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Updated Library App Increases Access to Library Collections, Services, Events and More

Beginning May 30, 2023, Arlington County residents and Library patrons can download an updated Arlington Public Library app from the Apple App and Google Play Stores.  

The popular Library app, available for iOS and Android devices, provides streamlined access to library collections, introduces new account features, keeps track of multiple card holders, and delivers timely information about library programs, services, and location updates. 

“Our top priority is to provide the community with as many options as possible to access Library collections and services,” says Library Director Diane Kresh. 

“Our technology team is excited to deliver this important application for both Library staff and the community that they serve," said David Herlihy, Digital Innovation and Cloud Division Director for Arlington County. “This new offering highlights our commitment to provide innovative digital solutions that focus on the end users needs first and foremost, making it easier and more enjoyable to access government services.” 

A smartphone held by a patron displays the new Library app.

New Library app features include: 

  • Multiple curated reading lists 
  • Customizable user profiles 
  • User lists  
  • Book ratings and personalized recommendations 
  • Sharing options 
  • Stay updated with notifications 

Improved Library app features include:   

  • Streamlined account overview  
  • Better catalog search options with an expanded list of filters 
  • Ability to place volume holds 
  • More filtering options for events by location 
  • Improved user interface design and experience 

The Arlington County Departments of Technology Services (DTS) and Arlington Public Library have collaborated since 2017 to deliver a free and custom-tailored technology solution for Arlington residents and library patrons. It has been downloaded more than 60,000 times and its in-house development by both departments has reduced vendor-related costs. 

The Library app furthers the County’s goal of reducing barriers for residents through its digital equity efforts. Learn more about Arlington’s digital equity initiative, which strives to provide all residents with affordable, reliable access to high-speed broadband internet. 

For a full list of app features and to download the app, click here.

New May Releases

May is a Blockbuster Month for New Releases

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

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

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

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

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

Place Your Holds Now!

More Book Lists To Explore

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Asian Voices

May is Short Story Month!

Recent Short Stories

New Library App Arrives in May!

A new and improved version of the popular Library app will drop this month in the Apple App and Google Play Stores, bringing streamlined access to Library collections, introducing new account features, delivering Library news and more!

With the new app, you can:  

  • Browse book lists and news 
  • Create your own lists 
  • Rate titles and see personalized recommendations 
  • Search the catalog with an expanded list of filters 
  • Place holds on DVD volumes 
  • Customize your profile picture 
  • Easily find Library events by location and other filters 
  • Share books and events with your contacts 

Watch this space for more details, including how and when to update your Library app. 

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

For National Library Week the Human Library Comes to Arlington Public Library on Sat., Apr. 29

Delve into the life story of someone in this unique experience, a global initiative to increase understanding and empathy.

On Sat., April 29 at Central Library, the Human Library comes to Arlington.

At this in-person event developed by the Human Library Organization in Denmark, human "readers" are invited to check out a “human book" for an enlightening conversation. A “human book” speaks to their lived experience as a person who is commonly judged by society for some aspect of their existence.

Our “human books” are volunteers and active members of the Arlington community or the Washington metropolitan area.

“Everyone has a story,” said library director Diane Kresh. “As part of National Library Week, we are thrilled to host this global initiative, the Human Library, that increases understanding of 'others' through open, respectful conversations.”

A person with blue hair, glasses, and a visible tattoo wearing a shirt that reads "I am a Book of the Human Library" speaks to a group of people.

Attendees, also known as "readers," will be able to borrow "human books" for 30-minute conversations. All human books come with a title and synopsis to help readers select what they would like to "read" (i.e. with whom they would like to converse).

The book will introduce themselves and tell you a little about themselves before you begin to ask questions. If a book you would like to read is not immediately available, you can place a hold for a later timeslot. Readers in a family or small group can check out a book together. All books and checkout periods will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event is best for ages 14 and older. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a Code of Conduct and expectations of behavior for participants.

Invited “human books” include: "Blind/Low Vision," "Black Transgender Man," "Tattoo Artist," "Bipolar Disorder," "Anxiety Disorder," "Previously Incarcerated" and "Nonspeaking Autism."

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The Human Library® creates a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers. All of our human books are volunteers with personal experience with their topic. The Human Library® is a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.

Director’s Message for National Library Week

There's more to our story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, yes, and YES.

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

Always free, always open, always your library.

Signatue of Library Director Diane Kresh.

 

Diane Kresh
Director, Arlington Public Library

New: stream films and TV free with Kanopy!

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

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

Getting started

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

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

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

Play credits and viewing periods

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

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

Create Your Account
Kanopy Help

The Human Library Comes to Arlington

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

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

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

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

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

Learn More and Register

Arlington Reads: Get Graphic

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

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

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

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

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

All are welcome!

 

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

"Get Graphic" with Jerry Craft

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

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

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

"Get Graphic" with Gene Luen Yang

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

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

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

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

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