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Celebrate Pride with crafts, authors, films and more!

Paper heart in rainbow colors

Arlington Public Library joins in celebrating Pride Month this June. Discover new books and new friends at the library while uplifting LGBTQIA+ stories through maker events, author talks, film screenings, curated book lists, and more.

Maker events include a Queer Joy Art Party (June 5) inviting visitors to create their own shirt, button or other art to wear. Library Director Diane Kresh leads Envisioning the Colors of Your Rainbow: A Collage & Assemblage Workshop (June 7)—bring your own box or plywood base and use our supplies to complete your vision!

Author and illustrator Mike Curato (June 6) joins us for a Zoom conversation to discuss his work, process and journey—from the creation of his polka-dotted elephant "Little Elliot" to his award-winning oft-banned young adult graphic novel "Flamer." The month concludes with Library Director Diane Kresh and Jeffrey Dale Lofton (June 29) in a conversation steeped in Southern culture on Lofton's award-winning coming-of-age story "Red Clay Suzie."

Film still from Paris Is Burning
Photo collage of Alan Turing and a mechanical computer constructed of gears and marbles.

Enjoy film screenings from “Smithsonian Time Capsule: Beyond Stonewall” (June 5) to "Paris is Burning!" (June 12), craft events for Grades K-5 inspired by cryptographer Alan Turing (June 10) and author Gertrude Stein (June 22), and a virtual book club discussion (June 22) of Jas Hammonds' "We Deserve Monuments."

Library staff will also celebrate Pride in the community with Library Truck pop-ups at Bozman Government Center (June 8) and Arlington Pride (June 24).

View Pride Events

New May Releases

May is a Blockbuster Month for New Releases

Explore our new book titles—from a Royal Guard romcom, to the search for a new home and the quest for identity.

Author Megan Clawson lives at the Tower of London (her dad is a Beefeater) so she’s able to infuse her charming romcom "Falling Hard for the Royal Guard" full of history and behind-the-scenes information. Through four generations, a family moves from India to Kenya, to Uganda and to Canada while exploring family, citizenship and the search for peace and security in "A History of Burning" by Janika Oza.

Explore the policies and desires that shape parking in America, as well as their unintended consequences and solutions in "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World" by Henry Grabar. Geena Rocero’s empowering memoir, "Horse Barbie," tells how she was a prominent pageant queen in the Philippines popular trans beauty pageants, but moving to America meant being able to legally change her name and gender, but hiding her trans identity.

Middle grade readers will root for a team of undocumented high school students competing (and winning) in a robotics competition against teams from elite engineering universities in "Spare Parts: The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream" by Joshua Davis, adapted for young readers by Reyna Grande.

Teens will swoon for Rebekah Weatherspoon’s "Her Good Side," a heart-melting fun story about two friends who fake-date to gain relationship experience and change their romantic reputations, only to develop feelings for each other.

Place Your Holds Now!

More Book Lists To Explore

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Asian Voices

May is Short Story Month!

Recent Short Stories

Director’s Message: Reflections on the Human Library

Arlington Public Library hosted a "Human Library" this past Saturday.  Some hours after it ended, I felt a deep appreciation for an extraordinary day spent with Arlington County colleagues, friends, families, a baby and more than a hundred curious readers eager to engage in honest, face-to-face conversations. “Human books” and readers sat across from one another, respectfully probed highly personal subjects, listened and learned.   Living as we do in a time when technology makes information constantly available, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of news stories that highlight our differences and headline depressing topics.

The "Human Library" offers an alternative. A promise of increasing understanding, acceptance and mutual respect by simply sitting down and talking openly and unreservedly to one another.

On Saturday, April 29, 16 "human books" were accessed over 110 times by event participants. Photo credit Daniel Rosenbaum.

I was a "human book"—my title, “Coming Out Late.” Each conversation I had was a revelation, an opportunity for me to delve further into my own story and relate to someone as they reflect on their own or those they hold dear.

What an honor and a privilege to share one’s most intimate thoughts and experiences with a stranger and come away feeling seen and heard. 
I am thankful to the Library leadership for their willingness to try something completely different and to our extraordinary staff who spent months planning the program.

I am grateful to those who joined us and gave selflessly of themselves and for demonstrating to the community how to care for one another.

Our "Human Library" was a very big deal, and we hope to bring it back again soon.

Always open. Always free. Always human.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane KreshDirector, Arlington Public Library

Director’s Message for National Library Week

There's more to our story.

Library Director Diane Kresh smiles at her desk, with a bookshelf and cherry blossoms outside visible in the background.

April 23-29 is National Library Week. A pretty big deal for libraries across the nation, including this one.

This year’s theme is “there’s more to the story.” Libraries are full of possibilities ranging from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks and now we offer Kanopy (30,000 documentary films and movies to stream for free). In addition, we have the Library of Things where patrons borrow American Girl dolls, games, gardening tools and DIY kits.

Library programming connects community members to one another through book clubs, storytimes, musical performances, crafting classes at The Shop and author talks with Arlington Reads. Award-winning graphic novelist Jerry Craft ("New Kid," "Class Act" and "School Trip") will be in person (and streaming) at Central Library on Apr. 27.

Library infrastructure provides high-speed internet and computers, indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi, spaces for meetings or group study, comfortable seating for reading and tables for doing homework. The Teleconnect Space at Columbia Pike Library enables patrons to conduct online healthcare appointments, job interviews, career counselor meetings and social service appointments in a private setting. We invite you to check out our newest location, the Courthouse Library, on the ground floor of the Ellen Bozman Government Center.

Library professionals support businesses, job seekers and entrepreneurs. Youth Librarians help hone literacy skills for our youngest residents. At Arlington Public Library we offer all this for free.

Arlington Public Library’s vision is to be “the heart of a thoughtful, inclusive and dynamic community where people and ideas connect.” Let’s think about a few of those words. Thoughtful: our collections represent diverse points of view and appeal to a myriad of lifestyles. Inclusive: Arlington’s libraries accept all people. We are welcoming spaces where all who enter our doors are accepted for who they are. Where people and ideas connect: libraries are safe places for exploration and discovery. To learn about the world and one’s place in it. To learn who we are.

And speaking of increasing understanding, on Sat., Apr. 29 we will host a Human Library, where human “readers” are invited to check out a human “book” and engage in a conversation.

In February, The New York Times published “A Love Letter to Libraries, Long Overdue.” If you have not read it, I encourage you to do so. The article speaks volumes to people like me who have spent close to 50 years working in libraries. There is one line from the article I keep thinking about:

"The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected."
— Elisabeth Egan and Erica Ackerberg for The New York Times

Yes, yes, and YES.

There is and will continue to be “more to the story” in libraries – in their collections and in their services. Let us help you discover new aspects of your story. We will write it together.

Always free, always open, always your library.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

 

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

New: stream films and TV free with Kanopy!

Just added: Kanopy offers streaming films and TV with a free, constantly updated library!

Using your Arlington Public Library card, you can now access Kanopy—a new-to-Arlington streaming service offering an extensive collection of narrative and documentary films, TV series, kids content and digital courses.

Getting started

Step 1. Sign up for a Kanopy account using your library card number, accessible on your physical cards or your account profile in the Arlington Library website or app.

Step 2. Find and download the Kanopy app for your television or mobile devices. Streaming in a web browser does not require an app.

Step 3. Explore the Kanopy library, select your film or series  and start streaming!

Play credits and viewing periods

Every library card is granted 10 play credits each month, which are redeemed when viewing a film or episode. Many offerings on Kanopy have a 48 or 72 hour viewing period, and patrons can watch their selection as many times as desired during this time without using another credit.

Kanopy Kids content does not deplete play credits, and content from The Great Courses learning catalog may be viewed at a rate of 2 courses per month with a 30-day viewing period for each.

Create Your Account
Kanopy Help

The Human Library Comes to Arlington

Delve into the life story of someone new in this unique experience coming to Arlington.

April 29 at Central Library, the Human Library comes to Arlington. At this live event developed by the Human Library Organization in Denmark, human "readers" like you are invited to check out a human "book" for an enlightening conversation.

A human book speaks to their lived experience as a person who is commonly judged by society for some aspect of their existence.

Our human books are volunteers and active members of the Arlington community or wider metro DC area.

Invited human books include: "Blind/Low Vision," "Black Transgender Man," "Tattoo Artist," "Bipolar Disorder," "Anxiety Disorder," "Previously Incarcerated" and "Nonspeaking Autism." Everyone has a story, and they are willing to share theirs with you in this safe environment.

Learn More and Register

Arlington Reads: Get Graphic

Jerry Craft, Apr. 27 and Gene Luen Yang, May 4 at Central Library, 6-8 p.m.

Families with middle school/high school students and adults are in for a double treat this spring.

Meet the Newbery Medal winning graphic novel author Jerry Craft (Apr. 27), creator of “New Kid,” and the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Gene Luen Yang (May 4), author of “Dragon Hoops.”

Their graphic novels will be available for purchase during both events, courtesy of One More Page Books. The conversations will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Both in-person events are free and will be livestreamed and made available as a recording for 30 days on the Arlington County's YouTube channel; RSVP to receive the online link.

Arlington Reads is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

All are welcome!

 

RSVP for Jerry Craft (Apr. 27)
RSVP for Gene Luen Yang (May 4)

"Get Graphic" with Jerry Craft

On April 27, join us for a conversation between author Jerry Craft and Library Division Chief Peter Petruski about Jerry Craft's novel "New Kid," and his newest installment "School Trip."

In “New Kid,” seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

"Get Graphic" with Gene Luen Yang

On May 4, join us for a conversation between New York Times bestselling author Gene Luen Yang and Librarian Jennifer Santure about Yang’s graphic novel career, from "American Born Chinese" to his latest graphic novel, "Dragon Hoops."

In Yang’s latest graphic novel, “Dragon Hoops,” he turns the spotlight on his life, his family and the high school where he teaches. The graphic novel character Gene understands stories—comic book stories featuring action and heroes, in particular.

But Gene doesn’t get sports. As a kid, his friends called him “Stick” and every basketball game he played ended in pain. He lost interest in basketball long ago, but at the high school where he now teaches, it's all anyone can talk about. The men’s varsity team, the "Dragons," is having a phenomenal season that’s been decades in the making. Each victory brings them closer to their ultimate goal: the California State Championships.

Once Gene gets to know these young all-stars, he realizes that their story is just as thrilling as anything he’s seen on a comic book page. He knows he has to follow this epic to its end. What he doesn’t know yet is that this season is not only going to change the "Dragons’s" lives, but his own life as well.

Our shelves are blooming with fresh new reads.

Get Your Hands On These New And Upcoming Titles

Spring is definitely here and just like our gardens, our shelves are blooming with fresh new reads!

During the French occupation of Mexico, the Luna sisters are sent to London for their safety, but the swirling skirts of the ballrooms mask the swirling storm of politics and danger that surround Ana María in the swoony romance "Ana María and The Fox" by Liana de la Rosa.

When new music by the late, great composer Frederick Delaney is found in his papers, researchers Hendricks and Eboni discover most of Delaney’s work was stolen from a jazz musician, a secret some will go to great lengths to ensure stays buried in "Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb.

Calling all cooks and history buffs—by recreating recipes from ancient Rome to Ming China and medieval Europe—YouTube personality Max Miller explores the history and culture through the lens of food in "Tasting History: Explore the Past in 4,000 Years of Recipes (a cookbook)."

While a sightseeing trip to a nebula won’t happen this summer, astronomer Philip Plait imagines a future world where it could and gives us a science-filled travel guide to the cosmos in "Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer’s Guide to the Universe."

For middle grade readers, Jordan and his friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are back and navigating complicated friendships and next steps as well as a foreign country in "School Trip" by Jerry Craft. Don’t miss seeing Jerry Craft in person at Central Library on April 27 at 6 p.m.

Teen readers will be fascinated by the story of a Viking warrior mummy found in 1878, and how over a century later scientists discovered the presumed male warrior was actually female. In "Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior," C.M. Surrisi explores research bias and Viking history.

Place Your Holds Now

2023 Spring Book Sale

Score rare finds and amazing deals at the can't-miss book sale of the season April 20-23!

Shoppers browsing tables with used books.

The Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) invite you to the 2023 Spring Book Sale!

The much-anticipated semiannual sale returns to the Central Library parking garage and features thousands of books, games, puzzles and other items for all ages and interests at incredible bargains with proceeds supporting library programs.

booksale-1.jpg

Dates, hours and location

Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., parking garage

  • Thu., April 20, 5-8:30 p.m. (Members Only Night)
  • Fri., April 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Public)
  • Sat., April 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Public)
  • Sun., April 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Public, Half-Price Day)

Major credit cards, checks and cash will be accepted.

Please bring your own bags or boxes.

Teachers and librarians with school IDs enjoy a 50% discount on purchases Friday and Saturday, while everyone saves 50% on Sunday!

Learn More

Parking

FOAL will be using the G1 floor of the parking garage beginning April 17 throughout the sale. Please use G2 and G3 in the parking garage or park in the outdoor lots surrounding the Library. The closest Metro stations to Central Library are Ballston and Virginia Square on the Orange and Silver Lines.

For accessible parking, use the surface lot behind Central Library. The elevator inside the building will take you to G1 and the sale.

FOAL members enjoy early access!

Thursday night is Members Only Night! To become a FOAL member, use the online application form.

Volunteers are still needed.

Contact volunteer@arlingtonlibraryfriends.org or fill out the volunteer application form to find out more about volunteering opportunities for the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

Spring brings playspaces and tool lending!

Curated Arlingtown playspaces for little learners are now open at all libraries!

Arlingtown is a fun space where families and caregivers with young children can spend time learning and building connections.  With an intentional selection of toys, prompts, signs and books now available at all library locations, parents and caregivers can engage with children in the five early literacy practices: talking, writing, reading, playing and singing.

Kids can engage in pretend play while parents and caregivers can explore early literacy tips for children ages 0 to 5, which will help children enter school ready to learn.

View each location's hours and plan your visit to Arlingtown!

The Shed garden tool lending library is back for your Spring projects! 

Want to start gardening, but don't have the right tools? Ready to tackle a big yard project and need an unusual tool? The Library can help!

Visit The Shed—our garden tool lending library—open Mondays and Wednesdays 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Shed is located at Central Library and open to all Arlington residents and property owners age 18+ with a library card.

Learn more and explore the garden tool lineup.

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