Arlington Public Library
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| Arlington Public Library | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Arlington Public Library |
| Location | Arlington County, Virginia |
| Established | 1936 |
| Collection | over 600,000 items |
| Director | American Library Association-certified librarian |
Arlington Public Library. The library system serves the residents of Arlington County, Virginia, providing access to a wide range of materials, including books, DVDs, eBooks, and databases from ProQuest, EBSCO Information Services, and OverDrive, Inc.. With a collection of over 600,000 items, the library is a valuable resource for the community, offering services and programs in partnership with organizations like the Arlington County Public Schools, Arlington Community Foundation, and Friends of the Arlington Public Library. The library's mission is to provide free and equal access to information, reflecting the principles of the Library Bill of Rights and the American Library Association's Code of Ethics, while also supporting the goals of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Arts.
● History
The library's history dates back to 1936, when it was established as a small Depression-era library with a collection of Don Quixote, Pride and Prejudice, and other classic literature from Penguin Books and Oxford University Press. Over the years, the library has grown and evolved, with significant milestones including the opening of the Central Library in 1981, designed by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, and the introduction of online catalog systems from OCLC and Ex Libris Group. The library has also been recognized for its innovative services, including its Library of Things collection, which offers access to musical instruments from Yamaha Corporation and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, sewing machines from Singer Corporation, and other unique items. The library's history is also closely tied to the development of Arlington County, Virginia, with notable events including the Arlington County Fair, the Taste of Arlington, and the Arlington Festival of the Arts.
● Collections and Services
The library's collections include a wide range of materials, including fiction and non-fiction books from Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, and HarperCollins, as well as audiobooks from Audible, eBooks from Amazon Kindle, and streaming media from Kanopy and Hoopla Digital. The library also offers a variety of services, including research assistance from librarians certified by the American Library Association, test preparation resources from Kaplan, Inc. and Princeton Review, and language learning tools from Rosetta Stone and Duolingo. Additionally, the library provides access to databases from ProQuest, EBSCO Information Services, and JSTOR, as well as newspapers and magazines from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time Magazine. The library is also a member of the Washington Research Library Consortium, which provides access to resources from George Washington University, Georgetown University, and other local institutions.
● Branches and Locations
The library system consists of several branches, including the Central Library, Aurora Hills Branch, Cherrydale Branch, Columbia Pike Branch, Glencarlyn Branch, Shirlington Branch, and Westover Branch. Each branch offers a unique set of services and programs, reflecting the needs and interests of the surrounding community. The library also has partnerships with local organizations, such as the Arlington County Public Schools, Arlington Community Foundation, and Friends of the Arlington Public Library, to provide outreach services and programs at locations like the Arlington Career Center, Washington-Liberty High School, and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The library's branches are also conveniently located near other community resources, such as the Arlington County Courthouse, Arlington County Police Department, and Virginia Hospital Center.
● Programs and Events
The library offers a wide range of programs and events for all ages, including author readings with writers like John Grisham, J.K. Rowling, and Toni Morrison, book clubs focused on classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby, and children's storytime sessions featuring picture books from Eric Carle and Maurice Sendak. The library also hosts workshops and classes on topics like job search strategies with LinkedIn and Indeed, computer skills with Microsoft and Google, and health and wellness with American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. Additionally, the library partners with local organizations to offer summer reading programs with Scholastic, literacy programs with Reading Is Fundamental, and cultural events with National Geographic and Smithsonian Institution. The library's programs and events are designed to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement, reflecting the values of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Arts.
● Architecture and Design
The library's buildings are designed to be functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing, with features like green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems from LEED and USGBC. The Central Library building, designed by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, features a unique atrium and skylight design, providing natural light and a sense of openness. The library's other branches, such as the Aurora Hills Branch and Shirlington Branch, are designed to be welcoming and accessible, with features like accessible seating and assistive technology from ADA and Section 508. The library's architecture and design reflect the principles of sustainable design, universal design, and inclusive design, with a focus on creating spaces that are comfortable, functional, and inspiring for all users, including those with disabilities, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act.