On April 26, 2022, the Arlington County Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and allocated $543,000 in one-time funding to the Arlington Public Library’s collections starting
July 1, 2022.
The budget increase will support the Library‘s aim to reduce wait times across the collections, re-engage the community after a two-year pandemic through creative programming, and invite more readers to explore the Library’s titles and participate in its various services.
"The additional funds will allow us to get more books into more hands, more quickly," said Library Director Diane Kresh. "A well-stocked, diverse collection benefits the entire community."
With the budget increase, the Library will add 12,000 titles to its circulation and drastically reduce wait times for popular eBooks and eAudiobooks. "Our top priority is to ensure patrons have access to books and information in multiple formats," said Kresh. "Patrons should be able to read and access information, when and how they want it.”
The demand for electronic titles is at an all-time high with an increase for eAudio titles by 210% and for eBooks by 98.5% respectively.
In addition to reducing wait times for electronic titles, the Library plans to expand three existing popular collection services:
- Provide additional print and eBook titles for the "Grab & Go" express book collection.
- Increase the "Always Available" eBook and eAudiobook collection.
- Expand the volume of Spanish language books.
Explore the Library’s collections and discover all its booklists.
Download the Arlington Public Library App, get 24x7 access to the Library’s collections and discover upcoming programs, such as Summer Reading launching June 1.
To find more information about the adopted $1.50 billion balanced Arlington County General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2023, visit https://www.arlingtonva.us.
During the month of January, 2022, two new free outdoor Wi-Fi hot spots were installed at the Cherrydale and Glencarlyn Libraries.
Library patrons and Arlington residents now have 24x7 access to the free Arlington County Wi-Fi network “ArlingtonWireless” at all library branches, both outdoor and indoor, and at various locations around the County. No ID or password is required for the free service.
In 2021, an average of 5,000 Library patrons logged in each month to the outdoor ArlingtonWireless network at five Library locations (Aurora Hills, Central, Columbia Pike, Shirlington and Westover branches).
“With the addition of Cherrydale and Glencarlyn, we are thrilled that we can offer free 24x7 outdoor and indoor Wi-Fi access system-wide. It's a great community service," said Library Director Diane Kresh. "Free access to technology and information is at the core of a Library."
Find more information about the Library's free Wi-Fi network and how to access it by clicking the link below.
This information technology infrastructure project is part of Arlington County’s Department of Technology Services digital equity enterprise initiative. ArlingtonWireless provides no-cost internet access in places where the community gathers and makes high-speed broadband internet accessible to all residents and library patrons.
To find additional Wi-Fi locations in the County, visit the interactive digital resource map.
Free COVID-19 Tests Available at the Library
In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), all Arlington Public Library locations will distribute free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits beginning Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.
Update December 10, 12:10 p.m.: All library locations are out of stock. Please check back next week for updates on availability.
The test kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be picked up from the service desk at each Library location. Neither proof of County residency nor a library card is required, and the kits are free of charge. Visitors are welcome to pick up test kits for both themselves and household members.
Masks are required in all Library buildings - including when picking up a test. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should have someone pick up the test on their behalf.
While the supply of test kits is currently limited, it will be replenished regularly. Please visit the Library to check availability.
About the Test
The virtually-guided Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test is designed to be used in the privacy of an individual’s home, with digital test results available in 15 minutes. Rapid antigen tests expire, and are meant to be used immediately, not saved for a “just in case” scenario.
The at-home test kit uses the eMed digital platform to facilitate and verify the test with the Virginia Department of Health. To take the COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test, individuals will need an internet connection, an internet-enabled device with a webcam or front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker for the testing session, and a valid photo ID to show the eMed virtual guide. Once the test has been completed, the user will receive a test result within 15 minutes, and eMed will report the results to VDH.
Tests should not be taken inside the Library. However, many Library locations do provide a strong Wi-Fi signal in parking lots.
Information about who should be tested is available at the Virginia Department of Health’s website.
Individuals who test positive should isolate and follow up with their healthcare provider or Arlington County Public Health Division.
Learn more about this program from the Virginia Department of Health:
- Call VDH at 1-877-829-4682
- Visit the Supporting Testing Access through Community Collaboration website
We value your feedback. Tell us what you think about our Library services. We will read and consider all comments.
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
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