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    Arlington Public Library - Arlington

    4.2 (101 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Ritvik N.

    Grand library, very spacious and love the well planned-out interior design. For reference, it has two floors at the least, and a wide stairway connecting them. One huge minus, is the *parking* -- which is actually how you know you're in Arlington. There's an attached lot but it has very limited spots. I came by on a weekend afternoon and all spaces were taken. I found parking rather hastily on the other side of the road, but it's in reserved parking zones next to an apartment or hotel complex, and there are signs indicating you are in risk of getting towed. While I decided to chance it as I was only here less than a half hour, I wouldn't hang my hat on trying that again; and I wouldn't recommend risking it in hindsight. Anyways, I jogged and crossed the road and beheld the grant entrance to the library. I forgot to snap photos of the entranceway, and the first and second floors, but trust you me when I say it's a sight to behold. Nothing too grand, but you've just gotta see for yourself. The second floor has a quiet study room where I sat at a table with the large dictionary pictured below. I also walked around and saw a ton of bookshelves everywhere. My head nearly spun trying to take it all in. I asked a person at help desk on 2nd floor on how to apply for a library card at the Arlington county. I got directed to first floor, but sadly even second time I missed the mark. Note to self, the desk next to children's corner on first floor is not too helpful. Try the other help desk near the back instead. A kind librarian helped set me up with a new card. The process was quick and relatively painless; I just had to furnish my DL and answer a question or two really. Overall, neat library with plentiful space. I like that you can walk around for a while and feel like you only scratch the surface of what this place has to offer. With any luck, will be back at least once again.

    one of the many tables overlooking the tennis courts outside. there are bookshelves lined up to my left.
    Zoey Z.

    well maintained library. decent parking lot size relative to the area. super close to ballston metro. the best part of the library is the ample amount of desks there are for studying. first floor is designated for children and checking out books, and the second floor has tons and tons of shelves with seating in every corner. a large amount of people attending this library are using the quiet library space to study so it's nice that the county utilizes the library to create a broadly studying atmosphere.

    So many books here!
    David C.

    I come here quite often and find it an awesome place to get some work done. The walls of the upper level are lined with tables and electrical outlets for you to bring your laptop and plug in. There's free wi-fi, but it can be pretty iffy so I wouldn't recommend streaming anything intensive. It's just good enough to make a cloud connection usable to access documents (for my purposes). It's a public library so you'll get all sorts of characters in here, but I've never had any issues. Sound from nearby conversations carry fairly easily since the floors are pretty open. Make sure you bring headphones if you get distracted by outside noise like me. Never checked a book out here but they seem to have a wide selection!

    Who needs to buy happiness when you can borrow a friend?

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    6 months ago

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    Nice, clean public library. Easy to use cards and self check out. Multiple locations in the area and every location has been pleasant.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Arlington Public Library - Arlington

    How strictly enforced is the two hour parking here?

    It's mostly just so people don't park there overnight. It's not enforced as long as it's during library hours.

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    Review Highlights - Arlington Public Library - Arlington

    I've heard great reviews about Central Library, and I think it lives up to its reputation.

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    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch

    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch

    4.6(7 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    The smallest branch in the Arlington system, but it's still good. If Central Library's like a…read moregiant tour bus filled with nerdy gloriousness, then Glencarlyn's more of a clown car. Tiny but packed with some great finds. If you have children/teens or just have a nostalgic fondness for hardcover Nancy Drews and Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown's solve it yourself mysteries, every single Princess Diaries ever penned, or Dr. Seuss's, this branch is definitely worth a browse. The adult fiction section is limited, but they have an excellent and well stocked children's books section and a not too shabby YA section, too. There's even some carpeted steps by the windows for sitting and reading with your kids, siblings, and baby sittees. An added bonus is that the back garden is maintained by the Master Gardeners of northern VA. At this time of year it's a lovely place to walk around and admire the various plants and flowers or to sit on a bench with a good book.

    This is my favorite branch of the Arlington County Library. It's so quaint. It just sits on its…read morelittle side street in the sleepy neighborhood of Glencarlyn, surprising unsuspecting new patrons who enter it to find a book they ordered, expecting a branch library in one of the richest counties in the country and not a one room schoolhouse with books (a good thing...five stars!). Even the walk from my house is fun, along the trails in Glencarlyn Park and the Long Branch Nature Center. The selection is small, because the branch is small, but the last time I went in I left with two books just from browsing. That's the sign of a good library.

    Photos
    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch
    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch
    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch

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    Arlington County Library - Aurora Hills Branch

    Arlington County Library - Aurora Hills Branch

    4.2(20 reviews)
    3.2 miPentagon City

    A lovely little local library branch! Conveniently located in Virginia Highlands Park, there is a…read morefree parking lot right outside. Also, this library is right by a fenced in playground and a sprayground that is super fun in the summer. A one stop shop! There is a kids section here with some toys for the kids to play and plenty of books. Also, they have crayons and paper available and several kid size tables and even a tiny couch- very cute. There is one designated kids computer as well with headphones! Ms. Karen does the children's programming and hosts a great story time on Thursday mornings from 10:30-11. If you have a little one you should check it out! Stories and songs for kids. Best for the preschool and under crowd. The librarians here are all kind and very helpful. Stop by the front desk for a stamp on your kid's hand! Don't forget about summer reading too. There is a bathroom located in the lobby as well as a vending machine. Highly recommend you check out the Aurora Hills Library if you are in town!

    This library closed in March 2020 and never reopened. As of January 2021, there's still been no…read morepublic discussion of reopening it in the future, and the county library system hasn't responded to any of the people in the the local community about when or whether it might reopen someday. The only emails we've received from the county library director have been about her favorite Christmas songs and her pet political causes, so she doesn't seem to know or care that people in the community want access to books. The hours for this closed location should be removed because anyone showing up and expecting to use a library will be disappointed. It's just an abandoned building where the county keeps a large container to drop off glass for recycling. (Arlington discontinued curbside recycling pickup of glass in April 2019, so the abandoned library is being used as one of the dropoff sites. Recyclable glass of any color can be dropped off 24/7 in the dumpster-sized bin.)

    Photos
    Arlington County Library - Aurora Hills Branch - I enjoy placing a few puzzle pieces each visit and look forward to the new puzzle when they switch, it is at the entrance to the library .

    I enjoy placing a few puzzle pieces each visit and look forward to the new puzzle when they switch, it is at the entrance to the library .

    Arlington County Library - Aurora Hills Branch - Arlington County now uses the abandoned library site as a dropoff spot for glass recycling. Glass can be dropped off 24/7.

    Arlington County now uses the abandoned library site as a dropoff spot for glass recycling. Glass can be dropped off 24/7.

    Arlington County Library - Aurora Hills Branch - Photo courtesy of http://aurorahillslibrary.blogspot.com/

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    Photo courtesy of http://aurorahillslibrary.blogspot.com/

    Arlington Public LIbrary - Browsing collection at Courthouse Library.

    Arlington Public LIbrary

    3.2(6 reviews)
    1.2 miCourt House

    Cute little library, great for kids! I think this is one of the smallest libraries I have ever been…read moretoo, but my kids had a great time during their STEAM class. They have a variety of toys to play with for different ages and interests. The children area is nicely decorated and welcoming. They had a nice selection of kid books but my kids were definitely more interested in the variety of toys. Lots of board games, toys and even American girl dolls to check out. Street parking or parking garage nearby.

    To Whom It May Concern,…read more Two days ago, I witnessed a deeply troubling interaction at your library. A woman who runs a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children was speaking with a male librarian about the rise of child trafficking in the area. She shared that her own child had been a victim and was offering valuable insight into red flags and warning signs that staff should be aware of. Instead of listening or showing concern, the librarian quickly dismissed her, stating that "the library is not the place to discuss these things." I was stunned. This kind of response is not only dismissive it's dangerous. Libraries are public spaces where vulnerable children often seek refuge. Ignoring discussions about child safety enables predators to operate unchecked and contributes to a culture of silence that allows government and institutional abuse to go unchallenged. Silencing those who speak up is exactly how this system continues to harm children. Your staff need better training. Here's what libraries can and must do: Ensure all staff are trained under mandatory reporter laws. Actively monitor high-risk areas and public internet use to prevent exploitation. Partner with local child protection nonprofits and law enforcement to build awareness and intervention protocols. Please take this seriously. Lives depend on it.

    Arlington County Library - Columbia Pike Branch

    Arlington County Library - Columbia Pike Branch

    3.8(13 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    There's nothing really that stands out about this location, and, honestly, I'd never have visited…read moresave for the event Noon Year's Eve was at this location. My son is 13 months and is not staying up until midnight (at least I hope not) so I was looking for some kind of "celebration " earlier in the day. It was a cute event for the kiddos and free. The library opened early for the event and you could stay after too. The children's section was tiny. There were some cute toys, puzzles, and a puppet station but everything seemed really old. Books included. I didn't get a chance to check out the adults section but I have a library within walking distance and since you can request books to be delivered to the branch of your choosing, I don't anticipate returning here anytime soon.

    I agree with Lia this library is pretty depressing looking but I will give them three stars for the…read morefollowing reasons: #1) Their huge selection of DC/Marvel comics and manga - Avengers, X-Men, Teen Titans, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach...they have it all. Not like I read them but my boyfriend is a huge fan boy so this particular library branch is his go to stop for free entertainment. #2) Their neighborhood coupon trade bucket - One of my favorite past times is to clip coupons with great expectations of huge savings and then forgetting about them. At this particular library, they have a little plastic bucket where you can discard coupons that you don't use and trade them with your neighbors. I love dropping my Fancy Feast clippings in here and exchanging them for one of those coveted $4 razor blade coupons. I will admit that this review does not paint me and my boyfriend in the most positive light (unless you are 80 years old or a pimpled comic book guy) but this is our life and our library and we think is is a - ok.

    Photos
    Arlington County Library - Columbia Pike Branch - Creepy mural on library wall

    Creepy mural on library wall

    Arlington County Library - Columbia Pike Branch - Dvds audio books

    Dvds audio books

    Arlington County Library - Columbia Pike Branch - Childrens area.

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    Childrens area.

    Library of Congress - Well attended Thursday happy hour

    Library of Congress

    4.7(607 reviews)
    5.5 miCapitol Hill

    Library of Congress -- A Living Monument to History…read more Few buildings in Washington, D.C. carry the weight of history as effortlessly as the Library of Congress. It is not merely a repository of books, but a living archive of the American story--one that reveals itself the moment you step inside. For visitors to the nation's capital, this is not optional--it is essential. The current exhibition, The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution, is particularly compelling. Through the intertwined narratives of George Washington and King George III, the exhibit captures a world on the brink--an undeclared nation edging toward war, a fragile cause facing overwhelming odds, and ultimately, the improbable path to independence. What makes this exhibition stand out is not just its historical scope, but its perspective. It does not present history as a foregone conclusion, but as a series of uncertain, high-stakes decisions made in real time. That tension--between inevitability and risk--is where the story comes alive. Accessible, visually engaging, and intellectually rewarding, this is an experience that resonates across generations. If you find yourself in Washington, make the time. Some places inform you. This one reminds you why the story matters.

    I have only visited the Library of Congress at a personal level a couple of times. Other visits…read morewere due to events/meetings there. If you are visiting D.C., I cannot stress the importance of a stop here. To this day, it remains the largest library in the world. Pretty impressive. It's also the oldest federal cultural institution. Periodicals, books, etc. available in over 470 languages. More than 178 million pieces of articles from manuscripts, recordings, photos, printed materials, to books and so on. Library acts as a source of research for Members of Congress and handles copyright laws. This building and all its components are an important part of our nation's history.

    Photos
    Library of Congress - 3/21/2019

    3/21/2019

    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Library of Congress - Library of Congress

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    Library of Congress

    Arlington Public Library - Arlington - libraries - Updated May 2026

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