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New September Releases

Post Published: September 9, 2026

Fall is a state of mind. Here are new reads for the season!

It may be September, but given the weather outside, autumn is more a state of mind than meteorological reality. Luckily, there are several great books out this month to help us embrace the season and get in the fall mood, even if we're not quite into sweater weather territory.

Place your holds in the catalog on these new September book releases.

Alma Katsu's latest, Incarnate(opens in new tab), puts a chilling and horrific modern spin on Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray(opens in new tab). Dorothy Wagner has spent her whole life desperate to be seen, and when she lands a job at a company developing cutting-edge deepfake technology, she secretly creates Isabella. Her invention is an impossibly beautiful influencer who quickly becomes an online sensation. But Dorothy’s fantasy begins to turn into a nightmare when an anonymous online figure offers her everything she’s ever wanted—at a price.

When a beloved Oxford librarian dies of an apparent heart attack, Ginevra “Gin” Bishop assumes it’s a tragedy—but MI5 has reason to believe it was murder. The librarian was secretly tracking a Soviet spy at the university, and now Gin has been recruited to help uncover the truth. Kate Westbury's The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies(opens in new tab) pairs Gin up with Sidney Braithwaite, a fellow scholar and former British intelligence agent with plenty of experience keeping secrets. As the mismatched pair follows a trail of clues, hidden relationships and wartime secrets, they discover there may be a traitor in their midst—and they could be the next targets.

After her marriage falls apart, Tokyo bookseller Nanako Hanada finds herself feeling increasingly isolated until she discovers a website where strangers meet for thirty-minute conversations. Her profile offers an unusual promise: she’ll recommend the perfect book for you. Soon, she’s meeting all kinds of people, from those grieving a loved one to people struggling with life’s challenges to readers simply looking for their next great book. Translated from Japanese by Cat Anderson, Nanako's memoir, The Bookshop Woman(opens in new tab), is a love letter to books, bookstores and the unexpected friendships that can grow from sharing a story.

In 1981, Soviet KGB officer Vladimir Kuzichkin made a desperate decision and turned to Britain’s MI6 for help. Codenamed “Redwood,” Kuzichkin was running spies in post-revolution Iran while secretly gathering information about a Soviet plot to overthrow the Ayatollah’s regime. When his double life puts him in danger, MI6 officer Ian McCredie must find a way to smuggle him out before the KGB and Iranian intelligence close in. Redwood by Ben MacIntyre is a gripping and suspenseful tale of espionage, betrayal, loyalty and the extraordinary consequences of one man’s decision to defect.

Middle Grade readers will enjoy the stunning and surreal world of Hometown(opens in new tab) by Shaun Tan. A human girl lives on a strange and beautiful planet filled with bizarre creatures. She has a loving family, good friends and three hundred pets. She never questioned if she belonged there until a mysterious astronaut arrives and tells her that she’s human, just like him, and that this isn’t her real home. Suddenly, she must decide whether to leave everything she loves behind for a world where she might finally fit in. It's a thought-provoking story about family, identity, belonging and what truly makes a place home.

Teen readers will relate to Luis Menendez, who dreams of becoming a music journalist, but his summer plans are put on hold when he’s expected to work long hours at his family’s struggling Cuban restaurant in Queens. As his father pushes him toward a more practical future, Luis finds himself caught between his family’s expectations and his own dreams. Then he meets Yara, who encourages him to pursue the life he wants, and a music magazine offers him an internship. This thoughtful graphic novel features an honest look at the challenges facing second-generation immigrant kids as Luis balances family, friendship, romance and his own ambitions in Second Generation Blues(opens in new tab) by Julio Anta and illustrated by Red Dryer.

Place Your Holds Now!

September is Healthy Aging Month.

Consumer Health Ultimate provides reliable, easy-to-understand information on health, wellness, and medical topics.

Find information on healthy living, nutrition, chronic disease management and overall wellness.

With Consumer Health Ultimate(opens in new tab), you can access thousands of articles, videos, e-books and health reports covering a wide range of topics such as mental health, fitness, alternative medicine and public health. Available for free with your library card.

Consumer Health Ultimate

More book lists to explore.

It's fall, y'all! Gear up for football season and explore the cozy flavors of autumn with these two book lists.

Kick off football season with this exciting collection of must-read titles.
Football
Explore this book list and embrace the cozy magic of fall with crisp air, flannel blankets, woodsmoke, pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider donuts.
Pumpkin Spice Season

September 9, 2026 by Library Communications Officer

Enter the Great Arlington Bakeoff by Nov. 6!

Post Published: September 9, 2026

Share your signature bakes with the Arlington community.

In 2026, Arlington Reads Stirs It Up with a yearlong celebration of the nourishing and community-building power of food. As part of this series, the Library is celebrating Arlington’s baking diversity and creativity with a Great Arlington Bakeoff.

Amateur home bakers from across the DMV can apply to participate in this fun, friendly baking competition, taking place on Saturday, November 14 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Central Library.  

Collage of baking utensils, flour, eggs and bread.

Apply by Nov. 6—space is limited!

We are looking for bakes that show off the flavor of Arlington’s varied communities. Whether it’s the showstopper that disappears at every potluck, a nostalgic favorite from your childhood or a wonderfully weird creation you swear is delicious, it's welcome in our Bakeoff. Bring your best recipe to the public and see how you stack up!

View Application Form

Submission Categories

Bread icon

Breads

Any fermented or chemically leavened dough shaped into loaves, rolls or flatbreads, including traditional tiered cottage loaves, enriched sweet doughs and stovetop-cooked flatbreads.

Cake icon

Cakes

A sweet baked sponge. Any variety of cake, type of cake or decoration is welcome. Muffins, donuts, churros, quick-breads or similar would fit into the cakes category.

Pie icon

Pies

A dessert with a pastry crust of some variety and filling that has been baked. This can be fruit based, cheesecake style or anything else that has been cooked. This includes tarts and pastries. No-bake pies, gelatins or uncooked puddings are not permitted.

Tray bake cookies icon

Tray Bakes

Any sweet baked good that can be baked on a flat tray (cookies, bars, brownies, fudge, caramel, etc.).

Showstopper icon

Showstopper

Any dessert from the four main categories that is visually stunning, goes above and beyond your basic, everyday bake. We are looking for a showstopper that embraces and expresses a literary theme. This is a dessert that will impress people by its looks.  Impressive decorations, unusual flavors and interesting shapes and structures will all help to set your showstopper apart.  Our showstopper winner will receive a one-of-a-kind engraved cake plate. ALL entries will be considered for this category.

Submission Guidelines

  • There is no fee to submit an entry.
  • Applicants must be an Arlington Public Library cardholder, or eligible for a card.
  • Applications must be submitted online by Friday, November 6, 2026.
  • Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
  • Applicants will only be able to apply to one main category (breads, cakes, pies or tray bakes). Each main category is limited to 15 applications. All entries will be considered for the Showstopper category.
  • A copy of the complete recipe must accompany each entry for staff use. It is optional but encouraged to share this recipe with attendees.
  • Items that require refrigeration (e.g. cream cheese filling, whipped topping) will not be allowed.
  • Applications on behalf of a group are permitted. In such cases, only one person should complete an application.

Participation Notes

  • All bakers who participate will receive a copy of Arlington Public Library’s Community Cookbook as a thank you.
  • Judging will take place before the public program. You will need to drop off your bake no later than 11:30 a.m. The judging will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. Judges will consider both appearance and flavor.
  • The public will be tasting samples of your dish. Library staff will be on hand to help distribute samples. You do not need to stay with your bake for the duration of the event, but you do need to be present for the awards ceremony from 2:30-3:00 p.m.

Choose your category to apply.

Bread Baker Application: Great Arlington Bakeoff

This competition is not for professional bakers (i.e. those who operate with a business license and sell their baked goods for personal profit).(Required)
Please confirm that you would like to enter the Bakeoff's breads category.(Required)
The breads category welcomes any fermented or chemically leavened dough shaped into loaves, rolls or flatbreads, including traditional tiered cottage loaves, enriched sweet doughs and stovetop-cooked flatbreads.
Name(Required)
Zip code(Required)
Age category(Required)
My recipe contains the following allergens:
Will you allow the library to share your recipe?(Required)
We encourage all bakers to allow the library to share their recipes at the event; your recipe will be printed on cards that attendees can pick up when they visit your table.

Cake Baker Application: Great Arlington Bakeoff

This competition is not for professional bakers (i.e. those who operate with a business license and sell their baked goods for personal profit).(Required)
Please confirm that you would like to enter the Bakeoff's cakes category.(Required)
The cakes category refers to sweet baked sponges. Any variety of cake, type of cake or decoration is welcome. Muffins, donuts, churros, quick-breads or similar would fit into the cakes category.
Name(Required)
Zip code(Required)
Age category(Required)
My recipe contains the following allergens:
Will you allow the library to share your recipe?(Required)
We encourage all bakers to allow the library to share their recipes at the event; your recipe will be printed on cards that attendees can pick up when they visit your table.

Pie Baker Application: Great Arlington Bakeoff

This competition is not for professional bakers (i.e. those who operate with a business license and sell their baked goods for personal profit).(Required)
Please confirm that you would like to enter the Bakeoff's pies category.(Required)
The pies category refers to a dessert with a pastry crust of some variety and filling that has been baked. This can be fruit based, cheesecake style or anything else that has been cooked. This includes tarts and pastries. No-bake pies, gelatins or uncooked puddings are not permitted.
Name(Required)
Zip code(Required)
Age category(Required)
My recipe contains the following allergens:
Will you allow the library to share your recipe?(Required)
We encourage all bakers to allow the library to share their recipes at the event; your recipe will be printed on cards that attendees can pick up when they visit your table.

Tray Bake Baker Application: Great Arlington Bakeoff

This competition is not for professional bakers (i.e. those who operate with a business license and sell their baked goods for personal profit).(Required)
Please confirm that you would like to enter the Bakeoff's tray bakes category.(Required)
The tray bakes category welcomes any sweet baked good that can be baked on a flat tray (cookies, bars, brownies, fudge, caramel, etc.).
Name(Required)
Zip code(Required)
Age category(Required)
My recipe contains the following allergens:
Will you allow the library to share your recipe?(Required)
We encourage all bakers to allow the library to share their recipes at the event; your recipe will be printed on cards that attendees can pick up when they visit your table.

Waitlist: Great Arlington Bakeoff

This competition is not for professional bakers (i.e. those who operate with a business license and sell their baked goods for personal profit).(Required)
Name(Required)
Bakeoff Category
Pease select all categories for which you would like to be notified if a space becomes available.

September 9, 2026 by Christopher George

On the 25th Anniversary of September 11

Post Published: September 8, 2026

“Never Forget.”

When I hear that phrase today, I think of the promise we collectively made after the United States endured a devastating terrorist attack that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. It was a vow born from grief and a call to action that emerged as the fires were extinguished at the Pentagon here in Arlington.

An American flag is draped over a portion of the Pentagon near where the structure was hit by a plane during the 9/11 attack. Photo credit Diane Kresh. Charlie Clark center for Local History, 133-01-02-01-107
An American flag draped over a portion of the Pentagon near where the structure was hit by a plane during the 9/11 attack. Photo by Diane Kresh. Charlie Clark Center for Local History, 133-01-02-01-107.

On September 11, we pause as a nation, a county and a community to remember the terrorist attacks that occurred twenty-five years ago at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center in New York City and aboard Flight 93 near Shanksville, PA.

Today, more than one-third of Americans are too young to have personal memories of September 11. This reality makes the task of remembrance, and our promise to “never forget,” even more important.

Libraries play a vital role in that work. We collect, preserve, verify and share the stories that help us remember. Through access to trusted information and historical records, libraries help communities understand, process and heal from tragedy.

Former Library Director Ann M. Friedman, who led Arlington Public Library from 1995 to 2006, reflected on this responsibility in her article, "Libraries in Times of Emergency—Lessons Learned,"(opens in new tab) published in the January-March 2002 issue of Virginia Libraries. She described the essential role libraries play during times of crisis, serving as trusted sources of information.

Firefighters Planning Next Steps Two firefighters draw plans to work on the impact site at the Pentagon following the 9/11 attack. Photo credit Michael Defina. Charlie Clark Center for Local History, 133-0030
Two firefighters draw plans to work on the impact site at the Pentagon following the 9/11 attack. Photo by Michael Defina. Charlie Clark Center for Local History, 133-0030.

Beginning in 2006, on the fifth anniversary of the attacks, and continuing through today, the Charlie Clark Center for Local History has conducted a series of oral history interviews with first responders, school personnel and Arlingtonians about their experiences on September 11, 2001, and in the days that followed.

Transcripts of the oral histories(opens in new tab) are available online. They include the voices of Fire Chief James Schwartz, Fire Captain Gary Tobias, Firefighter/EMT Charles Cake, Deputy Police Chief Stephen Holl, H.B. Woodlawn Principal Ray Anderson, fifth-grade teacher Gail Klein, American Muslim Yasmine El-Droubi and many others.

During this week of remembrance, whether you are reflecting on your own memories or learning about this devastating chapter in American history, I encourage you to explore the Library’s September 11 resource page, created in partnership with the Charlie Clark Center for Local History.

I invite you to spend time with the print and digital materials, including first-person accounts, oral histories, transcripts and photographs. Whether you are piecing together your personal recollections or learning from the experiences of others, every act of reading, reflecting and learning is a way of answering the call to “never forget.”

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

Additional 9/11 Programs of Remembrance and Renewal

  • Join retired Arlington County Police Department Deputy Chief Stephen Holl for Remembering 9/11: Strength Through Service on Sept. 9, as he reflects on the response to the Pentagon attack. All community members are invited.
  • On Sept. 11, Arlington County will also hold its 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony. Community members are invited to attend virtually via YouTube livestream(opens in new tab) or gather at several library locations to watch together.
  • You can also explore the Library’s September 11 resource page, featuring a curated selection of print and digital materials related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

September 8, 2026 by Library Communications Officer

Remembering Arlington Reads Author Wendell Berry (1934-2026)

Post Published: September 2, 2026

It is with sadness that Arlington Public Library acknowledges the recent death of Wendell Berry, literary legend and recipient of the National Humanities Medal. He was born on August 5, 1934, in Henry County, Kentucky.

Director Kresh with Arlington Reads author Wendell Berry at the 2010 Arlington Reads event.
Library Director Diane Kresh in conversation with author Wendell Berry. Central Library, May 4, 2010.

Berry was a passionate farmer, environmental activist and prolific writer of poems, stories, novels and essays who published more than 40 books including The Memory of Old Jack.

He urged writers and readers to honor and reconnect with the soil through his declaration that “eating is an agricultural act.”

And he was an early advocate for the sustainability movement, inspiring writers and food activists Michael Pollan and Alice Waters.

On May 4, 2010, I was in conversation with Wendell Berry for the fifth annual Arlington Reads program. It was Arlington Public Library’s first big draw and my first outing as an interviewer. The Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium was packed and spilled over into the lobby with more than 300 Berry fans who collectively (I dare say, ecstatically) rose to their feet as he slipped through the garden doors.

I remembered that evening with this reflection:

"It wasn’t the Beatles at Shea or Hendrix at Woodstock. Or even the Jonas Brothers at Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

But it might have been. For when farmer-writer Wendell Berry slipped through the side door of the Central Library Auditorium, he caused an unprecedented eruption of goodwill and generosity, the likes of which he had never before witnessed. And neither had we.

…presided over by a courtly storytelling philosopher who kept his audience both spellbound and hopeful. His messages were simple: keep faith with yourself, your community, your land…"

When we ended our conversation, he turned to me and said, “You did a good job.” My heart sang.

Wendell Berry left an indelible impression on the world and the audience who joined us that magical night. We will always remember his wisdom when he told us to “know and be proud of our space… to stop using too much. To buy local… to value hard work, to be useful. To have hope, to look within ourselves for the strength and courage to beat back the false idol of bigger, better.”

Truer words were never spoken.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

Additional Resources

  • Read Library Director Diane Kresh's full reflections on the Arlington Reads event with Wendell Berry.
  • Stream the entire 2010 Arlington Reads event. Mr. Berry read an extended excerpt from The Memory of Old Jack.
  • Find additional works by Wendell Berry from the collection at Arlington Public Library.

September 2, 2026 by Library Communications Officer

Bookmark Contest: Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Post Published: September 1, 2026

Design a bookmark to be professionally printed and distributed at the library.

Submit your entry September 1-28 online or at any library.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, Arlington Public Library has celebrated the theme "Libraries, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" through a yearlong Arlington 250 series.

Now, we invite you to create a bookmark design for Arlington Public Library that explores this moment in our nation—and the role that libraries have played in it from the beginning.

Winning entries will be professionally printed and distributed at all library locations in early December.

A winning artist of 2024's Freedom to Read Bookmark Contest poses with their printed bookmark.
A winning artist of 2024's Freedom to Read Bookmark Contest poses with their printed bookmark.

Submission guidelines

  • Entries should aim to fill or fit within a space of 3x7.125 inches.
  • One entry per person.
  • Artwork should relate to the nation's 250th anniversary, books or the library.
  • You may use any material including colored pencils or crayons to create your artwork or design.
  • Digital entries (JPEG, TIF, PNG, AI, PDF, EPS) are accepted up to 25 MB per entry.
  • Winners will be notified by late November and may pick up copies of their printed bookmark to share starting in early December.
  • Art will become property of Arlington Public Library and will not be returned. It may be used for future library promotional materials.

Submit your entry September 1-28 at any library location with a printed submission form (PDF) or online using the form below.

The contest is free and open to all!

Online submission form

Artist's Name(Required)

Contact Info for Artist or Guardian

Guardian Name (if applicable)
If an artist's design is chosen, a set of printed bookmark copies will be reserved for them to pick up at their chosen library.

Max. file size: 25 MB.

September 1, 2026 by Christopher George

View our 100+ square community quilt from LibraryFest!

Post Published: August 31, 2026

During our LibraryFest celebration on July 18, attendees were invited to make a quilt square showcasing their stories, creativity and reflections on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

A child sits on a caregiver's lap while the pair work together to make a quilt square from fabric scraps and other supplies.
Children and families work together to make quilt squares from fabric scraps and other supplies.

Afterward, we put them together into a digital quilt that shows the many perspectives, hopes and thoughts of our community.

A collage of creative community quilt squares featuring artwork made of fabric scraps and fabric pens, with some including small written notes. Text on one patch reads "Arlington Public Library Community Quilt."
Select the quilt to view a larger version.

In the words of the librarian who imagined and led the program: "A community isn’t just a place we live. A community is all the people who live (and read) there!"

August 31, 2026 by Christopher George

New August Releases

Post Published: August 31, 2026

Squeeze in one last summer read before the return of routine with these new releases.

School starts at the end of the month, so we’re hanging onto these last days of summer as tightly as we can. With these new books, squeeze in one more summer read before backpacks come out and routines return.

Composite featuring 10 book covers with text "new books."

Yoohee has finally created the life she’s always wanted: a quiet plant shop filled with lush greenery and customers seeking her expert gardening advice. But she doesn’t just tell her clients how to deal with plant pests—she also helps make abusive men disappear. Plant Lady(opens in new tab) by Minyoung Kang and translated from Korean by Shanna Tan is an atmospheric and chilling tale of feminist revenge.

After a lifetime of putting her four children first, retired widow June heads to Boca Raton for a little peace and quiet in Jeff Bercuson’s Queen of Florida(opens in new tab). But her troubled son follows her, disappearing after yet another relapse. Retirement is looking a lot less like paradise as June finds herself dealing with drug dealers, crooked cops and a shady private investigator while trying to find her wayward son.

Punctuation may be small, but it has a surprisingly big impact on how we communicate. From the first triangular mark pressed into clay in ancient Mesopotamia to the exclamation points and emojis of today, On the Mark(opens in new tab) by Florence Hazrat explores the fascinating history behind the marks we use every day. Along the way, Hazrat introduces forgotten symbols, explains why spaces between words took centuries to catch on and reveals how a tiny dot or dash can change the meaning of an entire message—shaping elections, moving the market or deciding the fate of someone on death row.

What does it take to sum up an entire life in just a few hundred words? After nearly a decade on the New York Times obituary desk, journalist Sam Roberts has written more than a thousand obituaries and discovered that the best ones are about much more than death. Are They Dead Yet?(opens in new tab) explores who gets an obituary, how writers capture the essence of a life and the surprising details that can bring a person’s story to life.

Why do we get scared, and why do some of us actually enjoy it? Boo!(opens in new tab) by Clive Gifford and illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason explores the science, history and psychology of fear, from how the brain and body react to danger to the origins of superstitions, ghost stories, monsters and Halloween traditions. Along the way, readers will discover famous hauntings, phobias, scary games, horror writers and the surprisingly big business of “scare-tainment.” A great pick for middle grade readers who like spooky nonfiction. 

Filipino American siblings Lily and Caleb have a secret: they’re manananggal, vampirelike creatures from Filipino folklore who transform into winged beings and hunt at night. They’ve learned that hiding their identities is the safest way to survive, until a legendary monster hunter arrives in their California community and marks Caleb as his next victim. Now, the siblings must decide whether to keep hiding or fight back against the hunter threatening their family and their entire community. Fast-paced, suspenseful and steeped in Filipino mythology and culture, Nest of Tongues(opens in new tab) by Randy Ribay is a gripping teen horror that combines a paranormal mystery with a moving story about family, identity and the fierce bond between siblings.

Place Your Holds Now!

Discover a new source for business news.

Business Source Complete

Looking for trusted business information? Explore Business Source Complete, a new library database featuring thousands of business magazines, journals and reports.

Read articles from popular publications including Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, Businessweek, Forbes and Fortune.

You'll also find company profiles, industry reports, market research and business news to support career exploration, entrepreneurship, investing and lifelong learning.

Business Source Complete

More book lists to explore.

August marks Women in Translation Month! Explore recent translations of acclaimed books written by women plus winners and finalists of the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation.

Women in Translation 2026 Book List
Recent Translations
Warwick Prize for Women in Translation Booklist
Warwick Prize Nods

August 31, 2026 by Christopher George

New July Releases

Post Published: July 30, 2026

July is serving up sizzling temperatures and can't-miss new reads!

The long, sunny days of midsummer are perfect for getting lost in a good book. From the beach to the Metro, whether you’re reading on your vacation escape or reading to escape, there are several great books to choose from this month.

Composite featuring 10 book covers with text "new books."

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest book, The Intrigue, is an atmospheric noir, set in 1940s Mexico and full of morally complex characters. Ulises gets by through lonely heart scams. His latest target is Perla, but her niece figures out Ulises’ game. She doesn’t want to stop him—she just wants in on the action—but Perla is a much more formidable op-ponent than they assumed.

Kiamling and her family keep Hong Kong safe from supernatural threats. But the opium trade has brought a growing British presence, and British spirits are starting to meld with Cantonese ones. Harbour of Hungry Ghosts by Eliza Chan is an action-packed historical fantasy full of vivid atmosphere and clashing mythologies.

Wanting to move more and alleviate her stress, author Angelica Glass decided to walk every street in California’s Santa Cruz County. She took photographs and notes of what she saw along the way, but the long walks also gave her time to think and reflect on her abusive childhood. Scavenging Beauty by Angelica Glass is part memoir, part nature journal and a compelling read about the healing power of exercise, nature and curiosity.

Often the leading edge of both popular and counter cultures, nightlife has long offered escape and liberation, especially for marginalized groups. Imogen Willetts’ immersive history, Up All Night, shows how nightlife has shaped history and culture from the 17th-century Edo’s pleasure quarter to the 90s raves in Detroit and beyond.

After the death of her parents, Raven moves to a new town with her aunt and hopes to leave her grief behind. Instead, she finds herself the target of bullies, rumors that she's a witch and a vice principal who seems determined to enforce unfair rules. As Raven be-friends two girls with magical gifts of their own, she begins to reconnect with her love of baking and her Cherokee heritage. Middle grade readers looking for gentle fantasy blended with themes of grief, identity and activism will want to check out Raven Rising by Christine Hartman Derr.

When Rosamund Hammond transfers to a prestigious ballet school, she discovers she’s replacing a student who vanished under mysterious circumstances. While investigating the disappearance and rehearsing for a production of Coppélia, Rosamund be-comes entangled with the school's enigmatic headmistress and begins to question her own grip on reality. With haunting artwork and a dark academia atmosphere, Corpse de Ballet by Megan Kearney is a gripping psychological horror graphic novel for teen readers.

Place Your Holds Now!

Level up your skills with LinkedIn Learning.

LinkedinLearning graphic depicting a man sitting in front of a computer screen.

Looking for a productive summer project? Use your library card to access LinkedIn Learning and take courses in technology, business, leadership, AI, Microsoft Office, creative skills and more. Learn at your own pace—free through the Library.

LinkedIn Learning

More book lists to explore.

July is Disability Pride Month.

Composite with 2 book covers.
Biography & Memoir
Composite with 2 book covers.
Disability Poetics

July 30, 2026 by Library Communications Officer

Available Now: An Updated Library App

Post Published: July 30, 2026

Get Ready for an App Refresh

Released on August 4 for iOS and Android devices, the updated Library App provides a sleeker look and new features like optional reading history tracking and easier navigation to our mobile checkout app. You'll enjoy the same streamlined access to Library collections, ability to manage multiple card holders, and timely information about programs, services and locations.

If the app on your device doesn’t update automatically, search your app store for the Arlington Public Library app and manually download the latest version (version 3.0), compatible with iOS 16.4 and Android 7.0 or later.

Setting Up Your Library App

When logging in for the first time, you will need to relink your library card account(s). Some account details, including active Summer Reading logs, may take a few minutes to update. Look up your library card number.

Homescreen of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to an icon in the upper-right corner.
Account preferences of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to a plus icon in the upper left-hand corner.
New account menu of the Arlington Public Library app with an arrow pointing to username/barcode, nickname and password fields.

After updating the app, push notifications will be automatically disabled. You may enable these by navigating to the notifications section of each account and selecting your preferred categories.

Account preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with an arrow pointing toward the Notifications option.
Notification preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with all notifications disabled.
Notification preferences of the Arlington Public Library app, with all notifications enabled.

Features and Upgrades

  • New! Option to enable reading history tracking
  • New! Link to mobile checkout app
  • Browsable booklists and news
  • Create and update your own booklists in the app
  • Rate titles and see personalized recommendations
  • Share books and events with your contacts
  • One-touch digital library card

Questions? Comments?

Use the Library App Feedback Form to share your experience.

The Library App is a collaboration between the Arlington Public Library and Arlington’s Department of Technology Services.

Browse book lists from the homepage.

Library app home screen.

Filter events by interest, date or location.

App featured events screen.

Rate titles or add them to your lists.

Library app book details screen for Jesmyn Ward's Let Us Descend showing options to place hold, rate, add to list or share.

Get recommendations based on titles you rate.

Library app search screen with recommendations based on previous titles.

July 30, 2026 by Christopher George

Director’s Message: Thank You

Post Published: June 24, 2026

Dear friends,

Arlington County government conducts Resident Satisfaction Surveys to assess resident perceptions, experiences and priorities related to County services, programs and community conditions. Seven of these studies have been administered since 2004, and each offers County leaders opportunities to celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement.

Director Kresh addresses a crowd from a podium.
Director Kresh addressing the crowd at an Arlington Reads author talk. Photo by Daniel Rosenbaum.

I am excited to share that the survey conducted earlier this year and released last week revealed Arlington Public Library earned a resident satisfaction rate of 89% across library services and programs. Indeed, according to the consultant’s report, “the County’s library system was one of the most well-regarded County services, earning very high marks across the survey.”

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A couple dancing at Pride Prom.
Attendees dancing at the Library's Pride Prom.
The Truck at National Night Out.
The Truck at a National Night Out event.

I’m not going to lie. It feels good to be liked and to know the work the staff and I do each day is appreciated by so many of you.

However.

High ratings do not mean we can rest on our laurels. There is always more we can do to improve the quality of life in Arlington, and we will continue to try and connect with residents for whom the Library is not central to their lives. We want to know who you are and how we can help you. We strive to meet the needs of all our residents.

Children playing at Courthouse Library.
Arlingtown at Courthouse Library's grand opening. Photo by Daniel Rosenbaum.
A mother reads to her daughter.
Patrons at a Spring FOAL Book Sale.

Thank you for allowing your children’s teddy bears to attend our sleepovers.

Thank you for taking tea with our American Girl dolls.

Thank you for bringing us into your homes with our streaming author talks.

Katie and Vincent's wedding at Central Library.
Katie and Vincent's wedding at Central Library. Photo by Alex Sakes.
A Memory Café gathering.
A Memory Café gathering.

Thank you for reading our newsletter; it ranked above “Mom” as a trusted source of information in the survey.

Thank you for checking out more than 3.9 million items in FY26, a record high for us.

Thank you for bringing your loved ones to Memory Cafés.

Basheer Kareem performs a storytime.
Basheer Kareem performing a Tunes & Tales Storytime.
Teen volunteers at the library.
Teen library volunteers welcoming Teen Takeover attendees.

Thank you for encouraging your teenagers to volunteer with us.

Thank you for showing up.

Libraries are needed now more than ever. Thank you for cherishing this one.

With gratitude,

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

June 24, 2026 by Library Communications Team

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