people in their home on April 1. For more information, visit Who to Count.
What You Should Know About the Census
What Questions are Asked in the Census? You will answer a simple questionnaire about yourself and everyone who is living with you on April 1, 2020. Explore the form.
The Census is in the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.
Your Responses are Safe and Secure. Responses to the 2020 Census protected by federal law (Title 13 of the U.S. Code). All Census Bureau staff take a lifetime oath to protect your personal information. Violations result in a penalty of up to $250,000 and/or 5 years in prison.
Get Help With Your Census Form
2020 Census Pop-Ups at the Library:
Volunteers will answer questions and help you log on to a secure public computer, access phone support, find language guides, and offer additional information about the Census.
Adult Late Night Recess: Census Edition! at Columbia Pike - April 3
Adults of all ages are welcome. Come prepared for fun, games, and crafts, and wear appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes that will allow you to move around freely. Census Volunteers will also be on hand to help attendees fill out and submit their 2020 Census forms.
