• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Alert

ALERT: Update on Maintenance and Upgrades at Central Library More Info

Home - Arlington County Virginia - Logo
MENUMENU
  • Join Now
  • My Account
    • Login
    • My Checkouts
    • My Holds
    • My Lists
    • My Reading History
    • About Borrowing
    • About Holds
    • About My Account
  • Hours & Locations
    • All Hours & Locations
    • Holiday Closings
  • News
    • Library News
    • Director's Blog
    • Get Email Updates
  • Contact Us

Arlington Public Library

MENUMENU
  • Search
  • Collections
  • Services
  • Events
  • Explore
  • Join Now
  • My Account
    • Login
    • About Borrowing
    • About Holds
    • About My Account
  • Hours & Locations
    • All Hours & Locations
    • Holiday Closings
  • News
    • Library Blog
    • Get Email Updates
  • Contact Us
Home > Library News

Library News

Arlington Public Library is an official book sanctuary.

News Categories
  • All
  • CCCLH
  • News
  • Director's Blog
  • Art Exhibits
  • Collection
  • News Release
  • Alert
February 18, 2020

Lomax Church and Library Celebrate Records Acquisition

Donation Received from one of Arlington’s Oldest Black Churches

Read more
February 11, 2020

Valentine’s Day Postcards

Sending love through the mail, for a penny.

Read more
February 11, 2020

Exhibition Pays Tribute to Women in Arlington

March 5 through April 2 at Central Library.

Read more
February 6, 2020

Oral History: Renting in Clarendon in the 1950s

Interview with Ann Brock.

Read more
January 30, 2020

Question for the Archives: Where Was My School?

A patron was looking for the name of an Arlington school he attended for one year as a child.

Read more
January 28, 2020

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Death of Zitkála-Šá

In celebration of her work for Native American’s voting rights, we are republishing our “Rediscover Zitkála-Šá” post from March 13,...

Read more
January 15, 2020

The First Arlington County Fair

Arlington held its first County Fair in 1977, led by a nonprofit, all-volunteer group, which organized and operated the event.

Read more
January 7, 2020

This Week in 19th Amendment History: First Issue of The Woman’s Journal

“Devoted to the interests of Woman – to her educational, industrial, legal and political equality, and especially to her right...

Read more
December 19, 2019

What Happened to Arlington’s Radio Towers?

From 1913 to 1941, massive radio towers dominated the Arlington skyline.

Read more
December 10, 2019

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Wyoming Day

One hundred and fifty years ago this week, Wyoming made a significant – though complicated – stride on the path...

Read more
December 4, 2019

The Early History of Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Department

Starting with a $500 allocation in 1933, Arlington has grown over the past 75 years from one public park on...

Read more
November 27, 2019

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Death of Sojourner Truth

November 26 marks the anniversary of the death of legendary suffragist and abolitionist Sojourner Truth.

Read more
November 25, 2019

The Library Director’s 2019 Playlist

A collection of seasonal tunes, from schlock to rock, and everything in between

Read more
November 21, 2019

The Royal Family in Arlington

Over the last 80 years members of the royal family have stopped in Arlington too, drawing much local attention and...

Read more
November 12, 2019

This Week in 19th Amendment History: The Night of Terror

Just over 100 years ago this week, on November 14, 1917, a group of suffragists underwent a horrifying night of...

Read more
November 7, 2019

Arlington Theatre ‘N’ Bowling

On August 15, 1940, one of Arlington’s premier cinemas – the Arlington Theatre – opened its doors.

Read more
October 28, 2019

Rediscover Haunted Arlington

Four stories to keep you up at night this October… The Spirits at Overlee, Old Post Chapel, Wakefield High School,...

Read more
October 22, 2019

This Week in 19th Amendment History: National Woman’s Rights Convention

On October 23, 1850, the first National Woman’s Rights Convention began in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Read more
October 14, 2019

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson

The first female graduate (and valedictorian) of Gallaudet University and an early champion of both deaf and women’s rights.

Read more
October 9, 2019

Oral History: Presidential Sightings

Interview with Captain Carl Porter.

Read more
October 7, 2019

Taking it Personally: National Coming Out Day

The Library honors National Coming Out Day by displaying Pride flags at all of our locations.

Read more
October 3, 2019

Arlington’s Water System

Do you know where your water comes from?

Read more
September 25, 2019

Oral History: H-B Woodlawn Beginnings

Interview with Ray Anderson, H-B Woodlawn Principal

Read more
September 19, 2019

Hoover Airport

Arlington has had congested traffic conditions for almost 100 years…

Read more
September 10, 2019

Remembering September 11: Cards for Firefighters

Eighteen years ago, children from around the country showed their support for Arlington’s first responders with drawings, words of encouragement...

Read more
September 5, 2019

The Jefferson School

Have you driven or walked past the Army Navy County Club in South Arlington? On that same ground in 1870,...

Read more
August 29, 2019

Bob Peck Chevrolet

If you’ve driven down Glebe Road in Ballston over the past few years, you might have noticed the diamond-shaped facade...

Read more
August 22, 2019

The Great Northern Virginia Elephant Hunt

If you were standing outside on August 21, you might have seen four enormous grey animals with extremely long noses...

Read more
August 19, 2019

Rediscover Grace Murray Hopper

Mathematician, Navy Veteran and Arlington resident, Grace Murray Hopper broke down gender barriers throughout her career in the emerging field...

Read more
August 15, 2019

“If You Don’t Vote, You Don’t Count”

Can you imagine having to pay a tax for the three previous years before you could cast your vote in...

Read more
August 7, 2019

Pencil Me In: Waneta’s Dance Card

Have you ever “penciled someone in” for coffee, or said “my dance card is full” when you’re busy?

Read more
August 1, 2019

Dog Days with the Allwine Children

In the early part of the 1900s, on the site that later became Reagan National Airport, Vivian Allwine Ford grew...

Read more
July 24, 2019

Thrills and Chills at Arlington Beach

A day at the beach sounds relaxing, but visitors to Arlington Amusement Beach in the 1920s sometimes got more thrills...

Read more
July 18, 2019

Oral History: Introducing New Breads to Arlington

Interview with Carla and Wolfgang Buchler, owners of Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe.

Read more
July 17, 2019

Arlington’s African-American Baseball Teams

The earliest known baseball team, named The Old Virginia Blues, started in 1910.

Read more
July 11, 2019

Putt-Putt Golf Courses

Mini-golf attracted visitors from across the region to Arlington for over 50 years.

Read more
July 10, 2019

What Arlington Treasures Are Hiding In Your Attic or Filing Cabinet?

Donate your papers and photos to the Center for Local History and help to tell Arlington’s story.

Read more
June 27, 2019

Have You Ever Stood Awestruck In A Great Forest?

Transform science education: That’s Women’s Work

Read more
June 26, 2019

Happy 100th Birthday, Birdie Alston!

Mr. Alston’s life has been marked by a commitment to community service, civil rights, and a love of photography and...

Read more
June 20, 2019

Do You Like Arlington’s Vibrant, Walk-Friendly Culture?

Lead this town: That’s Women’s Work.

Read more
June 13, 2019

When You See a Problem, Do You Turn it into an Opportunity?

Build a multimillion-dollar firm: That’s Women’s Work.

Read more
June 6, 2019

What Would You Give Up Your Freedom For?

Go to jail for the vote: That’s Women’s Work.

Read more
May 31, 2019

On the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall

This year, Arlington County celebrates “50 Years Forward: from riots to rights” and cities across the country, will host Pride...

Read more
May 29, 2019

Arlington Farms

Did you know that Arlington was at the forefront of experimental farming in the early 20th Century?

Read more
May 22, 2019

An Experimental Farm

Did you know that Arlington was at the forefront of experimental farming in the early 20th Century?

Read more
May 15, 2019

The Aqueduct Bridge

Before the Key Bridged spanned the Potomac River, the Alexandria Aqueduct carried barges from Georgetown to Virginia.

Read more
May 7, 2019

Hygiene Class for New Mothers

These photos are of hygiene classes for new and expectant mothers, offered by the Arlington Health Department in the 1930s...

Read more
May 1, 2019

Prom Season at Bishop O’Connell

Did you go to your high school prom? Do you remember what you wore?

Read more
April 24, 2019

A Coffee Shop’s Many Faces

Do the roof line and windows of this buildings look familiar?

Read more
April 18, 2019

Edmond C. Fleet, Community Swimming Pool Supporter

Co-founder of the Veteran’s Memorial Branch of the YMCA.

Read more
April 11, 2019

Rediscover Brandymore Castle

It’s an easy hike to the local “castle.”

Read more
April 4, 2019

1945: The Arlington War Memorial Association Plans a “Living Memorial”

Living memorials were a popular concept after World War II.

Read more
March 28, 2019

The Unusual History of the Washington Nationals

The Washington area may have a fraught history when it comes to baseball teams, but that has not stopped us...

Read more
March 13, 2019

Rediscover Zitkála-Šá

Rediscover a Native American Advocate

Read more
March 7, 2019

Oral History: Getting Involved in Local Politics

As the longest serving member of the Arlington County Board to date, Bozman supported countless causes that have made long...

Read more
February 22, 2019

Green Valley Pharmacy

Established in 1952, the Green Valley Pharmacy is the first (and only) pharmacy and lunch counter in Arlington that would...

Read more
February 14, 2019

Cub Scout Pack 589 and Ernest Johnson

Cub Scout Pack #589 was Arlington’s first African American Cub Scout Pack, established in 1952 and founded by Ernest Johnson.

Read more
February 7, 2019

Oral History: Desegregation of Arlington’s Public Schools

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of Arlington County public schools, we present an oral history clip...

Read more
February 7, 2019

George Melvin Richardson

In this photo, a group of late 1950s/early 1960s Hoffman-Boston high school students examine a relic on display at the...

Read more
January 31, 2019

Rosslyn in the 1960s

Do you remember Rosslyn Ten Pin Bowl or A & H Plumbing Supply CORP.?

Read more
January 24, 2019

Where Were These Photos Taken?

Can you guess the location of these images? We’ll give you a few clues…

Read more
January 17, 2019

Neighborhood Activist Joan Cooper

For nearly 50 years, Joan Cooper worked for change in her neighborhood.

Read more
January 10, 2019

How To Prepare Tin Cans For Collection in 1943

This colorful advertisement from 1943 describes how to properly clean and prepare tin cans for recycling in order to aid...

Read more
December 27, 2018

The Columbia News

“What the old year has done for us is this; it has brought everything forward to the point where hope...

Read more
December 20, 2018

Holiday Postcard Collection

Did you know that the study and collection of postcards is called Deltiology?

Read more
December 12, 2018

The Dudley Family Home

  Oh, to sled down that hill… The Dudley Family Home stood on a hill on North Military Road –...

Read more
December 6, 2018

Wakefield High School Student Posters

The students who attended Wakefield High School during the 1969/1970 school year were a busy and creative group. From after...

Read more
November 26, 2018

“Too Cool for Yule” 2018

A number of years ago, I began creating the holiday play list, variously known as “Don’t Touch that Dial,” the...

Read more
November 23, 2018

Murphy & Ames Lumber and Hardware

In honor of Shop Small Saturday, we present the Murphy & Ames lumber and hardware company, located in Rosslyn from...

Read more
November 8, 2018

Oral History: Dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Interview with Agnes Quade In observance of Veteran’s Day, the staff at the Center for Local History present a clip...

Read more
November 7, 2018

Women’s Work: Ruby Lee Minar

If you’ve visited Lee Heights or Lyon Park, then you have been to neighborhoods created by real estate developer Ruby...

Read more
October 18, 2018

Oral History: Halloween Shenanigans

A Halloween story from what is now the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington.

Read more
October 17, 2018

Yu-hsin Hsu: Growing Generosity

“It would take some work, but if we start soon we could have a new garden in that unused space...

Read more
October 11, 2018

Susan Parker: Friend of Books

“I love working with books first, but that is closely followed by working with a very engaging and bright group...

Read more
October 11, 2018

Diane Kresh: On Coming Out

“It means finding your voice, and speaking out with that voice, and not only when it’s safe to do so....

Read more
October 11, 2018

Free To Be

Thursday, October 11, 2018, marks the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day, an annual observance to raise awareness of...

Read more
October 5, 2018

Zadie Smith: Empathetic Voyeur

“Voyeurism is at the heart of what we do.”

Read more
October 2, 2018

Treasures from the Archive

October in National Archives Month!

Read more
June 26, 2018

Commitment to Racial and Social Equity

Today, the Arlington Public Library joined with libraries in our area and around the country in signing the Urban Libraries...

Read more
June 5, 2018

Director’s Blog: Vital Signs

A number of years ago, I was invited to mount a photo exhibit in Zagreb, Croatia. “Vital Signs” was a...

Read more
June 1, 2018

On This Day in LGBTQIA+ History

Pride Month is celebrated each year in June, to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have...

Read more
May 17, 2018

Nguyen Ngoc Bich: Vietnamese Community Leader

“Before April 1975 the whole Vietnamese community in the Washington area was probably no more than about 3,000 people. But...

Read more
May 7, 2018

Oral History: Interview with Nguyen Ngoc Bich

Vietnamese Community Leader In recognition of Asian and Pacific Island American Heritage Month, for May we are sharing community leader...

Read more
April 26, 2018

Ellen Bozman – A Civic Leader Dedicated to the Community She Loved

On Saturday, April 28, the Arlington County Board will dedicate the County Office Building for six time Board Chair Ellen...

Read more
April 22, 2018

Oral History: Interview with Ruth “Cas” Cocklin

Ruth Cocklin explain how Arlington’s Environment Improvement Commission helped make us the recycling and composting community we are today.

Read more
April 12, 2018

Womens Work: Meet Dr. Knipling, Founder of the Outdoor Lab

In the 1960s, Dr. Knipling encountered a major challenge to developing the district’s science curriculum: her students’ lack of hands-on...

Read more
March 19, 2018

Women’s Work

Today, with a bit of tongue in cheek and in honor of Women’s History month, Arlington Public Library launches a...

Read more
February 28, 2018

Oral History: Interview with Elizabeth Campbell

Creating “Time for Science,” Hosting Eleanor Roosevelt Reading through the oral history interview with Elizabeth Campbell, it’s hard to find...

Read more
February 27, 2018

Oral History: Interview with Firefighter Julian Syphax

Hall’s Hill Volunteer Fire Department 1931, collection of the Arlington Historical Society 23 Years at Station 8, Hall’s Hill Julian...

Read more
January 31, 2018

From Freedman’s Village to Queen City

On property that today houses the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, a little-known, thriving, African-American community called Freedman’s Village once...

Read more
January 24, 2018

The Cookie Chronicles: Life Skills 101

Were you a Girl Scout? Do you have a cookie-selling story to share?

Read more
January 11, 2018

The Story of Arlington Public School Desegregation

Each January, the world remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Best known for his efforts to eradicate racism and segregation, and...

Read more
December 22, 2017

Libraries Now and Forever

On behalf of all the Library staff, thank you for being part of a great public library system and best...

Read more
December 15, 2017

Oral History: Interview with Local Business Owner Robert Tramonte of the Italian Store

A Cornerstone of the Growing Lyon Village Community Arlington has no shortage of local businesses offering high quality food, goods,...

Read more
December 14, 2017

Put an “i” in Civic

Looking for something fun and meaningful to do this holiday season, either on your own, with your family or with...

Read more
December 4, 2017

Don’t Touch That Dial 2017

Thanksgiving has come and gone which means it’s time to dust off the annual “Don’t Touch That Dial” holiday mix.

Read more
October 27, 2017

Exploring World War 1: Faces of War

An exhibit featuring the stories of Arlington’s WWI veterans will be on display in the Central Library lobby this November.

Read more
October 26, 2017

Oral History: Interview with Native American Navy Pilot Thomas Oxendine

Native American Experience in the U.S. Military Thomas Oxendine, from Pembroke, North Carolina, became the first Native American Navy Pilot...

Read more
October 24, 2017

Code Girls and Arlington Hall: A Diverse History

From Girls School to Cryptanalysis Hub Author Liza Mundy, who did research for her book “Code Girls” in our Center...

Read more
October 13, 2017

Hispanic Heritage Month: An Interview with Vanessa Cárdenas

While Latino and Hispanic people have been a part of this region’s history since long before 1950, the population boom of...

Read more
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next »

Footer

About Us

  • Mission & Vision
  • Charlie Clark Center for Local History
  • News Room
  • Get Email Updates

Administration

  • Policies
  • Library Staff
  • Job Opportunities
  • Propose a Program or Partnership

Support Your Library

  • Friends of the Library
  • Giving Opportunities
  • Donating Materials
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Our Mission

We champion the power of stories, information and ideas.

We create space for culture and connection.

We embrace inclusion and diverse points of view.
























Download the Library App

Download the Library App

Arlington County | Terms & Conditions | Accessibility | Site Map
· Copyright © 2025 Arlington County Government ·