Alert

COVID-19 Related Library Service News and Updates More Info

Arlington Public Library

Service Updates

Central Library Holds Pickup Closed Thursday, Feb.18 Due to Winter Weather; Online Activities, Phone and Chat Continue as Scheduled

Due to the expected winter weather, in-person Arlington County facilities including Central Library Holds Pickup Service will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 18.

To check the County's snow and ice removal status visit  https://emergency.arlingtonva.us/weather/snow-ice.

 

Central Library Holds Pickup is Open Monday, Feb. 15

Arlington County Government offices and services are operating on modified schedules.

What is the holiday that takes place today? 

  • In Virginia, the official state holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February is named "George Washington Day," and the federal holiday is named "Washington's Birthday."
  • In Maryland the holiday is "President's Day," but until 1996, MD celebrated Lincoln's birthday on Feb. 12 and Washington's Birthday on the third Monday of February.
  • 23 states celebrate Presidents Day; many of these states honor Abraham Lincoln, as his birthday is also in mid-February.

Shirlington and Westover Reopen March 9 for Express Library Service

Browsing and Holds Pickup

Westover return bins.

Effective, March 9, 2021, Arlington Public Library is reopening the Shirlington and Westover Branch Libraries for a 15-minute Express Library Service.

"This has been a long year and Arlingtonians have missed their libraries. We are delighted to bring back time-limited, in-person browsing and reconnect with the community we love," says Library Director Diane Kresh.

Open Hours

  • Tuesday through Thursday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At Shirlington and Westover Express Service locations, library patrons will be able to:

  • Browse books and media
  • Pick up holds
  • Check out items by using the self-serve checkout stations
  • Receive physically-distanced assistance for account management and wayfinding

Patrons will be able to browse and check out books and media for 15 minutes initially with the possibility of expanding to 30 minutes after evaluating patron demand. The library’s priority is to provide library access to as many patrons as possible while ensuring patron and staff safety by limiting the number of people in the building at one time.

All other services will be unavailable, including public seating, meeting rooms and public computers.

Holds Pickup and Online Services

The Holds Pickup Service at Central Library will continue to operate as scheduled and patrons can use online Library resources 24x7. Patrons are encouraged to use these services in lieu of browsing when possible.

"Our plans for reopening have always been predicated on our ability to establish a sustainable model and maintain the safety of patrons and staff. The last thing we wanted to do was reopen prematurely and close again, frustrating patrons and staff, alike," Kresh continued.

All other branches will remain closed at this time, and a reopening date for the remaining branches has not yet been determined. Arlington Public Library continues to work closely with County Government leadership and the Department of Public Health to make decisions about Library operations.

Express Library Service FAQs

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Send Us Your Feedback About Express Library Service

If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds, please contact us by phone, online chat or text.

ALERT: Scheduled Library System Downtime Tuesday, Feb. 2, Starting at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2, starting at 7 p.m. the Library catalog and accounts system will undergo a scheduled upgrade. The work is expected to take several hours.

During this time you will be able to search the catalog, but access to the eCollection and patron accounts on the web and in the Library App and will be unavailable.

Previously placed holds and items already checked out in the OverDrive, Libby and RBdigital apps will not be affected.

Central Library Will Be Open Monday, Feb. 1 for Holds Pickup

Due Dates – Items due on Sunday, Jan. 31 and Monday, Feb. 1 are now due on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Holds – Holds set to expire on Sunday, Jan. 31 will be extended through Monday, Feb. 1.

Calendar – Take and Make Crafts pick up for Monday, Feb. 1 at Central Library and Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Shirlington Branch Library have been rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 5 at Central Library, from 12 – 2 p.m.

ALERT: Central Library will be Closed Sunday, Jan. 31 Due to Snow

Due Dates – Items due on Sunday, Jan. 31 and Monday, Feb. 1 are now due on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Holds – Holds set to expire on Sunday, Jan. 31 will be extended until the next day Central Library is open.

Calendar – Take and Make Crafts pick up for Monday, Feb. 1 at Central Library and Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Shirlington Branch Library have been rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 5 at Central Library, from 12 – 2 p.m.

Central Library Holds Pickup Service Closing at 4pm Sunday and Closed Monday; Will reopen on Tuesday, January 26

Central Library’s Holds Pickup Service will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 24 and will remain closed on Monday, January 25 after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member did not have recent contact with the general public and there is no concern for exposure to library patrons.

As a precaution, Central Library will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitizing. Any items currently on the hold shelf and due to be picked up will be extended an extra day. Customer Service help via phone and online chat will remain available during all regularly scheduled hours. Central Library Holds Pickup Service will resume Tuesday, January 26.

Arlington Public Library works closely with the Arlington County Department of Public Health and will follow recommended procedures to protect the health of staff and patrons.

Library Calendar

Holds

  • Holds due to be picked up Sunday, Jan. 24 and Monday, Jan 25 will be available on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

ALERT: Scheduled Library System Downtime Wednesday, Jan. 13 Starting at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, January 13 at 7 p.m. the Library catalog and accounts system will undergo a scheduled upgrade.

During this time you will be able to search the catalog, but access to the eCollection and patron accounts on the web and in the Library App and will be unavailable.

Items already checked out in the OverDrive, Libby and RBdigital apps will not be affected.

Download the Library App