Alert

HOLIDAY: All library locations will close at 5 p.m., Dec. 31, 2025, for New Year’s Eve and remain closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2026. More Info

Sustainability

Reducing Waste, One Loan at a Time

Arlington Public Library takes pride in offering essential services that are inherently sustainable. Shared resources like books, tools, digital media and public computers reduce consumption and waste.

By offering programs, services and trusted information sources, the Library is committed to promoting awareness, discussion and action about community resilience, climate change and a sustainable future. The Library aims to lead by example in reducing the community's collective environmental footprint.

The Library strives to support practices that are environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially equitable to address climate change and to co-create thriving communities.

Bicyce pump, hand tools

Library of Things

Borrow DIY tools, gadgets, board games, wireless hotspots, American Girl dolls and more.

A bin at Central Library with text "Cell Phone Donation Barrel" and images of several types of smartphones.

Recycling at the Library

Explore donation, recycling, safe disposal and compost options at select library locations.

A person lying on their back reads a book in a grove of trees.

Sustainability Book Lists

Delve into handpicked titles on nature, living sustainably and confronting climate change.

Photo of the inside of the garden tool lennding library's shed, with tools hanging on the back wall.

The Shed

Browse our tool lending library to place a hold and tackle your gardening and yard projects.

The Sunny Garden plot of the Central Library native plant gardens with red, yellow and purple blooms.

Central Library Gardens

Across several gardens, our partners promote native plants and grow fresh produce for the community.

A sign with text "Glencarlyn Library Community Garden: Open Dawn to Dusk. Maintained by Master Gardeners & the larger Glencarlyn Community." The sign is surrounded by a garden of plants, trees and red flowers.

Glencarlyn Library Community Garden

Through this teaching garden, our partners provide resources and guidance for local gardeners.

Westover Farmer's Market, featuring a diverse crowd of visitors chatting and browsing vendor booths.

Arlington Farmers Markets

Visit 10 wonderful farmers markets across Arlington—including one right outside Westover Library!

Link to Car Free Near Me map tool

Car-Free Near Me

Find sustainable transit options near you including Metro, bus lines, bikeshares and more.

Arlington's Accelerate Reports Showcasing Arlington's Climate Progress

Climate Progress Reports

View Arlington’s Accelerate reports on work related to energy, climate and the environment.

Sustainability Events

Gardening Events

Have a question, comment or program idea? Contact us.

Arlington Public Library extends its gratitude to the following partners.

Link to Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia website

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Link to Arlington Regional Master Naturalists website.

Arlington Regional Master Naturalists

Link to Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture website

Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture

Thanks to financial support from the Virginia Library Association (VLA), Arlington Public Library is pending certification for the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI).