What is Express Library Service?
The Library has reopened the Shirlington and Westover Branches for 30 minute Express Library Service.
- 30 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
- Masks and social distancing will be required
Hours
- Tuesday to Thursday: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Before You Visit
- Review the FAQs and safety protocols on this page.
- Pay fines of $15 or over on your Library account, as fine payment is not available at self-check.
- For low-contact self-check, download the Arlington Public Library App and scan your digital library card at checkout.
- Update your username for easier holds pickup.
- Review your library account contact information, including your notification preferences.
- If you haven't used your library card since before June 2020, update your PIN to a new password.
- If you signed up for a card online and this will be your first visit to the library, bring ID and proof of address with you so staff can verify your account. You will not be able to use self-check until your account has been verified.
- Check the online catalog for availability and location/call number of items you are interested in.
Holds
Starting on Friday, March 5, when you place items on hold you will see the option to choose Shirlington or Westover as your holds pickup location. You will also be able to change the pickup location of items currently on hold.
Holds at Express Libraries are self-service, shelved by username.
Usernames
Holds are shelved by username. Your username can be used to log into your account in place of your library card number. If you have never selected a username, the default username on your account is your name: FirstMiddle.Last or First.Last.
Reasons to update your username:
- Patrons who have a common first name may wish to set a unique username to make self-service holds pickup easier.
- Patrons who prefer to keep their names private may set a username.
- Family members may choose similar usernames so their holds will be shelved close together.
Please note: Changes to usernames will not affect items currently ready for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs will be updated as needed.
Services
- Books
- DVDs
- Audiobooks
Unavailable collections:
- American Girl Dolls
- Board books
- Energy Lending Library
- Games
- Garden tools
- Family Reading Kits
- Magazines
- Nature Backpacks
- Storytime Kits
No.
Single stall bathrooms are available at both locations.
Please note: Westover's single stall bathroom does not have a changing table.
No.
If you have fines that will prevent you from using the library, pay them online in your Library account or by mail. Learn more.
Not at this time.
No.
Yes.
- Public computers and scanners
- Copy machines
- Meeting rooms
- In-person reference or reader's advisory help
- Friends of the Library Book Sale
- In-person help with the eCollection
Prepare for Your First Visit
You can reset your password in the Library catalog.
If you do not get a password reset email within 5 minutes, please contact us during open hours.
If you have never selected a username, the default username is your name: FirstMiddle.Last or First.Last.
To update your username, log into your Library Account with your library card number and password. Your username is under Account Settings > My Preferences.
Usernames must be between 6 and 25 characters (letters and number only, no special characters).
Holds are shelved by username. If you have never selected a username, the default username on your account is your name: FirstMiddle.Last or First.Last.
Your username can also be used to log into your account in place of your library card number.
Reasons to change your username:
- Patrons who have a common first name may wish to set a unique username to make self-service holds pickup easier.
- Patrons who prefer to keep their names private may set a username.
- Family members may choose similar usernames so their holds will be shelved close together.
Please note: Changes to your username will not affect holds currently ready for pickup at the time of username update. We suggest checking for holds under your old and new username the first time you visit the library after changing your username.
To change your username:
- Log into your Library Account with your library card number and password.
- Your username is under Account Settings > My Preferences.
Usernames must be between 6 and 25 characters (letters and number only, no special characters).
Holds
When placing new holds, you will be able to choose Shirlington or Westover as your pickup location.
You can also change the pickup location of items currently on hold in your library account to Shirlington or Westover.
Holds are self-service, shelved by username. If you have not yet selected a username, your default username is your name: FirstMiddle.Last
Patrons are encouraged to set or update their username in their library account ahead of their visit, for easy holds pickup up and check out.
Once you have picked up your holds, bring them to the self-check stations to check them out.
Returns
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.
During open hours, you can return items in the outside book drop, or bring them to the inside book drop. After hours you can return items to the outside book drop. Any material format can be returned in the book drop, including DVDs, wireless hotspots, etc.
All returned items will be quarantined before being checked in.
Visiting the Library
As of April 13, you can browse and check out books and media for 30 minutes.
This time limit may be re-evaluated in the future.
Yes.
No.
Checkout will be done primarily at the self-check stations. Library staff will be available to assist you if needed.
The line to enter will begin directly inside the building, so a longer line will result in outdoor exposure.
Each library has a 25-person limit for guest occupancy.
Children under age 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
See Safe Child Policy. Note: Express Library Service time limit over-rides any time limits set in Safe Child Policy.
Safety
Read the County Visitor Face Covering Policy from the Arlington County Government Website.
Other Questions
Not at this time.
If you have a question that requires a response, need help accessing your Library account or placing holds, please contact us by phone, online chat or text.
