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.

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

Library materials will be set aside for at least 24 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 24 hours after you receive them.

• 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.

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.