Courthouse Library, formerly known as Plaza Library, is a reimagined full-service branch that opens to the public starting Mon., Mar. 13.
The new Courthouse Library features contemporary furnishings, evening and Saturday hours, a new children’s book collection, and space for library programming such as storytimes and author talks.
A play space called “Arlingtown” is always open for early readers and their caregivers to enjoy, incorporating early literacy and developmental games and toys in a colorful, child-friendly environment.
Courthouse Library features the “Grab & Go” express book collection and Arlington Public Library’s “Library of Things,” including DIY tool kits and handy gadgets, such as a picture frame hanging kit, a solar lantern, and binoculars. Also available are circulating American Girl dolls, board games and early literacy kits.
In partnership with Arlington Arts, the prints of Arlington artist Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. are featured on the library walls.
Starting Mar. 13, library patrons can place holds and use the location's book drop.
A community celebration of the new library and renovated Bozman Government Building (2100 Clarendon Blvd.) will be held on Apr. 12.
The new hours of operation are:
Monday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday: noon – 8 p.m.
Wednesday - Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Courthouse Library is located at:
2100 Clarendon Blvd
First floor lobby
Arlington, Virginia 22201
703-228-3352
Arlington Reads Launches New Author Series, 'Get Graphic'
Arlington Public Library’s long-running signature author talk program Arlington Reads turns the page to the next chapter with "Get Graphic."
The year-long series features a diverse lineup of five award-winning and New York Times bestselling graphic novel authors: Alison Bechdel (Mar. 9), Jerry Craft (Apr. 27), Gene Luen Yang (May 4), Art Spiegelman (Sep. 21) and Liana Finck (Oct. 19).
"The program brings together people to talk about books and the important topics of our time," said Library Director Diane Kresh.
These authors focus on a character’s experiences intersected with social commentary, history, identity and self-discovery, using the graphic novel format to challenge our societal norms and invite us to discover uncomfortable truths and new ways of seeing.
Spring Lineup
Alison Bechdel – Thursday, March 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Library Director Diane Kresh will lead a conversation with Alison Bechdel, author of "Fun Home." Bechdel will share insights about her long career as an American cartoonist.
In Bechdel’s autobiography, the author and cartoonist combines two genres — comics and memoir — to illustrate a lush and intimate story about a daughter trying to understand her father through the common and unspoken bond of their homosexuality.
Arlington Reads attendees (virtual and in-person) will have the chance to win a free pair of tickets, courtesy of Studio Theatre, to attend a live performance of the musical adaptation of Fun Home later this year.
Jerry Craft – Thursday, April 27, 6-8 p.m.
Library Division Chief Peter Petruski will interview Jerry Craft and discuss his graphic novel “New Kid” which tells the story of a young black child who tries to fit in at a new private school that is lacking in diversity. Craft’s heartbreakingly accurate middle-grade tale is a coming-of-age story layered with race, class and the quest for self-identity.
Gene Luen Yang – Thursday, May 4, 6-8 p.m.
Librarian Jennifer Santure will interview Gene Luen Yang. Yang takes on prejudices toward Asian Americans in his action-packed, modern fable “American Born Chinese,” which tells the story of Jin Wang who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he is the only Chinese-American student at his new school. “American Born Chinese" was adapted into a Disney+ show, scheduled for release this year.
Fall Lineup
"Get Graphic" continues in September as it invites audiences to better understand the horrors of the Holocaust, survival and to re-imagine the world from a women’s perspective.
Art Spiegelman – Thursday, Sep. 21, 2023
In “Maus,” world-renowned illustrator and graphic novelist Art Spiegelman interviews his father about his chilling experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor drawing Jews as wide-eyed mice and Nazis as menacing cats. Spiegelman blends the stories of the author's trying relationship with his aging father and a horrifying tale of Auschwitz, as seen through his father's eyes. An astonishing account of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies and a story of survival and the legacy of trauma.
Liana Finck – Thursday, Oct. 19
Liana Finck’s graphic novel "Let There Be Light" is both a work of biblical interpretation in comic book format and reimagines the world from a woman’s perspective. Finck retells the Book of Genesis starring a woman as God and proves that old stories can live forever, whether as ancient scripture or as a series of profound and enchanting cartoons looking for humanity.
For all programs, graphic novels will be available for purchase during the event, courtesy of One More Page Books. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. The free events will be livestreamed and available as a recording for 30 days on Arlington County's YouTube channel; RSVP to receive the online link.
Since its inception in 2006, Arlington Reads has featured both national and international fiction and nonfiction authors and cultural icons, such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Wendell Berry, Katherine Boo, Matthew Desmond, Anthony Doerr, Richard Ford, Roxane Gay, Colum McCann, Tim O’Brien, Ann Patchett, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Elizabeth Strout, Zadie Smith and Colson Whitehead.
Arlington Reads is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
First Woman to Win Both the John Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award
On January 30, the American Library Association (ALA) awarded Arlington-based author Amina Luqman-Dawson the John Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award for her novel “Freewater.”
The Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of “the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.” The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizes an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.
ALA announced the top books, digital media, videos, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at ALA’s 2023 LibLearnX conference in New Orleans.
“We are beyond happy for Amina Luqman-Dawson and her extraordinary achievement,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. “Freewater" is an important story and deserves to be read by every middle school student.”
Set in the Great Dismal Swamp, “Freewater” is a middle-grade novel about a secret community of formerly enslaved people. “Freewater” is published by JIMMY Patterson/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Luqman-Dawson is the first woman to win both the John Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award.
Several female authors have received the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award in the same year including Renee Watson for “Piecing Me Together” (2018), Jacqueline Woodson for “Brown Girl Dreaming” (2015), Rita Williams-Garcia for “P.S. Be Eleven” (2014) and “One Crazy Summer” (2011). The Honor books are those that were not the first place of the year but deserve honorable mention.
Angela Johnson won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Printz for “The First Part Last” (2004).
“On the eve of Black History Month, congratulations to our talented Arlington author. Thank you for sharing your voice,” said Kresh.
Local author Amina Luqman-Dawson and Library Director Diane Kresh during a Juneteenth program hosted by Arlington Public Library on June 22, 2022.
Media Contacts
Anneliesa Alprin
Communications Manager
aalprin@arlingtonva.us
703-228-6329 (o)
Henrik Sundqvist
Communications Officer
nsundqvist@arlingtonva.us
703-228-0590 (o) / 571-970-8608 (c)
Annual Reports
Awards
2021
Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation
2017
Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments – Climate and Energy Leadership Award
Virginia Association of Counties Achievement Award
2015
Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business Award
2012
Sustainable Libraries Award
2011
Outstanding Public Program Award
Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation Award
Arlington Reads brings authors and readers together to talk about the important topics of our time.
News Archive
Arlington Public Library Eliminates Overdue Fines
Minimizing barriers to using the library.
Read MoreCentral Library Now Open for Holds Pickup
Monday through Thursday – 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Friday through Sunday -12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Read MoreExhibition Pays Tribute to Women in Arlington
March 5 through April 2 at Central Library.
Read MoreGrab & Go Express Book Collection
If it’s on the shelf, you can check it out!
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