What can you do in your Library account?
Manage Your Checkouts
- View checked out items (physical and OverDrive eCollection)
- Change your auto renewal status for physical items
- Renew physical items if auto renewal is turned off
Manage Your Holds
- Place holds
- Cancel pending or frozen holds
- Freeze holds (use this when you don't want to receive your holds right now)
- Thaw (unfreeze) holds
Account Actions
- Reset your password
- Manage message notification settings
- Change username
- Update phone number and email address
- Manage OverDrive eCollection options for placing OverDrive holds through the library catalog
Account Functions
- View fines
- Create and view your personal lists
- Manage and view your checkout history
- Submit materials purchase requests
- Rate materials and view recommended items based on your ratings
- View your digital library card
Pay Fines and Fees
Mail - payment by check or money order to:
Central Library
Attention: Circulation
1015 N. Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22201
- Please include library card number with payment.
- Make check payable to Treasurer of Arlington County.
Phone - Make payments by phone at 703-228-5260, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Frequently Asked Library Account Questions
Does the Library Have an App?
Our app for iOS and Android phones and tablets features multiple account management, booklists, catalog search, Library information, news and events.
Where do I see my eBook checkouts?
Your OverDrive checkouts appear in your list of checked out items in your Library account, but your RBdigital and Ebsco checkouts appear only within those accounts or apps.
What is my username?
Your username is set by default and will appear on hold slips and can also be used to log into your Library account and some eResources in place of your card number. You can view and change your username from the My Preferences section of your online account. Usernames must be at least 4 characters and may contain numbers, letters, and special characters.
Why does my account have a Password?
A password provides an additional level of security for your private account information.
What if I forgot my Password?
You can reset your Password.
What kind of account notifications do I receive by email?
- Checkout "Date Due" receipt - Sent for each checked out item
- Hold Ready for Pickup - Sent when your hold is ready for pickup
- Auto-Renewal status - Sent to notify you of whether your items have been auto-renewed, and the reason why not if auto-renewal is unsuccessful
- Due Date Reminder "Courtesy Notice" - Sent 3 days prior to item due date
- Overdue Notices - Sent 8 and 15 days after due date. Please disregard Overdue Notices received during 72 hour book return quarantine period.
What kind of account notifications can I receive by SMS (text)?
- Hold Ready for Pickup - Sent when your hold is ready for pickup
- Due Date Reminder "Courtesy Notice" - Sent 3 days prior to item due date
- Overdue Notices - Sent 8 and 15 days after due date. Please disregard Overdue Notices received during 72 hour book return quarantine period.
What if I lose my library card, and don't know my library card number?
You can find you library card number in three places:
-
- Your online account - Log into your account with your username and password
- The Library App - Download the Library App and add your account using your username and password. The App provides a digital library card that can be used to check items out
- Account notification emails - If you do not have a username, search your email for emails from "notices@library-arlingtonva.us." These emails will include your card number.
You can also check items out using a photo ID with proof of local address. Lost cards and changes of address must be reported immediately. A replacement card costs $2.
Does my library card expire?
The Library has automatically extended active library cards since January 2020. Please try logging in to your account. If you still have trouble, please contact us.
Normally, library cards are valid for a two-year period and must be renewed in person at the library. When a library card expires, the account is blocked until it can be renewed. You will be asked to provide photo identification or proof of address to renew your card.
I have moved from the area. How do I delete my account?
Please submit a request to delete your account.
For what other reasons could a card be blocked?
A library account is blocked when it has Lost library materials and/or an account balance of $15.00 or more. Blocked accounts cannot borrow, renew, or place holds on materials or access premium sites from home.
What can I do if I cannot access or have questions about my account?
Contact Library staff by phone, web chat or text.
