In 2026, the Nation commemorates its 250th anniversary.
Throughout 2026, Arlington Public Library will mark this milestone with a community read, author talks, a summer festival, local history project and more.
Since the Nation’s founding, libraries have been and will continue to be essential to the growth, sustainability and health of American communities. Libraries preserve stories and give voice to those who have been historically silenced. Librarians help people find, evaluate and use information to meet their educational and recreational needs.
“Libraries unite communities and promote and ensure the well-being of all their members. Our expertise, welcoming spaces and curated collections — all hallmarks of the public library — are dedicated to the proposition that all people are entitled to an enriched quality of life. I feel as strongly about this mission today as I did when I entered the profession more than 50 years ago,” said Diane Kresh, Director of Arlington Public Library.
We encourage you to visit one or more of our eight locations throughout 2026, and join us in celebrating “Libraries, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Arlington 250 is generously funded by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
Highlights
Explore the Library’s hallmark Arlington 250 offerings—with ample opportunities to learn, connect and reflect.
Put Yourself on the Map
For the first half of 2026, patrons were invited to add their mark to our map of the United States—responding to monthly prompts that helped illustrate our American journeys past, present and future. We also invite you to read fond memories of U.S. library visits on our interactive online map, where you can add your own memory to join the conversation!
Community Read: "All the President's Men"
May 21, a community read event discussed "All the President’s Men," Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward's riveting account of the investigation by two Washington Post reporters that smashed the Watergate scandal wide open.
LibraryFest: Happy 250!
July 18, a community festival to celebrate the best of what libraries offer: a public square of inspiration, reflection and family-friendly, fun activities. The day features live music and spoken word performances, genealogy and digitization workshops, hands-on demonstrations like printmaking, an opportunity to make your own digital quilt square, Summer Reading activities and storytimes, and space to reflect on our ideals as we write letters to future Arlingtonians. Bring a picnic or purchase food from some of Arlington’s best food trucks. All welcome. Join us.
Food in America
August 29, author Rossi Anastopoulo's "Sweet Land of Liberty" charts a history of America in 11 pies—and examines how pie became the symbol of a nation.
Throughout the year, the Library's signature Arlington Reads author talk series examines similar themes with a star-studded lineup of chefs and food historians, ecologists and anthropologists.
Community Stories
Throughout 2026, Arlington Public Library and the Charlie Clark Center for Local History will capture seven oral histories from Arlingtonians whose contributions have shaped our community. The Library will also invite the public to share brief stories—including video recollections—about how libraries have shaped their lives.
Arlington 250 Library Events
Discover the rich tapestry of Arlington and America's history through even more events across the Libary's eight locations.
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Discover History-Themed Book Lists
Delve into curated book lists representing the histories and voices that make up our nation.
Digital Resources from our eCollection
Explore documents from America's founders with the Papers of George Washington and Papers of Thomas Jefferson digital resources.
Trace family genealogy and local stories with HeritageQuest, Ancestry Library Edition and Arlington County School Yearbooks.
Delve into archival newspapers from the Alexandria Gazette, Evening Star, Virginia Chronicle and many national outlets.
Explore documents from America's founders with the Papers of George Washington and Papers of Thomas Jefferson digital resources. Trace family genealogy and local stories with HeritageQuest, Ancestry Library Edition and Arlington County School Yearbooks. Delve into archival newspapers from the Alexandria Gazette, Evening Star, Virginia Chronicle and many national outlets.
Visit the Charlie Clark Center for Local History (CCCLH), located at Central Library, or explore local history online.
The Center collects, preserves and shares resources that illustrate Arlington County’s history, diversity and communities.
More Milestone Celebrations
Explore Arlington VA250 offerings from the Library's partners at the Arlington Historical Society, as well as Arlington Convention and Visitors Service recommendations on celebrating America's 250th birthday in Arlington.
Visit VA250 for more statewide commemorations and America250 for national programs.
Partners
Arlington VA 250 is a partnership between the Arlington Historical Society, the Library, other Arlington County departments and community partners. The Library’s Arlington 250 initiatives are generously funded by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
