Arlington Public Library

News Release

Arlington County Board Declares Arlington County Libraries as Book Sanctuaries

October 1-7 is Banned Books Week: "Let Freedom Read!"

On Sept. 26, Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey issued a resolution in support of libraries. It was unanimously adopted by the Board.

The resolution stated that Arlington County and Arlington Public Library are an official "book sanctuary."

Chair Dorsey declared, "Arlington County libraries as book sanctuaries, committed to protecting banned and challenged books and the right of the residents of Arlington to read the books they choose without fear of suppression.”

The resolution reaffirmed Arlington Public Library’s commitment to give a voice to people whose identities and stories have traditionally been underrepresented, such as people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community and/or persons with disabilities.

According to Library Director Diane Kresh, “This year’s Banned Books Week comes with great significance due to the increased rise in books being banned in the United States as well as in the state of Virginia.”

From Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2023, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom documented challenges to 1,915 unique titles, a 20% increase from the same reporting period in 2022.

2022 saw the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubled the 729 book challenges reported in 2021.

Banned Books Week (Oct. 1-7) was established in 1982 by the late Judith Krug, then director of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom, in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. For more information on this topic, visit ALA’s Banned and Challenged Books website.

How can you help celebrate Banned Books Week and the Freedom to Read?

To put a spotlight on this important national issue, ALA encourages libraries across the country to participate in Banned Books Week: "Let Freedom Read!” to promote free and open access to ideas and information and to defend each person's right to read under the First Amendment.

For more information on Banned Books Week and Arlington as a book sanctuary, visit Arlington Public Library's website.

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.

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.

Arlington Reads: Get Graphic

Arlington Reads Launches New Author Series, 'Get Graphic'

Arlington Public Library’s long-running signature author talk program Arlington Reads turns the page to the next chapter with "Get Graphic."

The year-long series features a diverse lineup of four award-winning and New York Times bestselling graphic novel authors: Alison Bechdel (Mar. 9), Jerry Craft (Apr. 27), Gene Luen Yang (May 4) and Art Spiegelman (Sep. 21). Due to a scheduling conflict, Liana Finck has been canceled.

"The program brings together people to talk about books and the important topics of our time," said Library Director Diane Kresh.

These authors focus on a character’s experiences intersected with social commentary, history, identity and self-discovery, using the graphic novel format to challenge our societal norms and invite us to discover uncomfortable truths and new ways of seeing.

Spring Lineup

Alison Bechdel – Thursday, March 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Library Director Diane Kresh will lead a conversation with Alison Bechdel, author of "Fun Home." Bechdel will share insights about her long career as an American cartoonist.

In Bechdel’s autobiography, the author and cartoonist combines two genres — comics and memoir — to illustrate a lush and intimate story about a daughter trying to understand her father through the common and unspoken bond of their homosexuality.

Arlington Reads attendees (virtual and in-person) will have the chance to win a free pair of tickets, courtesy of Studio Theatre, to attend a live performance of the musical adaptation of Fun Home later this year.

Jerry Craft – Thursday, April 27, 6-8 p.m.

Library Division Chief Peter Petruski will interview Jerry Craft and discuss his graphic novel “New Kid” which tells the story of a young black child who tries to fit in at a new private school that is lacking in diversity. Craft’s heartbreakingly accurate middle-grade tale is a coming-of-age story layered with race, class and the quest for self-identity.

Gene Luen Yang – Thursday, May 4, 6-8 p.m.

Librarian Jennifer Santure will interview Gene Luen Yang. Yang takes on prejudices toward Asian Americans in his action-packed, modern fable “American Born Chinese,” which tells the story of Jin Wang who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he is the only Chinese-American student at his new school. “American Born Chinese" was adapted into a Disney+ show, scheduled for release this year.

Fall Lineup

"Get Graphic" continues in September as it invites audiences to better understand the horrors of the Holocaust and survival.

Art Spiegelman – Thursday, Sep. 21, 2023

In “Maus,” world-renowned illustrator and graphic novelist Art Spiegelman interviews his father about his chilling experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor drawing Jews as wide-eyed mice and Nazis as menacing cats. Spiegelman blends the stories of the author's trying relationship with his aging father and a horrifying tale of Auschwitz, as seen through his father's eyes. An astonishing account of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies and a story of survival and the legacy of trauma.

Liana Finck – Thursday, Oct. 19 (canceled)

Liana Finck’s graphic novel "Let There Be Light" is both a work of biblical interpretation in comic book format and reimagines the world from a woman’s perspective. Finck retells the Book of Genesis starring a woman as God and proves that old stories can live forever, whether as ancient scripture or as a series of profound and enchanting cartoons looking for humanity.

For all programs, graphic novels will be available for purchase during the event, courtesy of One More Page Books. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. The free events will be livestreamed and available as a recording for 30 days on Arlington County's YouTube channel; RSVP to receive the online link.

Since its inception in 2006, Arlington Reads has featured both national and international fiction and nonfiction authors and cultural icons, such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Wendell Berry, Katherine Boo, Matthew Desmond, Anthony Doerr, Richard Ford, Roxane Gay, Colum McCann, Tim O’Brien, Ann Patchett, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Elizabeth Strout, Zadie Smith and Colson Whitehead.

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

Amina Luqman-Dawson Wins Two Prestigious National Awards

First Woman to Win Both the John Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award

On January 30, the American Library Association (ALA) awarded Arlington-based author Amina Luqman-Dawson the John Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award for her novel “Freewater.”

The Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of “the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.” The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizes an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.

ALA announced the top books, digital media, videos, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at ALA’s 2023 LibLearnX conference in New Orleans.

“We are beyond happy for Amina Luqman-Dawson and her extraordinary achievement,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. “Freewater" is an important story and deserves to be read by every middle school student.”

Set in the Great Dismal Swamp, “Freewater” is a middle-grade novel about a secret community of formerly enslaved people. “Freewater” is published by JIMMY Patterson/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Luqman-Dawson is the first woman to win both the John Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award.

Several female authors have received the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award in the same year including Renee Watson for “Piecing Me Together” (2018), Jacqueline Woodson for “Brown Girl Dreaming” (2015), Rita Williams-Garcia for “P.S. Be Eleven” (2014) and “One Crazy Summer” (2011). The Honor books are those that were not the first place of the year but deserve honorable mention.

Angela Johnson won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Printz for “The First Part Last” (2004).

“On the eve of Black History Month, congratulations to our talented Arlington author. Thank you for sharing your voice,” said Kresh.

Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh with local author Amina Luqman-Dawson.

Local author Amina Luqman-Dawson and Library Director Diane Kresh during a Juneteenth program hosted by Arlington Public Library on June 22, 2022.  

New Teleconnect Space Available at Columbia Pike Library

The pilot project will launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 19.

There is a new option for Arlington residents and visitors who need an internet connection and privacy for virtual meetings. Arlington Public Library has opened The Teleconnect Space at Columbia Pike Library, in partnership with the Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing, and Development (CPHD) and the Department of Technology Services (DTS).

The Teleconnect Space is a single meeting room at the library branch that is outfitted with a hardwired computer equipped with web access to Zoom, Skype, and other video conferencing software. It also has a ring light to create a professional setting. The space is reserved for virtual meetings for specific purposes including telehealth appointments, job interviews, social service appointments, health insurance sign up and college interviews.

Arlington Public Library will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of The Teleconnect Space at Columbia Pike Library on Monday, Sept. 19, from 4:30–6 p.m. The event is open to the public and Columbia Pike’s Sunshine Gang band will provide entertainment.

This new resource is part of the County’s digital equity initiative to ensure all Arlington residents have affordable, reliable access to high-speed internet and the technology to fully participate in the community and economy, with a focus on connectivity, access, education and training and program sustainability.  

“Anyone who needs a free, quiet, private space and who does not have equivalent access at home or anyone who needs extra tech assistance to get started taking a telehealth appointment is invited to use the Teleconnect Space,” said Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh. “The Library is at the center of the community, and we are glad to be working with our County partners CPHD and DTS to add this vital service.”

Community and local government partners include the Arlington Free Clinic, Arlington Employment Center, Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery (APRC), OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church and the Columbia Pike Partnership.   

The Teleconnect Space may be booked online for two hours each day, up to two times per week. Anyone unable to make an online reservation may call Columbia Pike Library at 703-228-5710 for assistance.

Make a Reservation

Potential uses of the space include: a person in a virtual support group meeting who would ordinarily meet from their car for privacy; a person with a large family who has a virtual college interview; a job seeker who lives in group housing or with many family members and needs an uninterrupted interview; a LGBTQIA+ adult who needs a telehealth appointment but does not have a secure, private space at home to talk to a medical professional; and other possibilities.  

The Teleconnect Space has frosted glass covering most of the outside and a white noise machine helps provide audio privacy. Limited staff assistance is available for help with personal devices on the public Wi-Fi network. The Teleconnect Space may not be used for paid work, paid tutoring, business meetings, online class attendance, in-person meetings, social events, or by for-profit organizations.

Arlington Public Library Receives Large, One-Time Increase to its Collections’ Budget

On April 26, 2022, the Arlington County Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and allocated $543,000 in one-time funding to the Arlington Public Library’s collections starting
July 1, 2022.

The budget increase will support the Library‘s aim to reduce wait times across the collections, re-engage the community after a two-year pandemic through creative programming, and invite more readers to explore the Library’s titles and participate in its various services.

"The additional funds will allow us to get more books into more hands, more quickly," said Library Director Diane Kresh. "A well-stocked, diverse collection benefits the entire community." 

With the budget increase, the Library will add 12,000 titles to its circulation and drastically reduce wait times for popular eBooks and eAudiobooks. "Our top priority is to ensure patrons have access to books and information in multiple formats," said Kresh. "Patrons should be able to read and access information, when and how they want it.”  

The demand for electronic titles is at an all-time high with an increase for eAudio titles by 210% and for eBooks by 98.5% respectively. 

In addition to reducing wait times for electronic titles, the Library plans to expand three existing popular collection services:

  • Provide additional print and eBook titles for the "Grab & Go" express book collection.
  • Increase the "Always Available" eBook and eAudiobook collection.
  • Expand the volume of Spanish language books.

Explore the Library’s collections and discover all its booklists.

Browse Booklists

Download the Arlington Public Library App, get 24x7 access to the Library’s collections and discover upcoming programs, such as Summer Reading launching June 1.

Download Library App

To find more information about the adopted $1.50 billion balanced Arlington County General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2023, visit https://www.arlingtonva.us. 

Free Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi Hot Spots Available Now, System-Wide

During the month of January, 2022, two new free outdoor Wi-Fi hot spots were installed at the Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries.

Library patrons and Arlington residents now have 24x7 access to the free Arlington County Wi-Fi network “ArlingtonWireless” at all library branches, both outdoor and indoor, and at various locations around the County. No ID or password is required for the free service.

In 2021, an average of 5,000 Library patrons logged in each month to the outdoor ArlingtonWireless network at five Library locations (Aurora Hills, Central, Columbia Pike, Shirlington and Westover branches).

“With the addition of Cherrydale and Glencarlyn, we are thrilled that we can offer free 24x7 outdoor and indoor Wi-Fi access system-wide. It's a great community service," said Library Director Diane Kresh. "Free access to technology and information is at the core of a Library."

Find more information about the Library's free Wi-Fi network and how to access it by clicking the link below.

ArlingtonWireless

This information technology infrastructure project is part of Arlington County’s Department of Technology Services digital equity enterprise initiative. ArlingtonWireless provides no-cost internet access in places where the community gathers and makes high-speed broadband internet accessible to all residents and library patrons.

To find additional Wi-Fi locations in the County, visit the interactive digital resource map.

Digital Resource Map

Library Joins Program to Distribute Free Rapid COVID-19 Tests

Free COVID-19 Tests Available at the Library

In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), all Arlington Public Library locations will distribute free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits beginning Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.

Update December 10, 12:10 p.m.:  All library locations are out of stock. Please check back next week for updates on availability. 

The test kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be picked up from the service desk at each Library location. Neither proof of County residency nor a library card is required, and the kits are free of charge. Visitors are welcome to pick up test kits for both themselves and household members.

Masks are required in all Library buildings - including when picking up a test. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should have someone pick up the test on their behalf.

While the supply of test kits is currently limited, it will be replenished regularly. Please visit the Library to check availability.

About the Test

Covid Test 600px

The virtually-guided Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test is designed to be used in the privacy of an individual’s home, with digital test results available in 15 minutes. Rapid antigen tests expire, and are meant to be used immediately, not saved for a “just in case” scenario.

The at-home test kit uses the eMed digital platform to facilitate and verify the test with the Virginia Department of Health. To take the COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test, individuals will need an internet connection, an internet-enabled device with a webcam or front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker for the testing session, and a valid photo ID to show the eMed virtual guide. Once the test has been completed, the user will receive a test result within 15 minutes, and eMed will report the results to VDH.

Tests should not be taken inside the Library.  However, many Library locations do provide a strong Wi-Fi signal in parking lots.

Information about who should be tested is available at the Virginia Department of Health’s website. 

Individuals who test positive should isolate and follow up with their healthcare provider or Arlington County Public Health Division.

Learn more about this program from the Virginia Department of Health:

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REAL Archives Project

October 8, 2021

The  REAL Archives Project, or el Re-Encuentro de Arlington Latinos, is designed to illustrate the rich, vibrant history of the Latino community in Arlington County.  

The Center for Local History (CLH) is seeking donations of a variety of materials to document the impact of the Latino community which will inform how Arlington’s history is told and remembered in the future.  

REAL is a multi-year collecting initiative with the goal to include more documentation of the Latino community’s history in the CLH’s Arlington Community Archives.  

Between 1990 and 2000, the County’s Hispanic/Latino population increased by 52.7%. Today, that sector makes up 15.7% of the Arlington population, and the County is now home to generations of Hispanic/Latino residents. 

“Arlington Public Library shares and preserves Arlington’s story through books and other media, programs, family histories and personal recollections. REAL is a concerted effort to collect and share the stories of our Latino neighbors and friends who have made significant contributions to our community,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. 

Learn More

The CLH collects, preserves and shares historical documents that tell the history of Arlington County, its citizens, organizations, businesses and social issues. The CLH operates the Research Room at Central Library and the Arlington Community Archives program. 

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