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COVID-19 Related Library Service News and Updates More Info

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COVID-19 Related Library Services

Hand in an orange glove passes books under plexiglass barrier.

Central Library is open for holds pickup only.
Learn more.

Westover return bins.

Shirlington and Westover are open for Express Library Service.
Learn more.

Arlington Reads 2021

Online events and socially-distanced programs for all ages.
Learn more.

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Need help? Read our FAQs or contact us.
Learn more.

News and Alerts

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Library Operations Updates
Library Catalog Updates
Holidays and Closings

Man listening to an audiobook on tablet

Over 3000 Magazines Now on OverDrive/Libby

March 2, 2021

Thousands of titles including the Economist, US Weekly, and the New Yorker.

Read More

Central Library Holds Pickup Closed Thursday, Feb.18 Due to Winter Weather; Online Activities, Phone and Chat Continue as Scheduled

February 17, 2021

Online Library events including Arlington Reads with Author Jenny Offill will take place as scheduled.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Library Service During Covid

What services are currently available in-person at the Library?

At Central Library Holds Pickup:

  • Holds pickup in the Auditorium.
  • Basic account services - Sign up for a library card, verify new library cards, and update mailing addresses.

At Shirlington and Westover Express Library Service locations:

  • 15-minute, in-person browsing of Library books and media
  • Holds pickup
  • Check out using the self-service stations
  • Physically-distanced assistance for account management and wayfinding
  • Basic account services - verify new library cards and update mailing addresses.

Returns can be made in the book drops at all Library locations except for the Columbia Pike Branch, which is under construction.

What Safety Measures are in Place at the Library?
  • All patrons and staff must maintain six-foot social distancing requirements.
  • All patrons and staff must wear masks. For more information, please see the County Visitor Face Covering Policy from the Arlington County Government Website.
  • Hand sanitizer is available for patrons entering and leaving the Library.
  • Service points have sneeze-guard partitions.
  • Frequent cleaning and deep cleaning of staff and public spaces.
What is the Disinfectant Process for Library Materials?

Library materials will be set aside for 72 hours before being processed. Library staff will practice appropriate safety procedures as laid out by County health officials and may adjust procedures based on the latest research and guidance.

You may choose to set aside library materials for 72 hours after you receive them.

What can I do at Central Library besides pick up my holds?

Basic account services such as applying for and renewing library cards can be handled at the auditorium service points. The process is the same as for holds pickup.

Are bathrooms available at the Library?

Public bathrooms are currently closed inside Central Library. Public restrooms are available on the outside of Central Library, facing the Quincy Park baseball field.

What is Express Library Service?

Effective March 9, 2021, Arlington Public Library is reopening two library branches, Shirlington and Westover, for a 15-minute Express Library Service.

  • 15 minute, in person browsing of Library books and media at Shirlington and Westover Branch Libraries
  • Holds pickup
  • Check out using the self-service stations
  • Physically-distanced assistance for account management and wayfinding

Learn more on our Express Library Services page.

Returns

Why are returned items still on my account?

For safety reasons, we quarantine returned material for at least 24 hours. 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.

Where can I return my books?

Return all items in the exterior book drops at any Library location - except Columbia Pike, which is closed for renovation. Any material format can be returned in the book drop, including DVDs, games, dolls, etc.

Returns will not be accepted in the Auditorium at Central Library.

Holds

I have a question about the new holds pickup process.

Please read the FAQ page about Holds Pickup.

What Does "In-Transit" Mean?

Items are “in-transit” when they have been scanned for transportation from one library location to another. Because of COVID-19 work processes, books are spending more time in-transit than normal.

How long will it take for my holds to come in?

Because of COVID-19 work processes, it takes extra time for your requested items to reach the hold shelves. We are unable to do shelf-checks at this time. In addition, all returned Library materials must be quarantined for 72 hours.

Why did my place in the holds queue change dramatically?

After thawing your holds, your place in line for each item will fluctuate as other patrons with holds on the same titles thaw or freeze their holds.

How many holds can I have on my account?

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.

Where do I go to pickup my holds?

Central library holds pickup is in the Auditorium on the 1st floor - enter from the 10th street parking lot.

I have a condition that prevents me from standing in line. How can I get my holds?

Accessibility pickup is available for patrons with a physical accessibility issue that prevents them from using our normal holds-only service model.

If you are in need of accessibility accommodation, you can schedule your holds pickup by calling the Library at 703-228-5990.

Where can I park at Central Library?

Please park in the surface parking lots. The parking garage is currently closed to the public.

What is the process for holds pickup at Central Library?

Access to the auditorium will be metered, with patrons lining up at six-foot intervals outside Library entrance closest to the tennis courts / surface parking lot.

Once inside the auditorium, up to four service stations will be available. Library staff will retrieve your holds, check them out to you, and pass them to you with no/limited contact.

Patrons will then exit across the Auditorium, through the doors onto the garden porch and walk down the pathway to the parking lot.

Library bathrooms are closed. Public restrooms are available on the outside of Central Library, facing the Quincy Park baseball field.

Can I bring my family when I pick up my holds?

When possible, please send one household member to retrieve holds. Bring the associated library card for any holds you are picking up.

You may also use the library app to manage all the accounts from one household, and to access digital library cards for each account.

How long will my holds be available for pickup once I am notified?

Your items will remain on the shelf for 5 days.

How can I pick up my holds at an Express Library Service location?

For holds placed on March 5 or later, you will be able to choose Shirlington or Westover as your pickup location.

If you would like to pick up your items currently on hold at Shirlington or Westover, you can freeze them now in your library account and thaw them after March 5, when those location are available.

Other

How do I pay my fines?

At this time, fines cannot be paid in person paid at the Library.

Make payments using a credit card - Log into your Library account and go to Fines and Messages.

Mail payment by check or money order - Make payable to Treasurer of Arlington County and include library card number. 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.

Is the Library accepting book donations?

We regret that we cannot accept donations at any Library location at this time.

The Friends of the Arlington Public Library loves our supportive library community and greatly appreciate your desire to give us your gently used books, puzzles, games, CDs and DVDs.

Unfortunately, they cannot accept your donations at this time as:

  • We do not have the space to store donations.
  • The Friends and the Library do not have staff or volunteers to sort them.
  • We cannot add staff or volunteers due to space/social distancing concerns.
  • We do not know when the next book sale will be held and have no other mechanism for selling donations.

Until the Friends are able to accept donations again, all items left at the Library will be recycled. Please wait to make book donations until we are able to process them again.

If you want to support the Library and the Friends, please visit the Friends of the Arlington Public Library website to learn about other ways to help.

 

I’d like to volunteer at the Library. How can I apply?

The Library is unable to accommodate volunteers during this phase of reopening. We will welcome our volunteers back as soon as we can safely do so.

What is the County's face covering policy?

Read the County Visitor Face Covering Policy from the Arlington County Government Website.

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