We welcome suggestions for new materials, and purchase items recommended by patrons whenever possible. Individual purchase decisions will be guided by the Library’s selection policy and availability of funds.

Learn how to make a suggestion for the collection

The answers to most common questions about donations can be found on the Friends of the Arlington Public Library website. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, use the Ask-A-Librarian form to contact us.

There are two reason why your library card could be expired.

Did you apply for your library card online? If so, you received a temporary card number for your library account. Solution: Visit any open library location within 30 days with ID and proof of local address to verify your account. You will receive a plastic library card and new library card number at that time.

Have you had your Library card for over three years? As of July 1, 2024, Library cards are valid for a three-year period, and must be renewed in person at any open library location. Solution: Visit the library within 30 days with ID and proof of local address to verify your account. You may or may not be issued a new plastic library card and new library card number, depending on the age of your card.

If you have an issue with your account expiration please use this form to tell us about it.

You can reset your password in the Library catalog.

If you do not get a password reset email within 5 minutes, please contact us during open hours.

Find your library card number if you know your username and password:

• Option 1 – Download the Library App and add your account using your username and password. The App provides a digital Library card with your card number, which can be used to check items out.
• Option 2 – Log into your Library Account with your username and password, and your library card number is under Account Settings.

Find your library card number if you don’t know your username:

• Search your inbox for emails from sender “notices@library-arlingtonva.us.” These emails will show your card number.

If none of these options work, please contact us.

Please apply for a library card online. Once you have successfully completed the online application process, you will be given a Library Card Number. Please make sure to write the number down for your records. 

You can have 30 physical items on hold, and 10 eCollection items on hold.

Making lists in your account is a great way to keep track of more things you want to read or watch.

For staffing reasons, 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 use this form to tell us which items you returned, and we’ll update your account.

In person – Use cash or credit/debit at any Library location.

Online – Log into your Library account and go to Fines and Messages.

By Mail – Send payment by check or money order (payable to Treasurer of Arlington County) and include library card number.

Address mail to:
Central Library
Attention: Circulation
1015 N. Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22201

Daily library overdue fees were eliminated in the FY21 Arlington County Budget. No new daily overdue fees will accrue after July 1, 2020. Overdue fees of $ .30 per day, with a maximum overdue fee of $9.00 per item, charged before July 1, 2020 remain due on library accounts. Lost material fees and other service fees still apply.

Before checking out or downloading digital Libby materials with your new or replacement library card, please follow these steps:

1. Click on this link to submit a support ticket with Overdrive/Libby.
2. Fill out the entire form with the requested information. Make sure to include both your old and new card numbers when asked for more details about your issue. In the “Issue Description” section, clearly indicate that you received a new card and need your account updated.
3. OverDrive Tech Support will update your account and transfer any holds or checked-out items to your new card number.

If you have trouble contacting OverDrive support, you can use this form to get in touch with the library directly and we will assist you.

Please contact us using this form.

Please contact Kanopy Support directly.

Please contact OverDrive Support directly.

Please contact Mango Support directly.

Please use this form to submit your question.

For assistance with account login and password issues, library card expiration, returned items, fines or other Library Account issues, please use this email form.

You can also call your favorite Library location during open hours.

For information about Library services or events, submit questions by email to Ask-A-Librarian. We will reply by phone or email within three business days.

For immediate help during open hours, call your favorite Library location.

For assistance with research and Library collections, submit questions by email to Ask-A-Librarian. We will reply by phone or email within three business days.

For immediate help during open hours, call your favorite Library location.

Please use this form for historical research questions.

Please use this form to submit a Program or Partnership Proposal

Use this email form to report issues with the website. If this is about a specific page, please include the URL.

Please use this form to tell us what’s on your mind