Arlington Public Library is an official book sanctuary.
A surprising history of fast food companies, black capitalists, and civil rights leaders in the fight against racial inequality.
RESOLVED – Public Wifi, Copiers, Phones and Self-Check Unavailable At Westover Location
RESOLVED: Due to a system outage, public Wifi, Copiers, Phones and Self-Check are currently unavailable at Westover Branch Library. Please...
Read moreThe Big Sleep
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From our eCollection
Video: Arlington Reads with Emma Brown
Brown discussed her book “To Raise a Boy,” an investigation into how we teach boys to be men—and how we...
Read moreOral History: Public Shoe Store
Interview with Dr. Sholom “Doc” Friedman and Karen Widmayer
For select games in August and September.
An (Un)familiar Tune: Arlington’s Song
Though many may not know the words to this reverential tune, Arlington has had an official song for more than...
Read moreLearn a New Language with Mango
Learn a new language and cultural skills.
Celebrate the Newly Renovated Columbia Pike Library
July 8: Grand reopening and ribbon cutting of newly renovated branch.
News Release: Discover Arlington’s history and browse newspaper content online from 1935 to 1978.
Joan Cooper: Taking a Stand
Joan Cooper (1940-2014) was an African-American Arlington social and civic activist, community leader, and passionate anti-drug campaigner.
In 1997, Jay Fisette became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to office in the state of Virginia when he...
Read moreVideo: Interview with Freddie Lutz
A lively conversation with the owner and operator of Freddie’s Beach Bar, Arlington’s only LGBTQ+, straight friendly restaurant and bar.
Dorothy Hamm: Speaking Out
Dorothy Hamm was at the forefront of the civil rights movement in Arlington, and lead efforts to successfully desegregate Arlington’s...
Read moreSummer Reading: Food For Thought Runs June 1 Through September 1
News to Use, May 2021
Vol.3, no.2 of News to Use, Arlington Public Library’s Talking Book Newsletter.
The History of Arlington’s Logo and Seal
Learn more about our County iconography.
A book rec for each day of May!
The Arlington Council on Human Relations was to improve the economic, civic, and racial conditions in Arlington County.
Cycling Through Arlington’s History
May is National Biking Month, and to celebrate, let’s take a look at Arlington’s decades-long history of bicycle enthusiasm!
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland: Taking a Stand
Civil rights activist, educator, and founder of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation.
And Then There Were None
Oral History: West Brothers Brick Company
Interview with Rayfield Barber
Video: Arlington Reads Signature Author Laila Lalami
Laila Lalami discusses her life, her work, and the question, “What does it mean to be American?”
Barbara Marx: Speaking Out
Marx was involved with civil rights activities and the NAACP, Arlingtonians for a Better County, the Arlington Community Action Committee,...
Read moreArlington’s Signature Soda: Cherry Smash
Did you know that Arlington was once home to one of the country’s most popular sodas?
Dr. Charles Drew: Taking a Stand
Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) was a surgeon and a pioneer in the field of blood plasma preservation, storage, and...
Read moreOral History: Bob & Edith’s Diner
Interview with Gregory Bolton
William A. Rowe: Taking a Stand
William Augustus Rowe (1834-1907) was a pivotal figure in the early development of the Green Valley community.
More to Explore: Author Rebecca Traister
Did you catch our conversation with Arlington Reads featured author Rebecca Traister?
Roberta Flack’s Arlington Roots
Arlington native Roberta Flack is known worldwide for her voice, songwriting, and musical ability.
Nguyen Ngoc Bich: Speaking Out
Nguyen Ngoc Bich (1937-2016) was a pivotal Arlingtonian in commercial and community affairs alike.
Examining Dr. Seuss
Taking a look at the books of our childhood with a critical eye.
Oral History: Margaret Troxell
Margaret Troxell (1909-2002) was a pioneering local journalist who helped found the Northern Virginia Sun.
Over 3000 Magazines Now on OverDrive/Libby
Thousands of titles including the Economist, US Weekly, and the New Yorker.
News to Use, February 2021
Vol.2, no.3 of News to Use, Arlington Public Library’s Talking Book Newsletter.
Celebrate Women’s History Month
Commemorate the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
William T. Syphax: Taking a Stand
Native Arlingtonian William Thomas Syphax (1920-1989) was a prominent Black business entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for the Black community in...
Read moreCenter for Local History to Curate 2020 Time Capsule
A snapshot of today, as well as a gift for the future.
Video: Arlington Reads with Jenny Offill
Acclaimed fiction writer joins us for a conversation about her latest work, “Weather.”
Arlington’s First Black Legislators
Some of Arlington’s first black legislators include George Lewis Seaton, John B. Syphax, and Alfred William Harris.
From Cataloging, with Love
Thousands of books, straight from our hearts to your hands.
Edmund Campbell: Speaking Out
Edmund Douglas Campbell (1899–1995) was a lawyer, social activist, and Arlington County Board member who advocated for civil rights, school...
Read morePoetry by Earlene Green Evans
Earlene Green Evans grew up and attended public schools in Arlington, Virginia, graduating from Hoffman-Boston High School. She received a...
Read moreInterviews with Lance Newman and Michael Jones
Introducing Flipster Digital Magazines
Read digital magazines anytime, anywhere – on your computer, or via the app on your tablet or phone.
Quaranzine: Valentine’s Card Catalog Edition
Share hope with your community through words and art!
George Melvin Richardson: Taking a Stand
George Melvin Richardson (1913-2015) was an African-American educator, school principal, WW II U.S. Army officer, and civic leader.
John Robinson: Taking a Stand
A dedicated community activist who chose to stay and work in the Green Valley neighborhood where he was born and...
Read moreEdible Books: Cookie Bookie Contest Winners
Sugar, Spice and Oh That Book Looks Nice!
Video: Multiracial Coalitions in the Civil Rights Era
The Poor People’s Campaign was held in Washington, D.C., during the spring of 1968.
The Library and all Arlington County Government offices and services will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18 for Martin Luther...
Read moreNotes on the Arlington Symphony
Over its 60-year run, the Arlington Symphony performed a wide variety of music across the County and was one of...
Read moreKathryn Stone: Speaking Out
Kathryn Stone was one of a small minority of voices in Virginia that courageously fought against the state’s policy of...
Read more2020 Year End Reflection
So much in 2020 has changed… but our shared passion for reading, learning, and curiosity hasn’t.
Leonard “Doc” Muse: Taking a Stand
Leonard “Doc” Muse (1923-2017), was an African-American pharmacist and social activist, and the owner of Green Valley Pharmacy.
The Best of Quaranzine
You’re the best. Yes, YOU!
Arlington’s Own Fast and Furious
Arlington was home to a racetrack that drew thrill-seekers and daredevils.
Edible Books: Cookie Bookie Contest
Cook up a character, bake a backstory, and taste these tomes!
Read with the Big Book Club Podcast
Over the next six weeks we’re reading the first book in Frank Herbert’s epic Sci-Fi series, Dune.
The Library Director’s 2020 Book List, Continued
“My reading tastes shifted along with everything else in both my work and home life.”
Fire Station #8: Taking a Stand
Hall’s Hill Volunteer Fire Department
Video: New APL Kids YouTube Channel
Storytimes designed to help your child learn reading readiness.
The Library Director’s 2020 End-of-Year Playlist
How to honor those who have left us too soon, the sacrifices we’ve made, and the uncertainty of what next...
Read moreOral History: The Arlington Food Assistance Center
Interviews with Ann Rudd and Andy Lee
Library Operations Update: 2021 Service Changes
Preparations underway for new Library Express Service at two locations.
2020 Short Story Contest Winners
Congratulation to this year’s winners!
3rd Place, 2020 Short Story Contest Winner: Jessica Carlson
“Just Another Nightmare”
2nd Place, 2020 Short Story Contest Winner: Louise Farmer Smith
“A Plain Man”
1st Place, 2020 Short Story Contest Winner: Amy Blaine
“Company Calls”
Charles Rinker: Speaking Out
“Tireless proponent for fair and affordable housing in Arlington County.”
Video: Arlington Reads with David Brooks
The Library will be Closed Tuesday, Nov. 3 for Election Day
Central Library will be closed for Holds Pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 3 for Election Day. All polling locations are open...
Read moreVoting in Arlington: Then & Now
Take a look at how voting in Arlington has changed over the years.
2020 Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners
Having a gourd time with your library!
Portia Haskins: Taking a Stand
In 1965, Portia Haskins filed suit against the Virginia Board of Elections and the Arlington County general registrar to fight...
Read moreBallot Drop Locations at the Library
Deposit your Mail Ballot at one of the new 24-Hour, secure Ballot Drop Boxes.
Dr. Roland Bruner: Taking a Stand
“He provided free medical services to the most disadvantaged in Arlington…”
Video: Hora de Cuentos por Sra. Raquel
Un programa para todas las edades. Lectura de cuentos y canciones.
Rediscover Lutrelle Fleming Parker, Sr.
A tireless advocate for progress in Arlington County.
Video: Elaine Weiss, Author of “The Woman’s Hour”
The Great Fight to Win the Vote
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Prizes will be awarded for best Adult, Teen and Kid/Family pumpkin!
Delve Into Arlington’s History Through The 1920 Census
How has Arlington changed over the past 100 years?
Access Restored to Library Catalog, Patron Accounts and eCollection
If you have related questions about your account, or accessing the eCollection, please contact the Library by phone, live chat...
Read moreOral History: Remembering the Early Businesses of Columbia Pike
Interview with Ruth Levin
America’s First All-Women Swing Band Lived in Arlington
In the first half of the 20th century, only a handful of women were able to make it as successful...
Read moreRediscover The Arlington Property Yard
Before it was renamed the Arlington County Trades Center in 1979, the Property Yard was where Arlington County stored many...
Read moreVideo: Rachel Snyder, Author of “No Visible Bruises”
What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us.
Oral History: Attending Hoffman-Boston High School in the 1940s
Interview with Delores C. Downing
August 26th, 1920 marks another significant date on the journey to achieve universal suffrage. On this day, the 19th Amendment...
Read moreLibrary Service News and Updates
Introducing MyBook, for Kindergarten – Grade 2
Grow Your Home Library.
Tennessee became the 36th state to secure ratify the amendment.
Celebrate the people and events that led up to this historic moment.
The Early History of Arlington’s Libraries
Arlington’s libraries have been a mainstay of the county landscape for generations – but how did the library system as...
Read morePicture Perfect! Arlington’s Summer Reading Challenges
Celebrate the fun of reading!
Video: Live from Diane’s Living Room
Diane speaks with Arlingtonians who have made a difference in our community.