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Arlington Public Library

News Release

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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New Library Operating Hours and Re-Imagined Bozman Library

Effective Monday, January 3, 2022, Arlington Public Library will implement a new schedule of operating hours:

Central Library

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Columbia Pike and Shirlington Libraries 

  • Monday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Westover Library

  • Monday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: New hours will be announced in 2022.

Aurora Hills, Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries

  • Monday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed
Hours & Locations

The Shop is Back!

The Shop, the maker space at Central Library, will re-open by appointment only effective Monday, Nov. 15.

  • 2-hour appointments will be available through the Library website for Open Lab and Glowforge.
  • New 3D print jobs will be accepted through the Library website after November 15.
Make An Appointment

Coming Summer 2022

The new Bozman Library, formerly known as Plaza Library, is currently under renovation and will be re-imagined as a full-service branch.

Highlights of the redesign include contemporary furnishings, a new children’s book and media collection, and space for library programming such as storytimes and author talks. More details will be announced next spring.

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

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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. 

Partnership between DTS and Library Creates Summer Reading Success

AFAC is the 2021 Recipient of the Summer Reading Challenge Donation

On Wednesday, Sep. 15, representatives of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL), together with the Arlington County Departments of Library and Technology Services, presented a $4,525 check to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). The donation represents the number of Library readers who successfully completed the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge.

The contribution to AFAC demonstrates the power of collaboration between two Arlington County departments, one nonprofit and the important work AFAC is doing for our hungry neighbors in need. AFAC has been distributing groceries to families in need every week in Arlington since 1988 and provided 3 million pounds of food to underserved communities in FY20.

Representatives from the Department of Technology Services and the Library with harles Meng, Chief Executive Officer at AFAC.

(Left to right) David Herlihy, Division Chief, Digital Experience and Innovation, Department of Technology Services, Charles Meng, Chief Executive Officer, AFAC and Diane Kresh, Director, Arlington Public Library.

Read the full news release here.

Since its inception, the Library app has been downloaded more than 42,000 times. App users can use the technology for easy account management, catalog search and meeting room bookings.

“We are fortunate to have partners like the DTS staff who understand what public service is. The app increases our ability to reach patrons and made a big difference with our Summer Reading programs,” said Diane Kresh, Director, Arlington Public Library.

Download Library App

Cherrydale And Glencarlyn Library Locations To Reopen September 7

September 2, 2021

Starting September 7, 2021, Arlington Public Library will reopen two locations — Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries.

Arlington residents and Library patrons will have access to seven open library locations — Aurora Hills, Cherrydale, Central, Columbia Pike, Glencarlyn, Shirlington and Westover Libraries. The Plaza branch will remain closed in preparation for a long-planned expansion and renovation.

“The Library continues to make steady progress toward filling an unprecedented number of public service vacancies caused by the pandemic and subsequent hiring freeze. We believe we are turning the corner and look forward to seeing more of our patrons,” said Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh. 

All open Library locations will follow the same schedule. 

Monday to Saturday Hours

  • Monday/Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday/Thursday: 12 – 7 p.m.
  • Friday/Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m.

Additional Service Updates

The Center for Local History at Central Library is open to the public by appointment.

Indoor and outdoor storytime programs are offered at multiple locations. Starting September 13, Library patrons can enjoy indoor storytime programs at Cherrydale and Glencarlyn branches.

Arlington Public Library will continue to evaluate service levels and hopes to expand hours and offerings over the next few months.

View all branch information.

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

Library Services Feedback

Three Additional Library Locations Open & Hours Expand Across the System

News Release: July 2, 2021

Starting July 6, Arlington residents and Library patrons will have access to five open library locations — Aurora Hills, Central, Columbia Pike, Shirlington and Westover libraries.

Arlington Public Library will prioritize access to library collections, reintroduce core library services and feature new operating hours across the system. The Express Library Service model and Central Library’s Holds-Only Pickup Service will end, and all holds will now be available for self-serve access inside library locations.

New Hours at all Five Open Locations

  • Monday/Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday/Thursday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Friday/Saturday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Available starting Tuesday, July 6

  • Full access to Library’s collections and unlimited browsing time with no capacity limits at all open locations
  • Self-service holds pickup at all open locations
  • Spaced seating for public Wi-Fi and study use
  • Public copiers / scanners at all open locations except Westover
  • Account management assistance
  • Full access to public restrooms and water fountains
  • Parking garage at Central Library

The Center for Local History at Central Library will be open to the public by appointment after July 6. Outdoor and Indoor Storytime programs will start in late July.

The Library has been steadily working all spring to fill a high number of vacant public service jobs after an unprecedented staff shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent hiring freeze. Hiring and training new staff will continue this summer with the goal of arriving at more normal staffing levels in the Fall.

As Arlington Public Library continues to reopen in stages, patrons will have access to expanded library services.

After August 6

  • Public PCs will be available.
  • Meeting spaces will be bookable online for public use.
  • Indoor programming will expand across the Library system as staffing increases.
  • Book donations will be accepted by the Friends of the Arlington Library at all locations.

Fall Expansion of Services

  • Sunday hours will return after Labor Day.
  • Friends of the Arlington Public Library book stores will reopen in the Fall.
  • Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Library will reopen Fall 2021.

Additional Service Updates

  • When visiting the Library, the Arlington County Visitor Face Covering Policy is in effect.
  • The Shed, the Library’s seasonal garden-tool lending service, will remain closed for the 2021 growing season for staffing reasons, with plans to reopen in 2022.
  • The Shop, the Library’s maker space, will remain closed until staffing allows for increased levels of programming.
  • The Plaza branch will remain closed in preparation for a long-planned expansion and renovation.

During the first week of reopening, the public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration of the newly renovated Columbia Pike Library on Thursday, July 8, 4 - 6 p.m. Join members of the County Board, the County Manager and Library Director Diane Kresh in the ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by family-friendly events, music and ice cream, and a tour of the transformed Library Branch.

View the complete list of Library services.

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

Library Services Feedback

Search Thousands of Historic Arlington Papers Online for Free

Discover Arlington's history and browse newspaper content online from 1935 to 1978.

During the past year, Arlington Public Library’s Center for Local History (CLH) has been working with the Library of Virginia (LVA) to make five decades of Arlington research material available online.

Spanning the years from 1935 to 1978, the materials include historic articles, photos, and news clippings from four Arlington newspapers: the Columbia News, the Daily Sun, the Northern Virginia Sun and the Sun.

Previously, these publications were only available in the Center for Local History as microfilm and digital scans, which were not easily searchable.

These newspapers are a fantastic resource for historians, teachers, genealogists and anyone curious about Arlington's past through the eyes of local journalism.

“Delve deeper into your family history, find information on the transformation and growth of Arlington and discover more of its unique history,” said Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh.

The free news archive is 100% keyword searchable by location, date, title and issue and features a clipping feature that allows researchers to save an image or text block of an article.

To access the new source materials, visit the LVA ‘s Virginia Chronicle, which is a large online depository for historic newspapers from across the Commonwealth.

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 Community Archives program.

Aurora Hills, Columbia Pike and Central Library to Reopen July 6

Central Libraryb entyrance with Pride banner.

With Summer Reading in full swing, Arlington Public Library is prioritizing expansion of in-person service and increased access to library collections this summer. The Library is currently hiring and training additional staff to prepare for this phased reopening after an unprecedented staff shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent hiring freeze.

The Express Library Service model will be in place across the Library system until the Library is closer to normal staffing levels.

Opening This Summer

Aurora Hills, the newly renovated Columbia Pike and Central Library will reopen for Express Library Service on July 6. Join us for the Columbia Pike Library Grand Reopening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, July 8.

  • Central Library will expand from Holds Pickup to Express Library Service.
  • Operating hours to be announced closer to opening date.
  • All open branches will prioritize access to library collections.
  • Meeting rooms, spaced seating and public PCs will be reinstated as soon as staffing allows.
  • Storytime will resume branch-wide once staffing increases.
  • The Center for Local History at Central Library will open by appointment later this summer.

Fall Expansion of Services

Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Library will reopen Fall 2021.

  • Programming will expand across the Library system as staffing increases

Service Updates

  • The Shed, the Library’s seasonal garden-tool lending service, will remain closed for the 2021 growing season for staffing reasons, with plans to reopen in 2022.
  • The Shop, the Library’s maker space, will remain closed until staffing allows for increased levels of programming.
  • The Plaza branch will remain closed in preparation for a long-planned expansion and renovation.

Returns

The Library is no longer quarantining returned items. However, due to staffing shortage, items may not get checked in for several days after they have been returned in a book drop. If over 7 days have passed since you returned your library items and they remain on your account, please contact the Library to update your account.

In anticipation of reopening additional branches and expanded programs, we wanted to thank our patrons and the Arlington community for your continued support and patience during these past 15 months. We look forward to seeing you back at the library!

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

Send Us Your Feedback

2021 Summer Reading Offers Tasty Programs, Hot Prizes and Fresh Booklists for Everyone!

Zest up your summer with Arlington Public Library’s full menu of refreshing Summer Reading: Food for Thought programs, win tasteful prizes and support the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) while you read!

Photo of a colorful window mural at Westover Library.

Explore curated book lists and participate in a food-themed  scavenger hunt at the Wonder Window at Westover.

How Summer Reading Works

  • Read for 30 days. You can't read too little or too much on any day and you don't have to read for 30 days in a row.
  • Register and track your reading in the Library App or the paper log (available at open branches or download PDF).
  • For each reader who finishes the Summer Reading challenge, the Friends of the Arlington Public Library will donate $1 to AFAC.
  • Learn more about Summer Reading prizes and raffles.

On the Menu for June

  • Wednesday, June 9, 7 - 9 p.m., online
    Kitchen Literacy with Ann Vileisis
    Join award-winning author and historian Ann Vileisis as she recounts the colorful history of preparing dinner in America. RSVP
  • Friday, June 11, 10 - 11 a.m., Shirlington Branch Library
    Family Zumba at the Library
    Children can jam out to their favorite music and be active in a kid-friendly version of Zumba class. RSVP
  • Friday, June 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Westover Branch Library
    Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration with Spinny Johnson
    Bring the whole family for a fun outdoor event featuring artist and athlete Spinny Johnson to launch the Summer Reading Challenge. RSVP

Summer Reading helps children and teens to avoid the summer slide and reintroduces them to the joy of reading. It provides parents and kids with a tool to read or listen to books together and it gives adults a reason to explore new books and authors.

Summer Reading: Food for Thought is made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library and the Washington Nationals.

Learn more about the 2021 Summer Reading challenge and all the featured summer events.

New Outdoor Storytime Series at Central and Shirlington Library

In-Person Storytime Series Kicks Off Outside at Central Library on May 18.

Young girl holding a teddy bear while sitting outside in the park.

Outdoor Storytime is a fun and interactive program, presented by youth service librarians, and combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards.

A kick-off event will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 10 a.m., at Central Library adjacent to Quincy Park, with special guest Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh.

“We are thrilled to bring back one of our most popular programs for young children,” said Library Director Kresh. “Storytimes lay the foundation for curiosity, imagination and deepen the connection to the outside world,” Kresh continued.

Two programs will be offered — Family Storytime for children from 0-5 years, and Lapsit Storytime for babies age 12 months and under. Each program lasts approximately for 20 minutes.

Family Storytime (0-5 years)

  • Outside Central Library – Tuesdays, 10 a.m., May 18 – June 29
  • Outside Shirlington Branch – Tuesdays, 10 a.m., May 25 – June 29

Baby Lapsit Storytime (0-12 months)

  • Outside Central Library – Thursdays, 10 a.m., May 20 – July 1
  • Outside Shirlington Branch – Thursdays, 10 a.m., May 20 – July 1

For safety, family groups should be accompanied by one adult only and spaced 6 feet apart to account for social distancing. Masks are required for adults and all attendees are encouraged to wear a mask.

Attendance at Outdoor Storytimes and Baby Lapsit Storytimes will be first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached.

Interested in attending? Visit our events calendar to RSVP for an event reminder and to receive weather-related cancellation notifications.

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