Service Updates

October 22: Library Operations Update

COVID-19 and FY2021 Budget Impacts

Arlington Public Library continues to work closely with the Arlington County Government leadership and the Department of Public Health to make decisions about Library operations. These decisions are made carefully and in consideration of a range of factors including budget, staffing models, demand for services and community health conditions.

As the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic continue, Arlington County is working to close a projected $28 to $39 million budget gap between County expenses and revenues in the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2021. To close the FY 2021 budget gap, the County will use a number of approaches including service reductions and delayed facility openings. (Please see the County’s full press release to learn how the entire FY 2021 budget gap will be closed and for information on how to give feedback to the County Board.)

What Does This Mean for the Library?

The Library is operating with significantly less staff than pre-pandemic and will continue to do so for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Arlington County Government hiring freeze, in place since March 2020, affects the Library’s ability to fill vacant positions and to use temporary workers to achieve our typical staffing levels.

Why Can't We Do More?

At present, current staffing levels allow for the operation of the 7-day a week Holds Pickup service at Central Library and book drops at six branch locations. The Holds Pickup service is a more labor-intensive staffing model than our normal way of doing business, due to health and safety considerations for patrons and staff.

What Are Our Next Steps?

Providing equitable access to our services remains a priority for Arlington Public Library. Library leadership will work to reevaluate and rebalance offered services to increase access to Library collections.

Any additional services would be offered at limited locations and for limited hours and will mean a reduction in the hours of the Holds Pickup service at Central Library. Stay tuned for an update on services in December.

Please continue to send us your feedback. We read and consider all comments.

If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds. Instead, please contact us by phone, web chat or text.

ALERT: Holds Due To Be Picked Up October 16-19 Are Extended To October 20

Due to a messaging outage, holds due to be picked up Friday, Oct. 16 – Monday, Oct. 19 will be held at Central Library until Tuesday, Oct. 20.

We apologize for any confusion this may cause. Please check your library account to confirm your current hold status (i.e.: on the hold shelf). Please note: Any items currently on the hold shelf and due to be picked up October 16-19 will not reflect the correct pick up date of October 20 in your account.

If you need help resetting your account password during this time, please contact us by phone, chat or text.

Notices meant to be sent Friday, Oct. 9 – Monday, Oct. 12 are being sent now. Because of the backlog, some message in the queue for today (Tuesday, Oct. 13) may not go out until Thursday. Other emailed library notices, including overdue reminders and autorenewal confirmations, may not be delivered. Please check your account online for the status of any checked out items. Since July 1, daily overdue fees have been eliminated.

Access Restored to Library Catalog, Patron Accounts, Library App and eCollection

Update: Access to all Library systems has been restored as of 10 p.m.

Due to a planned system maintenance, the Library’s catalog and patron accounts system, as well as the Library App and eCollection will be unavailable as of 9 p.m. on Friday, October 9.

Any items already checked out in your OverDrive, Libby or RBdigital apps will be available, but you will not be able to perform any actions that require checking into your library account.

The maintenance is expected to take approximately one hour.

Library Operations Fall Update

Since June 15, over 175,000 print books and other library materials have been checked out or renewed and close to 130,000 physical holds have been placed. Impressive!

As we look to the future of Library operations, staff at Arlington Public Library will work closely with the County leadership and the Department of Public Health to determine how to best move forward. Locally, COVID-19 cases remain above target thresholds and Arlington County continues to experience community spread.

Plans for the Fall

We believe it is of paramount importance to protect the safety of Library patrons and staff, and that slowing community spread of the COVID-19 virus is a community-wide effort.

We are in this together.

For now, Arlington Public Library will continue to operate the Holds Pickup service at Central Library and book drops at six branch locations in order to prioritize safety and ensure access to print materials for as many residents as possible.

Over the past six months, we have expanded our digital collections and we continue to offer online storytimes, author talks and book clubs.

We believe this service model best matches the current conditions, and best positions us to meet the expected increase in demand for library materials as the academic year begins.

Looking Forward

We share your belief that the Library is a cornerstone of our community and we acknowledge the hardship it causes to many when our physical Library spaces are inaccessible.

We are eager to reconnect with our beloved community and we plan to reevaluate Library operations in October.

What Can Yo Do?

Please be patient – It does take longer to process holds during current conditions.
You have five days – You will be contacted when your hold is ready and you have five days to pick up materials once notified.
Manage your holds – If you’re going out of town or don’t want to receive a book at this time, don’t forget to freeze your holds.

We understand that Arlington readers love their Library as much as we do. Please continue to send us your feedback, which we use along with staff input and public health data, to inform ongoing planning.

Send Us Your Feedback

If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds, please contact us by phone, online chat or text.

Moving towards a phased reopening will take all of us working together — responding to a pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint. Thank you for your support of Arlington Public Library.

Stay safe and hopeful,
Your Arlington Public Library Team.

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.

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

The Library Report: Week 5 Update

You’ve been busy since our last report! Since June 15, over 56,000 print books and other library materials have been checked out or renewed, over 67,000 physical holds have been placed, and 163,000 items have been returned at all seven Library locations.

Five Things to Make Your Holds Pickup Easier

It’s hot out there! We’ve added a 4th service station to make the line move faster and shade tents to help protect you while you wait in line.
Hold status - We fixed a glitch in our system that showed some holds were available before they reached the shelf. Now, you can pick up your holds as soon as you see that they’re ready.
Make it fast - Bring your library card (or the card of the person you’re picking up for) to receive speedy service. No card? Use the digital library card in your Library App.
Control your holds - If you’re going out of town or don’t want to receive a book at this time, don’t forget to freeze your holds.
Arlington Wireless - Use the free Wi-Fi while waiting in line for your hold.

We're Constantly Impressed By How Much Arlington Loves To Read!

The ten most popular holds placed in the last 30 days are:

“Too Much and Never Enough” by Mary L. Trump
“How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
"The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir" by John Bolton
"Make Russia Great Again" by Christopher Buckley
"Sex and Vanity" by Kevin Kwan
"White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo
"The Guest List" by Lucy Foley
"Friends and Strangers" by Courtney J. Sullivan
"The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larson

Browse Popular and Available Titles

The Library Report: Two Weeks In

Stories from the Front Desk

Since June 15, Arlington Public Library cardholders have returned 36,000 books, placed 21,000 new holds, and checked out 3,000 items. Proving, yet again, how much Arlingtonians love to read.

But what does this look like behind the scenes?

We admit it, June 15 was a hard reset.

Two weeks into providing a new holds pick-up service, many of our library staffers have shifted from telework to on-site work. In the previous month, they worked hard to prepare Central Library to receive holds from all eight library locations and to create a safe way for patrons to pick up those holds. Long before that, however, staff took up the challenge of learning and implementing a new operating system - a system that had to be replaced before our contract ran out in July, in a process that had started 18 months earlier when a pandemic was a story in the Fiction section or a lesson in the Nonfiction section...

Safety is part of our daily routine: Pre and post-COVID-19.

The safety of our patrons and staff always comes first! With that in mind, we built custom plexiglass barriers and created new work processes to safeguard everyone. And by shifting all our operations to Central Library, we have been able to create a safe and clean space where patrons can pick up holds and conduct essential Library business while maintaining safe social distancing. As with other industries, we acknowledge that waiting lines might be longer than usual during peak times, and looking ahead, we are working to communicate the status of pick-up conditions when possible.

The new now: Adapting and responding to change.

The full-service library branch model of eight locations open for business, as usual, isn’t possible right now based on how our work has changed and what is needed to ensure staff and patron safety.

Sarah, Charlotte and Lee surrounded by trucks of books

A typical Monday morning now looks like this: Circulation staffer Charlotte, dressed in protective gloves and face covering, is checking in holds that will go on temporary shelves in the Auditorium. Later in the day, she will be joined by Branch staff after they finish processing the morning’s returns at their home branches.

Nico and Pat observe Anne performing storytime

Youth Services librarians Pat, Nico and Anne are getting ready to record a live story time video in the upstairs meeting room. Administrative staffer Charlie is waiting to make a materials-run and our Facility Manager Tony is climbing a ladder to install another temporary sign. Other staff are organizing books returned from patrons for their 72-hour quarantine. This is the new reality of daily operations.

Looking ahead: What happens next?

We don’t know, yet. What we do know is, we will continue to serve our community. Some of our buildings may remain closed for the duration of the pandemic, our virtual services and online programs will continue to expand, and our digital and physical catalog will remain accessible.

What will our future library system look like? What will happen with our popular programs such as story times, language conversation and author events? All good questions which we have been studying since the beginning of this crisis. Many scenarios are being considered as we move into the fall and winter.

Thank you for your support of Arlington Public Library.

We know the last three weeks have not been easy! Not on you, and not on our staff. We appreciate your patience, and we understand your frustration. We hope that every day gets a little easier, and when it doesn’t, please let us know using this form - we welcome your feedback.

For Library account or catalog questions, please call us, or contact us through use Live Chat and Text.

Stay safe and hopeful,
Your Arlington Public Library Team.

Central Library Now Open for Holds Pickup

Hours and FAQs

Welcome back! Starting Monday, June 15, Holds Pickup will be Available.

Hours

Monday through Thursday - 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday through Sunday -12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Location

Central Library Auditorium
1015 N Quincy St
Arlington VA 22201

Important Dates:

Central Library will be closed - Friday, July 3 - Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day, and Tuesday, June 23 and July 7 for voting.
Current Holds Start June 15 - All patrons with a hold currently ready for pickup (since before the closure) may pick up their hold. All holds ready for pickup have been moved to Central Library. Holds will be held for 10 days. If you do not wish to collect your hold you do not need to contact the library; all holds will be automatically reshelved after 10 days.
New Holds Start June 18, by Noon - Patrons who do not have online access may place holds by calling 703-228-5990.

The following plans and procedures are tentative and will be adjusted as necessary. Please check back often for updates.

Questions? Contact us by Phone or through Online Chat and Text.

FAQs

Q. What Library services will be available starting Monday, June 15?

Holds pickup: In the Central Library Auditorium
Basic account services: Sign up for a library card, renew library cards, update temporary library cards and update mailing address

Q. What safety measures will be in place?

All patrons and staff must maintain six foot social distancing requirements.
All patrons and staff must wear masks.
Hand sanitizer will be available for patrons entering and leaving Central Library.
Service points will have sneeze-guard partitions
Frequent cleaning and deep cleaning of staff and public spaces
Restrooms will not be available to the public

Q. What parking will be available?

Please park in the surface parking lots at Central Library. The parking garage is currently closed to the public.

Holds Pickup and Services

Q. What is the process for holds pickup?

Patrons will line up at six-foot intervals outside library entrance closest to the tennis courts / surface parking lot. Access to the auditorium will be metered. Once inside the auditorium, three service stations will be available. Library staff will retrieve your holds, check them out to you, and pass them to you with no/limited contact. Patrons will exit across the Auditorium, through the doors onto the garden porch and walk down the pathway to the parking lot.
Restrooms will not be available to the public.

Q. What is the process for account services?

Basic account services such as applying for and renewing library cards can be handled at the auditorium service points. The process is the same as for holds pickup.

Q. Will the library limit the size of families/groups?

When possible, please send one household member to retrieve holds. Please bring the associated library card for any holds you are picking up. You may also use the library app to manage all the accounts from one household, and to access digital library cards for each account.

Q. I have a condition that prevents me from standing in line. How can I get my holds?

If you are in need of accessibility accommodation, you can schedule your holds pickup by calling the Library at 703-228-5990.

Q. How long will my holds remain at Central for pickup once I am notified that they are available?

Until further notice, holds will remain on the shelf for 10 days.

Q. I currently have a hold on my account that is ready for pickup (on the hold shelf since before the closure). How can I receive it?

All holds that were ready for pickup prior to the closure have been moved to the Auditorium at Central Library. These holds will be available for pickup on June 15 and will be held for 10 days. If you do not wish to collect your hold you do not need to contact the library; all holds will be automatically reshelved after 10 days.

Q. What about the holds on my account that are not yet ready?

All holds placed before June 15 have been frozen, and as of June 22 the pickup location has been changed to Central (the only available location). Frozen holds keep their place in line but do not come ready.

To receive your holds at Central, log into your account and click on "thaw" next to each item that you are ready to receive.

You may also cancel any holds you no longer want or need.

Q. I thawed my holds, and now I'm number 1 for a number of items that had long wait times... What happened?

After thawing your holds, your placement in line for each item will fluctuate as other patrons with holds on the same titles thaw or freeze their holds.

Q. I have holds that were previously set for pick up at a location besides Central Library.

As of June 22, all holds set to pick up at other locations have been set to Central Library. To receive these holds, log into your account and click on "thaw" next to each item that you are ready to receive.

If you do not wish to pick up your holds at Central Library, you may cancel them or keep them frozen (frozen holds keep their place in line) until your preferred location reopens for pickup service. At that time you will need to thaw the hold.

When you place a new hold, only Central Library will be an option for holds pick up until Branch locations reopen for holds pickup.

Q. How long will it take for my holds to come in?

There will be a delay in filling many holds as all returned Library materials will be quarantined upon return for 72 hours.

Q. How many holds can I have on my account?

You can have as many as 30 holds at a time in any status (ready, frozen, not ready, etc.).

Returns

Q. How can I return Library materials?

Please do not rush to return materials! Library materials must be quarantined upon return, and the Library does not have space to receive all the returns at once. Due dates for materials checked out before the closure have been staggered throughout the summer to avoid overloading return bins.

Beginning Monday, June 15, you can begin to return Library materials to the exterior book drops at Central Library and all Branch Library locations. All library materials can now be returned in the bookdrop including DVDs, games, dolls, etc.

Returns will not be accepted in the Central Library Auditorium.

Q. What is the disinfectant process for Library materials?

Library materials will be set aside for 72 hours before being processed. Library staff will practice appropriate safety procedures as laid out by County health officials, and may adjust procedures based on the latest research and guidance.

You may opt to set aside library materials for 72 hours after you receive them.

Fines and Fees

Q. Am I accruing overdue fees on materials I checked out before the closure?

All due dates on material checked out before June 15 have been extended to July 1, 2020 or later. Due dates have been staggered over the summer to avoid a rush of returns. Please check your account for specific due dates. No daily overdue fees will accrue on these materials.

Q. How can I pay fines and fees I owe?

Fine payment is not available online or at Central Library at this time. If your card is blocked due to overdue fines, please contact us.

Q. Is the Library going “Fine Free”?

Daily library overdue fees were eliminated in the FY21 Arlington County Budget. No new daily overdue fees will accrue after July 1, 2020. Lost material fees and other service fees will still apply. Overdue fees charged before July 1, 2020 will remain due on library accounts.

Changes Ahead: A Message from the Library Director

Dear Friends,

For the past few weeks, staff of Arlington Public Library have been preparing for reopening. We have missed being at the Library and know you have, too.

As we move forward, all of us remain committed to our mission and to the health and safety of our library patrons, staff and volunteers. We will strive to bring you the best Library service possible, while limiting physical access.

Changes to our service are on the way:

Holds - Starting mid-June, Arlington Public Library will offer a walk-in/walk-out service for hold pickups and book bundles in the auditorium at Central Library. Operating hours for the holds pickup service are being decided and we will communicate details as we have them. Computers, self-check stations, and meeting rooms will not be available for use. All branch locations will remain closed at this time; starting in mid-June returns will also be accepted via book drop at all branches.
Masks - In accordance with Governor Ralph S. Northam's Executive Order Number 63, both patrons and staff are required to wear masks and observe social distancing at all times when in a library building.
Account System - We are upgrading the Library’s account system. This change has been long-planned and will enable us to serve you more effectively.
Summer Reading - The Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge will start June 1, and this year we’re going digital. Stay tuned for more details next week.
Arlington READS - Continues virtually: In June, we will host a conversation with Brooke Gladstone, journalist, author, media analyst, and co-host and managing editor of the WNYC radio program “On the Media.” And in October, we are thrilled to present Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Colson Whitehead (“The Underground Railroad”and “The Nickel Boys”). Stay tuned for details; both programs promise to be lively and engaging.

We recognize there is no replacement for an in-person, full-service library experience. Over the years, the staff and I have been honored to serve the community of Arlington and have always tried to strike a balance between the high tech of our digital content and the high touch of our popular story times and author events. We cherish the relationships we have developed with each one of you and look forward to better times. Please know that we are thinking of all of you and that together, we will get through this.

We ask that you check our website and social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

We are living in unprecedented times. Please send materials documenting your experience to the COVID-19 Archives Project and help tell Arlington's story of the pandemic.

And we urge you to contribute to “Quaranzine,” our weekly Zine of poetry, photography, prose and drawings. We have been inspired by the creativity and artistry expressed in each issue.

Stay well and hopeful, we are here for you.

Signature of Diane Kresh

Diane Kresh

Director, Arlington Public Library

Please Note: a previous version of this post incorrectly advertised the Colson Whitehead event for July; the event will be held in October. We regret the error.

Connect with Wi-Fi in Library Parking Lots

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arlington residents who lack reliable internet service at home can now connect to new free County Wi-Fi hotspots at the Central Library, Aurora Hills and Columbia Pike Library Branch parking lots.

The lots are open daily to people who need online access for work, schooling, health-related information or to complete essential tasks such as ordering groceries and household supplies.

Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles while on site to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Those who are not in vehicles should always maintain a physical distance of 6 feet apart and comply with public health guidelines.

Accessing the network is simple. Using a mobile device, choose the ArlingtonWireless network and accept the terms of agreement. While no user ID or password is required, it is important to remember that the County’s wireless network is not secure like most public hotspots. Users will be asked to acknowledge this fact before being provided access to the free wireless.

Users should not transmit sensitive information over the wireless network, and make sure that they have firewall and anti-virus software installed on their equipment.

Learn more about the COVID-19 response in Arlington

Alert