BOOKS ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING

BOOKS ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING

WHO WE ARE

The Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) is a volunteer organization established to support our public library system in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to enable a strong, vibrant, engaged community using our libraries as a place to read, learn, work, create, congregate, and share ideas.

Arlington’s public library system is an incredible resource for increasing literacy and strengthening our community, and we strive to enhance its capabilities. To do so, we fund and support special events and programs at all branches, promote literacy through reading programs, and host storytimes and author events.

WHAT WE DO

The Friends of the Arlington Public Library help provide events and activities for our community throughout the year at all of our library locations and beyond.

NEW! Check out these career counseling and emotional support references created by our amazing reference librarians.

Stay tuned for future events!

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It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed.”

- Paula Poundstone