All Library locations will be closed on Sunday, April 17.
Library Operations Updates
RESOLVED: System Outage May Affect Catalog and Account Access
Update Monday, March 28: This issue is resolved and library services are operating normally.
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An unexpected system outage Sunday, March 27 may affect library catalog and account access online and from inside library facilities. Technicians are working to resolve the issue.
Please delay making library transactions, and check back soon for updates. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Free Rapid Antigen At-Home Test Kits Available at Central and Columbia Pike Libraries
Arlington Public Library will distribute free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At-Home Test Kits, in collaboration with the Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management.
Tests kits will be dispensed on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be picked up from the service desks at Central and Columbia Pike Libraries.
Each box comes with two test kits and is limited to one per customer. Neither proof of County residency nor a library card is required, and the test kits are free of charge.
The test kits are provided by Arlington County and each distribution site will distribute Kits while supplies last.
To find out more how to use the free test kit, visit the iHealth web site. For additional information about Arlington County COVID-19 services, visit the COVID-19 web page.
Due to inclement weather, Glencarlyn Library will open at 11:30 a.m. on Sat. March 12, 2022.
HOLIDAY: All Library Locations Closed Monday, Feb. 21 In Observance of Presidents Day
Arlington County Government offices and facilities are closed Monday, Feb. 21.
OPERATIONS UPDATE: Regular Service Resumes Monday, Jan. 31
Library Operations Update: January 28, 2022
We are pleased to announce that the Library will resume all regular services and programs, including storytimes and Maker services at The Shop, on Monday, Jan. 31.
Scheduled virtual programs will continue as planned.
Some meeting and study rooms will remain unavailable, in order to accommodate temporary staff workspace and overflow materials.
Providing access to Library services while keeping all our locations open remains our top priority. Operations will continue to be assessed, as these plans are contingent on current staffing levels, and operations may be further impacted if additional staffing shortages occur.
Thank you for your patience and understanding and for using Arlington Public Library. We look forward to seeing you soon.
We value your feedback. Tell us what you think about our Library services. We will read and consider all comments.
OPERATIONS UPDATE: COVID-19 Related Staffing Shortages
Library Operations Update: January 17, 2022
Arlington Public Library, like many other services in the region, has been impacted by the latest COVID-19 related staffing shortages. As we continue to do our best to keep Library operations running, the following temporary measures will be taken:
Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Update
- Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries and book drops will remain closed through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.
- Holds currently on the shelf at Cherrydale and Glencarlyn will be moved to Central Library for pickup starting Wednesday, Jan. 19; these holds will be held at Central through Wednesday, Jan. 26.
- New holds can still be placed for pickup at Cherrydale and Glencarlyn, but no new holds will be fulfilled at these location during the closure. Patrons who currently have unfilled holds have the option to choose a different pickup location through their Library Account online or via the Library App.
Going forward, the Library will prioritize keeping locations open for service. Systemwide, starting Monday, Jan. 24, until further notice:
- All Library locations, including Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries, will be open on a regular schedule.
- In-person programs, including storytimes and Maker services at The Shop, will pause so that staff can be diverted to other service points.
- Scheduled virtual programs, which staff can conduct from anywhere, will continue. Please visit our events calendar for more information.
- Some meeting and study rooms will be unavailable, in order to accommodate temporary staff workspace and overflow materials.
- Current and upcoming library card expirations will be extended for 90 days.
How Can You Help?
In recent weeks, an increase in unclaimed holds across the system has impacted staff workload. There are two ways you can help:
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- Pick up your holds before they expire
- If you are unlikely to visit the library in the coming days and weeks, “Freeze” any unfilled physical holds that are not yet ready for pick up.
Providing access to Library services while keeping all our locations open remains our top priority. Operations will continue to be assessed, as these plans are contingent on current staffing levels, and operations may be further impacted if additional staffing shortages occur.
Thank you for your patience and understanding and for using Arlington Public Library. We look forward to seeing you soon.
If you would like to share your thoughts on this, or any Library program or service, please use this form:
If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds, contact us by phone during open hours or send us an email any time!
WEATHER: Library Locations will Close Early at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16
Due to the forecast for inclement weather, Library locations scheduled to be open Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 will close early at 12 p.m. All library programs and room reservations scheduled after 12:00 p.m. are canceled.
Holds for pickup at these locations will be extended an extra day.
Central Library: Closing at 12:00 p.m.
Columbia Pike Library: Closing at 12:00 p.m.
Shirlington Library: Closing at 12:00 p.m.
OPERATIONS UPDATE: Cherrydale, Glencarlyn Currently Closed; Other Services Under Review
January 12, 2022
Due to Covid-19 related staffing shortages, Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries will be closed Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 13 - 16. All library locations are closed Monday, Jan. 17 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
During these closures, book drops at Cherrydale and Glencarlyn will be closed. All items on hold will remain on the shelf.
As of now, all other Library locations remain open on schedule. Over the next few weeks, we anticipate that COVID-19 related staffing shortages will have additional impacts on Arlington Public Library. At this time we are assessing all programs, services and operations, and will issue further updates as needed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
HOLIDAY: All Library Locations Closed Monday, Jan. 17 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Arlington County Government offices & services are operating on modified schedules for the Martin Luther King., Jr. Birthday holiday.
Check Volunteer Arlington to learn about 2022 MLK Day of Service opportunities.
Arlington’s annual tribute to Dr. King goes virtual on Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. with music, dance and spoken word.
