• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Alert

Service Disruption: Westover Library book drop temporarily closed starting Feb. 8. More Info

Alert

Westover Library Has Sunday Hours. More Info

Home - Arlington County Virginia - Logo
MENUMENU
  • Join Now
  • My Account
    • Login
    • Borrow, Renew, Return
    • Holds
    • About My Account
    • My eAccounts
  • Hours & Locations
    • All Hours & Locations
    • Holiday Closings
  • News
  • Contact Us

Arlington Public Library

MENUMENU
  • Search
      • Browse New
      • Browse All
  • Events
    • Arlington Reads
    • Featured Events
    • Calendar
    • On Demand Programs
  • eCollection
    • eAudiobooks
    • eBooks
    • Digital Magazines
    • Learning Tools
    • Research Tools
    • All eCollection
  • Research
    • Research Portal
    • Research Tools A-Z
    • Local History
  • Library Services
    • Accessibility Services
    • For Book Lovers
    • Garden Tool Library
    • Maker
    • Meeting Rooms
    • Notary
    • Public Computers
    • Teleconnect Space
    • More Services
  • Explore
    • Catalog
      • Catalog Search
      • Catalog Browse
      • Digital Archives
      • Borrowing Collections
      • Book Lists
    • Kids & Teens
      • For Babies and Preschoolers
      • For Elementary Schoolers
      • Middle and High Schoolers
    • Local History
      • Research Room
      • Community Archives
      • Online Exhibits
    • Support the Library
      • Donating Materials
    • Popular
      • Consumer Reports
      • Overdrive
    • EXPLORE MORE
  • Join Now
  • My Account
    • Login
    • Borrow, Renew, Return
    • Holds
    • About My Account
    • My eAccounts
  • Hours & Locations
    • All Hours & Locations
    • Holiday Closings
  • News
  • Contact Us

Central Library Upgrades

Central Library Upgrade: Public Computers Unavailable Feb. 4-5

Published: February 2, 2019

On Monday, Feb. 4, and Tuesday, Feb. 5, Central Library's public computers may be unavailable for public use.

During this time, we will be installing new public computer station on the second floor.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Central Library New PC area

February 2, 2019 by Web Editor Filed Under: Central Library Upgrades, News

Central Library Upgrade: December 2018 Update

Published: December 17, 2018

Phase Two - Wrapping Up

Central Library 2nd floor group seating
New group seating area

A great deal of progress has been made during Phase Two of our Central Library upgrade.

  • New individual and group seating is in place throughout the second floor
  • The magazine and newspaper collection has new shelving
  • The reference collection is now housed directly at the top of the stairs.
  • Way-finding signage has been installed next to the elevator on the first and second floors.
New wayfinding wall signs next to the elevators
New wayfinding wall signs next to the elevators

Behind the Glass Walls

Work is almost complete on our new new multi-purpose technology and maker lab, as well as redesigned public PC stations.

These areas of Central Library will remain closed to the public for safety while we continue to add finishing touches to the work.

Central Library New PC area
Central Library New PC area

What's Next?

Renovated areas of the second floor, including the public computer stations, should begin to be open for use in early 2019. The entire project is expected to be complete Winter, 2019.

Thank you for your patience, and please continue to check this space for further specific announcements.

December 17, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades, News

Central Library Upgrade: August Update

Published: July 26, 2018

Phase Two News

Behind the scenes on the second floor, work has begun on our new multi-purpose technology and maker lab, as well as redesigned public PC stations.

Friends Book Store with open doors
The Friends Book Store is now open

First Floor Update

The Friends Books Store is now open for business. Look for news about a Grand Opening Celebration coming soon from the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

photo of the temporary reference desk location
Temporary reference desk located next to the audiobooks on CD

Second Floor Update

The old Ask-A-Librarian desk has been removed, and we are currently offering reference services from a temporary desk at the top of the stairs (next to the audiobooks). The old desk has been relocated to its new home at the Columbia Pike Branch Library.

A temporary Computer Help Desk is now located in the temporary public computer area, where the Ask-A-Librarian desk used to be.

During Phase Two, we continue to offer a reduced number of public computers at Central Library. During this time, we recommend visiting other Library locations if you need to use a computer for an extended period of time.

July 26, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades, News

Central Library Upgrade: July Update

Published: July 1, 2018

New 1st Floor Meeting Rooms Open

The alcove seating area, Holds and New Books are now available. And the new Friends of the Arlington Public Library retail space will be opening soon.

Comfy chairs and study tables in the alcove, and hold shelves on the left
Comfy chairs and study tables in the alcove; holds and new books on the left.
Photo of new Central Library circulation layout with New Books shelves on the left between circulation desk and Meeting rooms
New Books shelves on the left, in front of the new Meeting Rooms.
Photo of the new Friends bookstore half stocked, with a "Coming Soon" sign outside
Coming Soon! The new Friends of the Library bookstore.

Phase Two

The bulk of construction has moved to the second floor, while we continue putting finishing touches on the first floor.

Phase Two includes construction of a new public computer use area, new maker space, as well as new seating, shelving and signage.

Meeting Rooms

New meeting spaces on the first floor - the Glebe Room and the Wilson Room - are now open for public use.

The two small meeting rooms on the second floor - the Carlin Springs Room and the Little Falls Room - and part of the seating area on the second floor are currently unavailable.

Public Computers

Until Phase Two is complete in the fall, we will offer a reduced number of public computers at Central Library.

During this time, we recommend visiting other Library locations if you need to use a computer for an extended period of time.

July 1, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades, News Tagged With: BST

Central Library Upgrade: June Update

Published: May 30, 2018

Transition to Phase Two

We are preparing to move the bulk of construction work to the second floor, while continuing to put finishing touches on the first floor.

First Floor: Meeting Rooms
Architect's Rendering: 1st Floor Meeting Rooms
1st floor meeting room near completion
1st floor meeting room near completion

Public Computers

  • On June 5-6, the public computers will be temporarily unavailable.
  • As of June 7, we will have a reduced number of computers available for use at Central Library until Phase Two is completed in the fall.

During this time, we recommend visiting other Library locations if you need to use a computer for an extended period of time. 

Meeting Rooms

Once Phase Two construction begins:

  • The two small meeting rooms on the second floor will be unavailable.
  • The new meeting spaces on the first floor will open for public use.

Holds, Bookstore and New Books

During Phase Two, the Friends of the Arlington Public Library retail space, the New Books area, and the Holds Shelves will all be relocated.

Phase Two Includes

  • New multi-purpose technology and maker lab equipped with a tool and storage room, work benches, design areas and computer stations on the 2nd floor
  • Redesigned public PC stations
  • More
Second Floor: Maker Lab
Architect's rendering: 2nd Floor Maker Lab

The completion of Phase Two is currently set for early August 2018. Dates are subject to change based on construction schedules. We will update this information as soon as possible if there are any changes.

Please continue to check the Library website and app for more information.

May 30, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades, News

Central Library Upgrade: May 1 Update

Published: May 1, 2018

Phase 1 is winding down…

White walls and a construction box with tarp on the floor

Behind the temporary work wall on the first floor at Central Library, cement has been poured, HVAC is being installed, and new outlets are getting connected.

The new meeting rooms are taking shape, and the new Friends of the Library Book Store is coming together!

Further updates are coming, so check back here soon.

 

May 1, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades

Central Library Upgrade: March 1 Update

Published: March 1, 2018

Phase 1 Update, as of March 1

Estimated completion of the Central Upgrade is Winter 2018/19. During the work, Central Library will remain open on our regular schedule.

photo of walls being built for new meeting rooms

Walls going up for new meeting rooms and the Friends of the Library Bookstore.

Behind the Scenes on the 1st Floor…

  • Drywall installation is underway, and the new meeting room spaces and the Friends Bookstore are beginning to take shape.
  • New wall and floor outlets are being installed in the meeting spaces, as well as the Reading Area next to the Circulation desk.

Phase Two of the upgrade is currently scheduled to begin in May.

 

Get all the latest news on the Central Library Upgrade.

 

March 1, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades

Central Library Upgrade: January 25 Update

Published: January 25, 2018

Estimated completion of the Central Upgrade is Winter 2018/19. During the work, Central Library will remain open on our regular schedule.

Phase 1 Update, as of January 25

On the 1st Floor

Book Drop

  • A temporary book drop has been placed outside the Library doors that face the tennis courts, to replace the book drops that are currently blocked by construction.
  • This book drop is for night time use only, so during the day please brings books inside.

Wire rack display of books next to construction entrance Friends Book Sale

  • A temporary Friends of the Library Book Store space has been set up facing the main staircase, where the New Detective Books used to be.
  • Book donations can be placed in the donation bin next to the parking lot entrance.

On the 2nd Floor

  • New Books – The new books are arranged around the central staircase on the 2nd floor.
  • Public Seating – Additional tables and chairs have been added on the 2nd floor, to make up for reduced patron seating space on the first floor.

Get all the latest news on the Central Library Upgrade.

 

January 25, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades

Central Upgrade Preparation to Begin Tuesday, Jan. 16

Published: January 8, 2018

Phase One will begin on the First Floor. 

Estimated completion of the Central Upgrade is Winter 2018/19. During the work, Central Library will remain open on our regular schedule.

Phase One includes furniture removal and the placement of partitions for work zones and public safety.

Patrons will be able to access Youth Services, the circulation service point, self-check machines, holds pick-up, and new books-browsing during the entire renovation process.

The following areas will be unavailable to the public during Phase One:

  • First Floor Meeting Room
  • Friends Bookstore*
  • First Floor copier
  • Circulation Alcove
  • First Floor Welcome Desk

*The Friends of the Library will be unable to accept donations as of January 12. For updates on when book donations will begin, and for other ways to donate to the Friends, visit the Friends of the Arlington Public Library website. The Spring Friends Book Sale will be held April 5-7, 2018.

Central Library Upgrades, architectural rendering of First Floor Meeting Rooms

 

January 8, 2018 by Web Editor Filed Under: App, Central Library Upgrades

Central Library to Remain Open During Construction

Published: October 21, 2017

Oct. 23, 2017

Work Set to Begin this Fall on Major Upgrades

Second Floor: Maker Lab

Architect’s rendering of the 2nd Floor Maker Lab

Renovations are set to begin in the fall of 2017 and will last up to 12 months. The Library will remain open during regular business hours.

Design features include new meeting rooms, a multi-purpose maker lab and updated ‘Tech-Central’ area.

“The Central Library upgrades are welcome and necessary,” says Library Director Diane Kresh. “We are committed to creating lively and collaborative spaces to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

Building upgrades and design elements include:

  • 3 new meeting rooms and updated reading room area on the 1st floor
  • New multi-purpose technology and maker lab equipped with a tool and storage room, work benches, design areas and computer stations on the 2nd floor
  • Redesigned public PC stations
  • New reference desk stations, furniture and media shelving
  • Relocation of pick-up area for holds
  • Book store for Friends of the Arlington Public Library
  • Energy efficient electrical fixtures and new power supply outlets for public use
  • Semi-transparent glass walls, private yet contemporary
  • ADA upgrades: redesign of ramp in front of the main parking lot and addition of protective railing underneath the staircase of the 1st floor

The project’s goals were informed by public work sessions and surveys around “The Future of Libraries” in 2011/2012.

 

October 21, 2017 by Web Editor Filed Under: Central Library Upgrades

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

About Us

  • Mission & Vision
  • Center for Local History
  • News Room

Administration

  • Policies
  • Library Staff
  • Job Opportunities
  • Propose a Program

Support Your Library

  • Friends of the Library
  • Giving Opportunities
  • Donating Materials
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Our Mission

We champion the power of stories, information and ideas.

We create space for culture and connection.

We embrace inclusion and diverse points of view.

Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. YouTube. Flickr. Newsletter.

download appDownload the Library App

Arlington County | Terms & Conditions | Accessibility | Site Map
· Copyright © 2023 Arlington County Government ·