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Increased Browsing Time at Express Libraries & Expanding Service

Library staff stand outside of Westover pointing at the front door, looking excited.

Express Library Service opening day at Westover; photo by Library Director Diane Kresh.

It's been exactly one month since Express Library Service opened at the Shirlington and Westover Branches!

Since then, more than 16,000 items have been checked out at our Express Libraries, and 60 percent of the items checked out have been children’s material.

We are excited by the opportunity this new service has given us to welcome Arlington readers back into the Library, and grateful for your support and patience over the past year.

As we continue to expand services and offerings to the community, we have some exciting updates to share.

Coming Soon

  • Starting Tuesday, April 13, in-person browsing at Express Library locations will increase to 30 minutes, for 30 people.
  • With warmer weather ahead, look for The Truck at more outdoor community events.
  • We’ll soon hold outdoor story times (limited capacity and safety measures will be in place).
  • Summer Reading starts June 1! Look for more info coming soon.
Program and outreach librarians hand out books, craft kits and info at AFAC.

The Library’s Partnership & Outreach team visited AFAC and other neighborhood organizations for National Library Week 2021.

Looking Ahead to FY2022

The Library will hire new staff this spring, in order to begin opening more locations this summer.

  • Community health metrics are not the driving factor in regard to opening additional locations and services. The County has been under a hiring freeze for more than one year. Libraries cannot open additional locations or services with current staffing levels.
  • The County Manager recently approved exceptions to this hiring freeze for Libraries with a goal to reopen additional locations as soon as possible in FY 2022, which begins on July 1, 2021.

COVID-19 Friendly Programs and Services for You

While we continue to bring in-person Library services back, our online events and socially-distanced programs and services are designed to serve your needs:

We look forward to seeing you online, and reconnecting with you at the Library!

We value your feedback. Tell us what you think about our Library services. We will read and consider all comments.

Library Services Feedback

Dr. Charles Drew: Taking a Stand

Graphic image of a megaphone

Join us for a new series of stories from the Center for Local History highlighting members of our community who made a difference in ways that helped shape our history and created positive change.

Their voices were not always loud, but what they said or did had a significant impact on our community.

Dr. Charles Drew

Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) was a surgeon and a pioneer in the field of blood plasma preservation, storage, and transfusions.  His accomplishments as the creator of the modern-day blood bank came during a time when opportunities for minorities in the medical field were nearly non-existent and society at large was beset with racial division and prejudice.

Dr. Charles Drew

Born in Washington D.C., Drew arrived in Arlington County in 1920 when his parents relocated to what is now known as the Penrose neighborhood, although he continued to attend the District’s Dunbar High School. Awarded an athletic scholarship by Amherst University in Massachusetts, he graduated and subsequently gained employment at Morgan College in Baltimore, Maryland. From 1926–1928, he was a professor of chemistry and biology, served as football coach, and was the first athletic director at the historically Black institution.

Using the money he saved from his tenure at Morgan College, Drew studied medicine at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, finishing second in his class while earning his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degree in 1933. Following a brief time spent as a faculty instructor for pathology at Howard University and teaching surgery/assistant surgeon at Freedman's Hospital, in 1938 Drew undertook graduate and then postgraduate studies at Columbia University in New York City. This marked the genesis of Drew’s groundbreaking research, authoring his seminal dissertation "Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation”, which his mentor Dr. John Scudder described as “a masterpiece” and “one of the most distinguished essays ever written, both in form and content.”

Home of Dr. Charles Drew in the now Penrose Neighborhood in Arlington County

In 1940, he became the first Black to earn a Doctor of Science degree in medicine before traveling to New York City, where he headed the World War II-era “Blood for Britain” program. “Blood for Britain” used Drew’s research in the field of blood plasma to enable the preservation, storage, transport, and distribution of donated blood from United States donors to British soldiers and civilians. The program also ushered in the use of “bloodmobiles”, a means by which refrigerated containers of stored blood were transported by trucks and vans to hospitals, clinics, and individuals in need.

In 1941, Drew became director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank but resigned from the position a year later, following a pronouncement by the armed forces that the donated blood of African-Americans would be stored separately from those of whites. This 1944 quote reflects Drew’s feelings:

"It is fundamentally wrong for any great nation to willfully discriminate against such a large group of its people…One can say quite truthfully that on the battlefields nobody is very interested in where the plasma comes from when they are hurt…It is unfortunate that such a worthwhile and scientific bit of work should have been hampered by such stupidity."

Drew then returned to Howard University and Freedmen’s Hospital where he taught and performed numerous surgeries.

Dr. Charles Drew

On April 1, 1950, during a visit to Tuskegee, Alabama where he attended the annual free clinic at the John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital, Drew was involved in a tragic automobile accident. The accident was a result of exhaustion and fatigue after spending the previous evening performing operations and surgeries.

The accident caused his three passengers only minor injuries, but Drew’s were severe and proved to be fatal. Drew passed away that same day, and his funeral was held on April 5, 1950, at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Do you have a question about this story, or a personal experience to share? 

Use this form to send a message to the Center for Local History.

Center For Local History - Blog Post Message Form

Do you have a question about this story, or a personal experience to share? Use this form to send a message to the Center for Local History.

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Oral History: Bob & Edith’s Diner

Interview with Gregory Bolton

“Bob & Edith’s Diner with high rise apartment in background,” 2010. Photo by Emma Chaplin as part of the “Capturing Arlington” photo contest.

pink sound wave on a grey background

Oral histories are used to understand historical events, actors, and movements from the point of view of real people’s personal experiences.

Bob & Edith’s Diner has been an Arlington mainstay for more than 50 years. Established in 1969 by Bob and Edith Bolton, the original Bob & Edith’s got started when the couple took over the location of a “Gary’s Donut Dinette” for $800. The diner started with simple Southern dishes, such as country hams, scrapple, bologna, bacon, and country breakfasts.

The Boltons later added several locations in addition to the flagship diner on Columbia Pike, and in 1982, the diner expanded from a 10-stool counter to 5 stools and 7 booths. The interiors include many photos of the Bolton family, as well as Dallas Cowboys ephemera and a jukebox.

“Color shot of Bob & Edith’s Diner,” 2010. Photo by Muna Abdulkader as part of the “Capturing Arlington” photo contest.

In this oral history interview, Bob and Edith’s son Gregory Bolton describes the history and operations of the diner and its expanding menu. Today, his son and daughter, Christopher and Tamara Bolton run Bob & Edith’s, continuing the family tradition.

Narrator: Gregory Bolton
Interviewer: Virginia Smith
Date: December 19, 2011

Bob & Edith’s Diner featured in the South Arlington section of a 1984 Arlington hotel and restaurant guide.

Bob & Edith’s Diner featured in the South Arlington section of a 1988 Arlington hotel and restaurant guide.

Gregory Bolton: When I was growing up, there was no such thing as really a menu. What there was—above the, in front of the ten stools that were there, and above the grills, there were just signs, such as The Serviceman’s Special. We’d have an artist that would paint these signs up, roughly around sixteen inches, by maybe twenty inches. And it would, for example, would have a serviceman eating a chipped beef breakfast, that we would call it SOS, Serviceman’s Special. And each product was put across the front of the diner, and that’s how you would choose what you would like. There was no hand menu; it was across the board. And we’d replace them like once or twice a year.

Virginia Smith: And then when did you go to a menu, a printed menu?

GB: We probably went to a menu, I would say maybe about twenty-five years ago. The first ten or fifteen years it was pretty much all up in front of you; you picked it out, different ideas and different products. But the menu’s ten, fifteen times larger now than it was back then.

VS: Yeah. Did you get people coming down from the Pentagon?

GB: Yes ma’am. We had Pentagon, and the Navy Annex are very big customers. We had a lot of servicemen. I would say it’s seventy-five, eighty percent is government-related, whether it’s the County, state, Pentagon—

VS: Well, it’s affordable.

GB: —The military. They seem to be very pleased with the operation, and they keep coming back.

“The original Bob & Edith’s Diner,” 2010. Photo by Matthew Welborn as part of the “Capturing Arlington” photo contest.

Sources
https://www.bobandedithsdiner.com/About-Us

The goal of the Arlington Voices project is to showcase the Center for Local History’s oral history collection in a publicly accessible and shareable way.

The Arlington Public Library began collecting oral histories of long-time residents in the 1970s, and since then the scope of the collection has expanded to capture the diverse voices of Arlington’s community. In 2016, staff members and volunteers recorded many additional hours of interviews, building the collection to 575 catalogued oral histories.

To browse our list of narrators indexed by interview subject, check out our community archive. To read a full transcript of an interview, visit the Center for Local History located at Central Library.

More to Explore: Author Rebecca Traister

Did you catch our conversation with Arlington Reads featured author Rebecca Traister? You still have time!

The interview will be available until Thursday, April 15 on:

March 18 Rebecca Traister

During the conversation, Ms. Traister discusses her latest book “Good and Mad,” the story of female fury and its cultural significance, demonstrating its crucial role in women’s slow rise to political power in America, as well as the ways that anger is received when it comes from women as opposed to men. 

More to Explore

If you are interested in learning more about the women and historical moments featured in “Good and Mad,” we have curated a book list, which spotlights the works of Gloria Steinem, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alicia Garza, and many more.

Good and Mad Book List

Take a deep dive into Traister's work with this YouTube playlist featuring speeches and conversations referenced throughout “Good and Mad.”

  1. Leymah Gbowee Discusses The Role of Women OnThe Front Lines of Peacebuilding   
  2. Myisha Cherry Anger is not a bad word TEDxUofIChicago
  3. Patrisse Cullors and Angela Davis TimesTalks
  4. Emma Gonzalez's powerful March for Our Lives speech in full
  5. Congresswoman Lee’s AUMF Speech on 9/14/01
  6. Shirley Chisholm Declares Presidential Bid, January 25, 1972
  7. 1970s USA Women's Liberation Rally with Gloria Steinem
  8. Michelle Obama on being called an "angry black woman"
  9. Audre Lorde on Radical Care and Political Warfare
  10. Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” Performed by Kerry Washington

Learn more about upcoming Arlington Reads events and watch previous Arlington Reads conversations.

Arlington Reads

Examining Dr. Seuss

Libraries across the country, Arlington Public Library among them, are having conversations about how to balance the core library value of intellectual freedom with the harmful stereotypes depicted in many of what are regarded as children's classics.

Last week, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced that it will cease publication and sales of six titles because they portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong: "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," "If I Ran the Zoo," "McElligot’s Pool," "On Beyond Zebra!," "Scrambled Eggs Super!" and "The Cat’s Quizzer."

Existing copies of these titles in the Arlington Public Library collection will remain in circulation until they are no longer usable. As they are now out of print, these titles will not be replaced when they leave the collection.

In light of this news, it’s worth taking a look at the books of our childhood with a critical eye. We no longer live in the world Seuss lived in when he created these works. If you want to share classics and older titles with young readers, consider taking the opportunity to have a conversation about the themes, characterization and the time period a book was published. Then balance these stories with other diverse titles.

Diversity in publishing, especially in youth literature, has been a topic of conversation and concern in the industry for a number of years. Arlington Public Library intentionally curates its collections to ensure diversity of themes, characters and authors, and systematically reviews the collection for gaps. We invite you to discover new titles and authors through our booklists, catalog and collections.

Browse Catalog

We value your feedback. Tell us what you think about our Library services. We will read and consider all comments.

Library Services Feedback

Over 3000 Magazines Now on OverDrive/Libby

If you are an avid OverDrive or Libby app user, or if haven't yet tried the Library's eCollection, there are over 3000 new reasons to do so!

Digital magazines previously available through RBDigital are now available to read in OverDrive and Libby, along with thousands of new titles including the Economist, US Weekly, and the New Yorker.

How Borrowing Works

  • Borrow up to 10 digital magazine titles at one time (magazines don’t count towards your 10 eAudio/eBook limit)

  • Digital magazines can be checked out for 21 days, and are automatically returned when the checkout period expires.

  • Return digitial magazines early from your OverDrive or Libby app.

How to Get Started

You can read OverDrive/Libby eMagazines using the OverDrive website, OverDrive App, and the Libby App. All you need to get started is your library card. The OverDrive and Libby apps are available for download from the iTunes store for the iPad and iPhone, and on the Google Play Store for Android mobile devices.

For more information visit our OverDrive/Libby page:

OverDrive and Libby Magazines

Need Help?

Visit the OverDrive and Libby help pages for additional support.
If you have any other questions, contact Library staff by chat, text, or phone.

News to Use, February 2021

Talking Book Newsletter

Volume 3, no.1

Listen to the audio version of the newsletter with the embedded player below, and read the transcript, which includes additional resources.

Microphone with the words "News to Use" on magenta background

Welcome to the Volume 3 Issue 1 of News to Use, the Arlington Public Library Talking Book Newsletter, produced by the Talking Book Staff at Arlington Public Library.

Meet the Staff

Jennifer Lewis, woman with shoulder length blond hair who is smiling.

This month the newsletter is read by Jennifer Lewis, the team lead for the Accessibility and Collections Team which includes the Talking Book Service.

Gloved hand holding a COVID-19 vaccine vial and a needle.

COVID-19 in Arlington County: Library and County Service Updates

While the vaccine is becoming increasingly available, it is still hard to locate important information. Locally, the vaccine is available through Arlington County Public Health and through participating CVS pharmacies.  

Arlington County COVID-19 Information: arlingtonva.us/covid-19/vaccination-faqs  

Per the Commonwealth of Virginia, the following groups are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine:  

  • Residents in long-term care facilities  
  • Residents 65 and older  
  • Childcare employees  
  • PreK-12 school employees 
  • Healthcare workers 
  • Homeless shelter residents and workers 
  • Police, Fire and Hazmat workers 
  • Corrections facilities workers 
  • NEXT UP:  
    • Residents 18-64 with a medical condition/disability 

Preregister for the Vaccine:  

The Commonwealth of Virginia recently shifted to a statewide preregistration system. Once you are preregistered, and there is vaccine availability, you will be invited to book an appointment. If you have already preregistered for the vaccine with Arlington County, your information will automatically be entered into the statewide system; you do not need to do anything. If you have not already preregistered, you will need to do so through the State’s new link. 

Statewide Preregistration:   vax.preregister.virginia.gov/#  

Arlington County COVID Hotline: 703-228-7999 

CVS Vaccines: 

Select CVS Pharmacies are receiving vaccines directly from the federal government. They are following the same eligibility guidelines. Appointments are limited and, due to the limited supply, slots fill up very quickly.  

cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine   

Free Low Vision Face Masks Available 

FREE LOW VISION FACE MASKS STILL AVAILABLE (while supplies last). The cloth face masks feature a symbol indicating the wearer has low vision. The symbol, designed by the Checkered Eye Project, can help reduce confusion and frustration for people with vision impairments and those they interact with, especially during the pandemic, by communicating that the wearer has low vision. Face masks are available to residents of Northern Virginia; Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD; and Prince George's County, MD. To request a free face mask, call the Prevention of Blindness Low Vision Learning Center at (301) 951-4444.

March 10: Virtual Resource Showcase for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Join us online on March 10 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. for a showcase of resources in Virginia for the blind and vision impaired. We are partnering with other Virginia Talking Book libraries and specialists to share information on life skills, accessible technology and library resources. 

https://vbgov.webex.com/webappng/sites/vbgov/meeting/download/77323328145e42cc8d8b41bfe00da347?siteurl=vbgov&MTID=m159948422895331b47973b186fe2e159

Beyond Books – Library Card Perks 

Did you know that as an Arlington Talking Books patron you are also eligible for a free library card from Arlington Public Library? You can register to attend online library programming such as author talks, join a book club, or have Lunch with a Librarian to hear all the latest book buzz. Other online offerings include learning about timely health and well-being topics from one our community partners like Virginia Hospital Center, for example. And remember, that with a library card you have also have access to Libby by Overdrive, a downloadable app that allows you borrow e-books and e-audio books from the Library’s e-collection.  

 If you would like to register for a library card, please contact the Talking Books staff either by phoning 703-228-6333 or via email at TalkingBooks@arlingtonva.us. Once you are registered and have agreed to the Statement of Responsibility, staff will activate your account and mail the permanent card to your home address. Library cards are valid for two years from the date of issue. 

Statement of Responsibility 

By registering with this form, I accept responsibility for all materials charged to this card with or without my consent. I am 14 years or older or am an adult applying on behalf of a child and accept all responsibility and agree to observe all library rules, promptly pay all charges, and notify the library of any changes to this information. 

I understand that all library materials, including books, audiovisual items, electronic databases, and the Internet (World Wide Web) are available to all library users. I understand that I am responsible for my child's use of all library materials, including the Internet. 

ROMEO: Talking Book Machine Repair Group Volunteers

You may not be aware of the fantastic group of volunteers in Salem, Virginia who repair Talking Book Machines for Virginia libraries.  

Earlier this year, Pete Brandt, who leads the repair group, shared the group’s history with us and we’re excited to share it with you. The expertise, time and dedication of these volunteers is very much appreciated by us and all of the Virginia Talking Book libraries’ staff.  

In 1997, NLS worked with a group of retirees from the Salem, Virginia General Electric plant to create the Talking Book Machine Repair group in a warehouse leased by the GE plant. The group has grown from just a few volunteers to 16 since then and provided 23 years of continuous repair service. They usually repair 1200 machines each year and enjoy the work and fellowship with each other.  

Over the years they have trained 41 GE retirees and currently have 16 active volunteers. Their ages range from 65-83. Volunteers join the group for fellowship and the satisfaction of providing help for the blind and print disabled. In past years, fellowship was provided by working together once or twice a week at a site provided by GE and by all attending a weekly ROMEO lunch at various restaurants around the valley. ROMEO = Retired Old Men Eating Out. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the group had to stop their repair work in the GE plant until COVID-19 training and safety procedures were established to allow for their safe return. 10 of the 16 volunteers have been able to return to their repair work. Rather than all working together, they must stagger their shifts to allow for social distancing. And, sadly, their ROMEO lunches are on hold for now.  

Despite all these challenges, they were able to get back to their repair work and shipped out their first box of refurbished machines on June 23, 2020.  

A BIG THANK YOU to all involved to keep this important work going! Thank you to Pete Brandt, Dennis Brown, Les Brown, Mike D’Antonio, Dave Hudspeth, Tom Hochkeppel, Al Marraccini, Ron Nemura, Johnny Ramirez, Dave Rowan and Ted Urban. 

55+ Programs & Services in the County 

Medicare Counseling with VICAP: 

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) provides free, personalized guidance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Visit the County website at: aging-disability.arlingtonva.us/programs/vicap 

Free Tax Preparation Assistance: 

This year, public tax preparation assistance looks very different from years past, but there is free help available to those in need.  

Community Tax Aid (CTA) will offer drop-off appointments at Falls Church Episcopal in Falls Church to individuals and families making $55,000 or less. Appointments are required.  

Call: 703-831-2918 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers are providing volunteer-prepared and self-prep support. Appointments are required. 

Call: 571-321-6976 

 

Arlington 55+ Senior Center Programs:  

While the Senior Center does charge a membership fee to participate in 55+ programs, the fee is nominal and a great value. The 55+ program offers virtual and outdoor programs, performances, educational programs, lectures, art and so much more.  

Arlington 55+: parks.arlingtonva.us/seniors-activities 

Call: 703-228-4747 (option 3) 

Aging Matters is a local radio and TV interview program featuring topics and community experts discussing topics affecting older adults. Producer and Host Cheryl Beversdorf is a long-time Arlington resident and aging champion.  Listen live on WERA-LP 96.7 FM or tune in online: www.agingmattersonline.com  

 Senior Planet, headquartered in Montgomery County, MD, is a clearing house of activities and information to support older (60+) adult wellness. They offer free live online fitness and educational programs and offer tech support services as well. Membership is optional and programs are free to join. 

Senior Planet Events: seniorplanet.org/get-involved/online  

“Your Eyes and Low Vision" Resource Guide Now Available

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington's resource guide for individuals with low vision and their loved ones is now available. 

"Your Eyes and Low Vision" is available in a large-print book format AND on POB’s accessible website at https://www.youreyes.org/resources/#low-vision-resource-guide .   

To receive a free large-print resource guide by mail, call the POB Low Vision Learning Center at 301-951-4444, or send an email to communications@youreyes.org .

National Library Service’s 90th Anniversary

This year, NLS celebrates its 90th anniversary. They will highlight their history and services through programming that will include online events, recognitions, and digital content, that will be shared on their website, https://www.loc.gov/nls/ , and their social media.

On March 3, they will present a very special virtual concert featuring jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker to mark the day the NLS’ founding legislation was signed by President Hoover. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. on the Library of Congress’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/libraryofcongress).

NLS Internship Opportunity

The National Library service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), supported by the National Library for the Blind Endowment, has launched a paid internship that offers legally blind individuals the opportunity to gain work career experience and explore career options working in the areas of collections building, program delivery, and business oversight and management. Application details can be found at www.loc.gov/nls/about/internship-program. The deadline for the summer 2021 session is March 1. All interns will work remotely.

Bestseller Lists

Fiction: 

  • All the Devils Are Here by Louise Penny: DB 100484 
  • The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab: DB 100901 
  • Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam: DB 101085 
  • Ms. Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce: DB 101436 
  • The Return by Nicholas Sparks: DB 100846 

Nonfiction:

  • A Promised Land by Barack Obama: DB 100966 
  • Begin Again by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr.: DB 100947 
  • Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: DB 101312  
  • Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten: DB 101418  
  • No Time Like the Future by Michael J. Fox: DB 101333  

New Books available through Talking Books Topics, January – February 2021:  

https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/latest-books-in-braille-and-audio/talking-book-topics-bimonthly-magazine/talking-book-topics-january-february-2021/ 

Virtual Arlington Public Library Programs

Arlington 55+ Book Group: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin 

Date: March 5, 2021 

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m 

https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7290854  

This is a volunteer-run group. The library will not distribute login information to the group on Zoom, the volunteer who leads the group will email a link to the Zoom meeting. 

For the Zoom meeting information, register for the group's email list. Registrants will be sent the Zoom meeting information by email one day before the meeting. 

Encore Learning Presents: One Woman’s Journey to Scientific Discovery and Breaking Glass Ceilings 

Date: March 8, 2021 

Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. 

https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7530748 

Myriam Sarachik was recognized in 2020 for her work in experimental physics and awarded the Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research by the American Physical Society. During her career she discovered important, unexpected physical processes in metallic alloys, semiconductors and molecular magnets that opened entire new fields of investigation. There is more to the story than her scientific achievements. The arc of Myriam’s life in her own words is best described as “One Hell of a Ride.” 

Strange Lands Sci-Fi Book Club: Famous Men Who Never Lived by K. Chess 

Date: March 10, 2021 

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7357220 

Digital Security: Protect Yourself Online: 

Date: March 17, 2021 

Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 

Registration required: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7420243  

Keeping your personal information safe while online is challenging. Learn about some of the common threats and how to guard against them. 

Rebecca Traister in Conversation with Library Director Diane Kresh: 

An Arlington Reads Signature Author Event 

Date: March 18, 2021  

Time:  7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Registration required: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7331616  

Healthy Aging Webinar: Time for Spring Cleaning? Start with Home Safety & Repairs 

Date: March 26, 2021  

Time: 11:00 - 12:00pm 

https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7342383 

 

Biography Best Bets 

Date: April 8, 2021 

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM 

Registration required: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7562509  

Get the inside scoop on the latest biographies of famous celebrities, politicians, entertainers, historical figures and more. Arlington Public Library’s expert librarians Brittany Ham, Library Associate, and Jennifer Rothschild, Collection Engagement Librarian, will share their recommendations. They’ll also provide tips on how to get these books in various formats using the Library’s resources. 

 

Books on Tap: "The Best We Could Do" by Thi Bui  

Date: April 19, 2021  

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm 

Registration required: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7497314  

You Don't Have to Choose Between Book Club and Happy Hour! 

Relax and chat about the latest great books. Meets on Zoom until further notice the third Monday of each month (meets on an alternate Monday in the event of a holiday). 

 

Laila Lalami in Conversation with Library Director Diane Kresh 

An Arlington Reads Signature Author Event 

Date: April 22, 2021  

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Registration required: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7331623  

Lunch with a Librarian 

Date: May 6, 2021 

Time: 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. 

Registration required: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/7274333 

Drop in every other week for a 30 minute book buzz from your favorite librarians! Bring your favorite caffeinated pick me up, hear about our most loved reads, tell us your favorite book pun and let us suggest books for you.

Contact Us

The Talking Book staff is here for you.  We can help you select or download books or connect you with other information you may be looking for.

Telephone:     703-228-6333
Email:             TalkingBooks@arlingtonva.us

Celebrate Women’s History Month

2021

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.

We celebrate Women's History Month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history. The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions in 1978. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. 7 years later, the event expanded to the entire month of March.

five different looking women standing under the words "Women's History Month"

Book Lists

Women's History

Women's Suffrage

Black Women in America

Working Women

Women in Hollywood and Television

Women's History Month with Smithsonian Library & Archives

Celebrate Women's History Month with Art and Fun Activities

In Partnership with Smithsonian Libraries and Archives

Pick up a Take and Make Craft Bag each week and join us online to craft together, listen to music, and get special information about fascinating American women. Supplies are limited! So if we run out, or you can't make it to the library, you can print out and gather your own materials for each week's craft:

Events at the Library

Highlights of Women's History in Arlington

Oral History: An Interview with Lilli Vincenz

Oral History: An Interview with Ruth Jones

Oral History: Interview with Elizabeth Campbell

Oral History: Interview with Ruth “Cas” Cocklin

Nauck Activist Joan Cooper

Rediscover Zitkála-Šá

Happy 100th Birthday, Birdie Alston!

Rediscover Grace Murray Hopper

A Fight for Educational Equality: Civil Rights Activist Dorothy Hamm

Angel of the Battlefield: Humanitarian Clara Barton

The Old Bay-Eva Castle of Arlington

Oral History: LGBTQ Activist Lilli Vincenz

America’s First All-Women Swing Band Lived in Arlington

Portia Haskins: Taking a Stand

Kathryn Stone: Speaking Out

Highlights of the Fight for the 19th Amendment

On This Day in 19th Amendment History: Mary Church Terrell

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson

This Week in 19th Amendment History: National Woman’s Rights Convention

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Night of Terror

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Death of Sojourner Truth

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Wyoming Day

This Week in 19th Amendment History: First Issue of The Woman’s Journal

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Death of Zitkála-Šá

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Hallie Quinn Brown

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Suffragist Mabel Ping-Hua Lee

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Shifts and Splits in the Suffrage Movement

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Nannie Helen Burroughs

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Ida B. Wells

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Ratification of the 19th Amendment

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The 19th Amendment is Officially Adopted

Center for Local History to Curate 2020 Time Capsule

2020 UnBoxed

Photo of colored cloth face masks with a typographic logo of "2020 UnBoxed."

The Center for Local History (CLH) will curate a time capsule, “2020 UnBoxed,” which will contain objects and material representing the major events and themes of 2020 in Arlington County.  

“The time capsule is a snapshot of today as well as a gift for the future, preserving an account of a particular period in time,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. 

Themes for the collection will include:   

  • The 2020 Census 
  • The COVID-19 pandemic 
  • Racial justice and civic unrest 
  • Arlington County’s naming centennial 
  • The 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage

The CLH, whose mission is to preserve and share the history of Arlington County, its citizens, organizations, businesses and social issues, will reach out to community organizations and leaders over the next 9 months to obtain items that represent the major events of 2020. 

The time capsule will also draw from items donated to the COVID-19 Archives project. Residents are encouraged to continue to submit donations that illustrate how Arlington life has been affected and altered by the pandemic. 

The time capsule collection will be exhibited online in October during American Archives Month, which celebrates and raises awareness about the value of archives and archivists. The items will then be sealed and deposited in the Arlington Community Archives for preservation and future research. 

Introducing Flipster Digital Magazines

Our new Flipster Digital Magazines platform provides access to 12 best-selling digital magazines including People, Sports Illustrated, Real Simple, The Atlantic, and more.

You can check out and/or download as many issues of digital magazines as you want and read them anytime, anywhere on your phone, devices, and/or computer. Access to current and older issues of digital magazines are also available.

How Borrowing Works

  • Most weekly digital magazines expire in 2 days; most monthly digital magazines expire in 7 days.
  • Digital magazines can be checked out and downloaded again once they expire.
  • There is no limit on the number of titles you can borrow at one time, although certain titles do have limits on the number of simultaneous users allowed.

How to Get Started

You can read Flipster Digital Magazines on your phone, tablet, or computer via your web browser or by downloading the Flipster App to your mobile devices. The Flipster app is available for download from the iTunes store for the iPad and iPhone, and on the Google Play Store for Android mobile devices.

For more information, including a getting started guide, visit our Flipster Digital Magazines page.

Flipster Digital Magazines

Flipster Digital Magazine App Views

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