Book selection - Very small graphic novel collection, only two rows and missing key series like Outcast. Decent fiction collection but very limited nonfiction. Amenities - None of the outlets for the desks work, and the molding on them prevents most stuff being plugged in anyway. I had to crawl under the table and remove the desk plus and use the floor plugs directly. Setting - Terrible, the staff do nothing to enforce a good library setting conducive to reading and studying. It's always incredibly loud, lots of screaming kids, and just obnoxious people talking full volume, laughing out loud, or big meeting groups humming around. They let homeless people sleep and malinger around all over the place and it STINKS. Cleanliness - Disgusting, the floors and surfaces are always very dirty and the bathrooms are third world. Shit smeared everywhere, USED TP all over the place, broken soap dispensers off the walls never replaced, never any paper towels, etc. I also witnessed a homeless guy doing drugs off the sink. Comfort - Need more comfy seating. Only a few soft seats and none with feet support or reclining. Most of the chairs are very hard and the desks/tables are set too low. Staff - Seems overall to be friendly but very aloof. read more

Arlington Pulblic Library is well organized, quite large with plenty of quiet places to read and study. They have computers that are free to use. Plenty of parking available. Plenty of books, videos, etc available as well. Helpful and friendly staff to assist you. read more

Arlington Public Library - Arlington - Libraries Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Update from my previous glowing review: There is a big room in this library with kid toys to share, which is a nice place to spend a few hours with your baby or toddler. There is also a community pantry here for dry goods, if you want an easy place to make a food donation or are in need of support yourself. The library digital holdings can be accessed via the Libby App, which is very easy to use. I'm a big fan of checking out audiobooks. And new content is added regularly, so keep checking for the latest. read more

Arlington Public Library - Arlington - Squirrel chilling by the many plants surrounding the walkway. - Libraries Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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. read more

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It's always nice and top notch when I go to this location you have your random outburst and everything from Customers here and there but other than that it's always very quite; clean; and the staff is always so attentive and helpful and I can appreciate that a lot. Sometimes sitting by the windows can be super cold but with the temperatures the way they are it's to be expected but other than that I have no complaints at all it's one of my #GoToLocations read more

This is a wonderful library and an asset to the Arlington community! We love attending storytime here with our little one, as well as the "Arlingtown" play room! Parking is very easy with the attached garage, and free. The layout of the library makes it easy to find books. You can reserve a private room in advance, which is easy and helpful for group work. There are plentiful computers and seating. The staff is always friendly and helpful. There is security here also, which is nice. The people that utilize this library really care about it, especially the children's area which is what we frequent the most. Checking out books is very convenient, with auto-renewals in place if there isn't a hold on that book. A nice perk is that it is located in the Quincy Park complex, which is great for strolling as well as playing in the Quincy Playground. It is such a lively area! read more

I enjoy going there to study. It is a hub for homeless people but everyone is normally very nice and keeps to themselves. If you want a peaceful studying experience I would say arrive at the library from 10 AM to 3 PM. There is a totally silent study room but I enjoy the seating near the windows facing the park/ tennis court. read more

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. read more

Arlington Public Library - Arlington - one of the many tables overlooking the tennis courts outside. there are bookshelves lined up to my left. - Libraries Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Libraries are some of my favorite places. I just don't understand why the ones in Arlington are so ugly. I'm used to really pretty libraries, but Arlington failed on the aesthetics. Other than that, this place is great. It's huge and they have a parking lot, which I didn't know, so that's helpful. The staff is very friendly. Aside from books, there are plenty of other resources, like computers and classes. Plus, there's an auditorium, which is great. They often have free events, and I recently saw culinary historian Michael Twitty here. I appreciate volunteer staff for that event. This isn't in my neighborhood, so I'll probably only visit for events, and it is a nice spot. read more

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

A very disappointing library if you are trying to read, study or listen to a podcast. The number of unwashed homeless people and lunatics is somewhat less than in some DC downtown libraries (West End or MLK). But it is full of loud and rude people, especially on the 2nd floor near the reference desk, the computers available to the public, and the seating area overlooking the greenery and playing fields. Even if you are wearing headphones and listening to something, a non-stop stream of people who are too dull to use a low voice noisily ask the reference librarians questions, They are always louder than the librarians. They often are complaining that someone else is being noisy or that someone told them to stop being so loud but the person beside them was being loud too. These are 30-65 year old people and they act like teenagers who were very badly raised. Additionally there are always oblivious people reading or using laptops whose phones ring loudly until someone points out to them that their phone is ringing. Often people also conduct loud phone conversations. It's basically adult day care for borderline personalities, not an actual library. read more

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! read more

Arlington Public Library - Arlington - So many books here! - Libraries Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I live close by and appreciate the location and organization of this library. Once you get a card you can use their services in person, via and app, and online. I've always had a positive experience of picking up books on hold, purchasing books at steep discounts from the small library store, and low cost printing services. While I haven't participated in library events, they do seem to have a wide variety of them that I'd look to participate in future. read more

Nice, large library with plenty of open space, plenty of study space, and plenty of books. Also a maker's lab (neat!) and some other features. When we were there a local poet was offering free rapid poems, nice touch. read more

This is a well-managed library. Obviously in these times more emphasis on providing digital services, which it already does, is going to have to be the trend going forward. Join Friends of the Library, which is working to improve programs. https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/ PS - I'm not sure what the solution is to dealing with the homeless. It's a public facility. It's worth having a library discussion forum on the topic to help address the issue. I don't use the library to study or read, so I haven't experienced what others on here have. Perhaps a no sleeping policy... read more

I really like using this library not only because of the books but because of its programs, speakers and nice welcomin atmosphere. BUT when you have a class in one of the smaller rooms near the entrance, and all the doors are blocked except one -- please rethink the seating pattern. It is VERY hard for someone sitting in the middle who needs to leave early -- when only one door is accessible, and the other door is blocked because of a poor seating pattern. read more

Ild give it ZERO stars if I could. It's basically a day shelter for the homeless and the library staff panders to them to no end ...they let them sleep in the library, bath in the bathrooms pretty much whatever they want to do. The non homeless patrons aren't allowed to act like this (even if they wanted to) ...the entire library stinks of homeless pee and poo. Staff/Security will do absolutely nothing about any of this. They don't care. ...and honestly the book selection is HORRIBLE theyre missing so much BASIC CLASSIC LITERATURE that's it's shameful to call this a public library at all, but yeah if you're into providing you children graphic novels and magna then I guess this would be the right place. And again the staff is HORRIBLE they're dysfunctional adults with zero care or passion ...it appears towards anything except pandering to homeless. I guess it makes them feel better about working for Arlington county read more

If you see my check-ins, I'm at libraries frequently for study sessions. While I try to go often, Saturday's and Sunday's are the best days for me. Most of the libraries in Loudoun and Fairfax close at 5 on Sundays which doesn't give much time. This one is open until 9 PM on Sundays which gives library high praise. Also quiet and enormous with two floors. No private study rooms but they have a quiet room. Only a couple blocks from the VA Square Metro. Make sure you try to stay awake; there's a security guard who will bang the desk/table if you get a case of zzzz's. read more

​BLUF: ​S​upport/Visit your local library! I stopped in yesterday because of the free notary services offered and also to renew the library card I admittedly NEVER used. Upon entering the Central Arlington Library Branch I thought to myself: "why don't I come here more often?!" I saw baby dolls, board games, rows of content patrons at free computers, advertisements to Lynda access with my library card-- all these tax paid resources at the tips of our fingers. Why don't I come here more often? I returned from being notarized but a very nice lady and got lost in the row of new release books and IMMEDIATELY saw about five I would want to dive into-- WHY DON'T I COME HERE MORE OFTEN?! I will be back. And very soon. I have been needing a place to get lost in a world of books in a return to a life I've abandoned for iPads and Audible (they have audio books on loan too) e-readers. Why do we forget the public library? ​ read more

I am visiting family in DC every now and then, and find that this library is one of the best places for me to feel relaxed and to find some peace after long hours of crazy work. They have electrical outlets you can use to charge devices. When I get here I connect my devices, and forgetting about them for couple hours. Quiet level: Can be better. Since I try to avoid touching my smartphone, I can't put my headphone on, so I do bring with me ear plugs. I don't know about you, but I have serious issues with noises when trying to concentrate. Overall this is a good place to read and feel what we all almost forgotten since the smartphones entered our life. read more

A library is a place that is a repository of information and gives every citizen equal access to it. That includes health information. And mental health information. It's a community space. It's a place of safety, a haven from the world. -Neil Gaiman Somewhere under the reading rainbow is a place for mystery, suspense, romance..and even tax law. (blah) From the bookish to bookwormish, to the intellectuals and the intellectually up-and-coming, Central Library hands you the key to the world. Shame on me for thinking that the library was almost obsolete. I was in dire need of an anti-ADHD refuge to catch up on some paperwork and this place hit the spot. Arlingtonians demand a modern library and a modern library is what we got. With internet speeds literally 10x's that of my Verizon DSL, multitasking was a cinch and my VPN made sure it was done with peace of mind. Through their internet, with the help of a library card, you have access to Lynda.com training and virtual library books. How cool is that?! At certain times of day, you can borrow gardening tools and take in some local art to ensure you get a well rounded experience before heading home. For those ADHD slip ups o' mine, people watching was a blast. There is a bit of minor sketch hidden among the books. Some of it was from a few of our neighbors that may be suffering from possible undiagnosed psychological diagnoses and some were from random strangers who find it difficult to play quiet mouse. They do have security on the premises and eventually the riffraff distractors either take care of themselves or I assume are taken care of by others. Eat, drink and be merry- but quietly and considerably! This new privilege is a godsend. A snack and some caffeine-age is likely to allow you to burn your candle at both ends a little longer and a little brighter. Hopefully nobody screws this up, because I love my sugar-free zoom-zoom before noon-noon pick-me-up. Verdict: Marry Poppins give it a very enthusiastic 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' Don't know what that means? You're in a library... look it up. read more

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This public library is impressive! It puts Montgomery County, MD libraries to shame. Like Ruth C., I found the layout easy to navigate. Parking was readily available on a Saturday too. Even though there were tons of patrons mulling about, the library was very quiet; no unattended little ones running about. If I lived in Arlington, I'd be a nerd and frequent the Central Library all the time. read more

I know this sounds so incredibly nerdy but I stumbled upon this website - Walkabouts - WalkArlington (http://www.walkarlington.com/pages/walkabouts/), basically encouraging residents to get out and explore the Arlington neighborhoods. Since my husband had a training near the Ballston Metro, I decided to explore the area between Virginia Square and the Ballston metro stations and then meet him after work. Well, the walk was pleasant enough, lots of high rises and probably the only place that was pretty entertaining was the Central Library. I popped in here to kill some time. Bought "Lost Symbol" for a buck (Score!) at the used book sale and dropped it in the self-pay box. Extra pluses - quiet atmosphere and free wifi! read more

Love this library. They have great resources, like free access to Lynda for those with a membership, and great community events, like a panel discussion on Puerto Rico and its relationship with the US which they hosted on the one year anniversary of Hurricane Maria. The space was already lovely and filled with light, so great for working/tutoring/reading, and I can't wait to see what the renovation brings! read more

Finally, a quiet place to study! The quiet room here is the perfect place to study, if you can get a seat. That's my only complaint is that the quiet room needs to be expanded because there are apparently lots of people in NoVa that need to study in silence. I had to wait about 30 minutes for someone to leave so I could get a seat. Everyone in the Quiet Room was quiet and respectful and you will get several annoyed glances, from law students, med students and community members alike, if your phone rings or you are being noisy. read more

This library is amazing. It has so many great resources. I've taught 's few classes there, so I maybe a little biased but they always have programming for all ages happening. I've also religiously used their holding system and that's been fantastic. Keep in mind there are two entrances so if you can't return your book on the N quincy street side, there's a whole another side that few people use. Also, it's the local voting location so it acts as a great place to fulfill your civic duty. read more

I love Arlington's libraries. The main reason is that they always have the newest books; books that have just been released. Whenever I want to read a book that is about to be released, I put a hold on it, and within a few days, I have the book in my hands. They never fail to have the latest books. I've learned so much from the books I've read. These libraries have so many resources. In addition to new and old books, they have dvds, audiobooks, etc. They also hold classes and special events here that are all free. For example, I've attended Chinese conversation classes and financial tips for women classes. They also have lots of other events, ranging from movie nights to stock talks. The library is maintained pretty well. It's open every day for pretty long hours. I would love it if they were open even longer, but that's ok. They have computers and wifi for public use. The library sends you reminders via e-mail if your books are about to be due and to renew your library card (it expires every two years.) This is very helpful so that you don't forget. Libraries in other places don't offer as much as Arlington libraries. In my hometown, the libraries there never had new books and weren't open very much (at one time, the library was open only three days a week!) I tell people that one of my favorite things about the Arlington area is the library. read more

This library seen it changes over the last 26 plus years. Even during my high schools days. It was a small library with no computers. Newspaper micro fish mashine. Copies cost over a quarter. With the 22A driving by. No underground parking. Even they had Beta tape and VHS tape you can check out. Now after the big change. This library great with free wifi. Tables and plug outlets. Large collection of books, DVD, books on CD. Magazine and newspaper. Arlington county archives of the county. Picture, books and maps. Also they have the Overdirve software you can get audio and visual book of the internet for free unto two week or more. Also check the library for more details. Computer lab and people to teach the residents of Arlington for free. Also books, DVD, Audiobooks and VHS tapes sales and more. All you have to do is check there web for coming events. Plus Arlington library better then DC. Yes DC because you have to be screened before coming in. Bags being X-rayed for item don't belong in a library. I do look forward in coming here. I think you wood like it to. P.S. the emergency exit was the front entrance of what the library was. read more

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Currently here on a cold Thursday and I have found my new favourite study spot near DC. Its been tough to find a good, quiet spot to study and I absolutely detested the libraries in Bethesda, MD because they were far too small and filled with tiny, loud children without parents to teach them appropriate library etiquette. However, this library is gold. It is perfect to get some serious studying done and there are two floors which is great. Important study things that this library has: - free Wifi - open spaces - good number of electrical outlets - mature people so its quieter as everyone is focused on their own work - quiet study room that is secluded from the rest of the floor (can't eat or type there though) - individual study desks next to windows Important study things you would be aware of: - literally was present when an individual in my area notified security that their laptop had be stolen (thats why I couldn't give this place a 5/5) **DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES UNATTENDED! But otherwise, if you exercise caution - this library is incredible and awesome. read more

While I haven't ever actually checked out a book from this library, I have used it as a quiet work space and as a place to meet my tutoring students. I like the spacious open layout, the quiet environment, and the ample number of tables and areas to work. You feel like you can talk to the person next to you if need be, but you could also put on head phones and be completely undesterbed. I've only been here on the weekend. There have beeb plenty of people, but it was never so crowded that I couldn't find a place to sit. read more

Dear Central Library, Thank you for the following: 1. Free, fast, dependable wireless service. 2. Having big parking spots in the parking lot. 3. Big windows, lots of lights, and plenty of seating 4. Eye candy. This was the biggest surprise for me. You have provided further evidence that my hometown (Oakland, CA) is ghetto, and that my home state really is falling apart. Nice public facilities? What a concept! I honestly don't know what the book collection is like, but this place is large and there are plenty of books so I'm going to make the assumption that the collection is at least decent. Overall this is a great place to study and get work done. read more

This is one of the biggest and best public libraries in the area. Selection of books and media is huge and the staff is extremely helpful! Love the ample amount of parking available - not so the case in other local libraries! And love the location too :) read more

The Central Library in the Arlington County Library System is a wonderful resource in the community. While this is not the location nearest me, they have the multimedia collection (music, etc.) that I was in search of to add to my expanding album library. While most of the music skews towards less recent items, I was still able to find a few semi-current CDs I had been looking for and I was able to pick up a multitude of older albums that I wanted to add to my library. Upstairs they have a large computer lab and a handful of other computer workstations. The lower level is mostly devoted to younger readers. Staff was very friendly when we were having trouble finding things, and the self-checkout is an added benefit, making check-out swift and easy. Parking is readily accessible in a lot in front of the building. If you take transit, the Central Library is a convenient walk from Virginia Square or Ballston metro stops. read more

For the location this library is a huge disappointment! It reminds me of an antiquated school library from the 70's. The lighting is way too bright fluorescent and absolutely not one comfortable place to sit and read. There are only tables with uncomfortable hard chairs. I'm surprised with the super high tax rate why this place is so overlooked by the county..... read more

I'm now an official library card holder! This is where I'll be studying for the boards this summer. Nice and bright. Fairly quiet (except for rare occasions where children downstairs scream at the top of their lungs, "Noooooo!! I don't WANNA GO HOOOOME!"). I brought earplugs and pushed them into my head. Outlets are plentiful. Chairs are hard but somehow very comfortable. I've always gotten a table to myself. Free Wi-Fi. Benches outside to sit and eat lunch on. Close to the Metro. Great sandwich shop close-by. This place is bright and cheery. There's the right mix of people that make me feel like I'm not alone studying my life away, while not being so interesting that I'm too distracted from studying. In fact I occasionally run into classmates from GWU which is funny. "What? You know about this place, too?! How long have you been coming here?". So it's not all Mason kids, in other words! read more

This is the only place I really loved when I lived in lovely Arlington. I spent all my day in this beautiful library and I chose to live near this library just next to it. Inside the library is so calm and it calls everyone to welcoming to study focused. Outside the library is also incredible, there are so many things you can do if you enjoy outdoor activities. There are plenty of parking areas and the schedule fits everyone's need. I lived in Ballston over 1 year and moved to another state. I cannot still find this much nice and beautiful library in my current city. read more

This is about the staff and security's lackadaisical attitude to my safety there. Last Saturday, I went to Central, drove into the garage, only to stop in shock when I heard a HEEEYYYYYY!!!. The security guard was glaring and walking at me, a woman alone, with clenched fists. Shaken, but with nowhere to turn around at that moment, and, also, really wanting to get away from him, I drove down a bit past the elevator. I thought, okay, I'll just go in. Except, Clenched Fists Man had followed me around the corner, was not only looking at me directly, but waiting for me at the elevator. I drove out, but went to tell the staff. They said the guard's supervisor would have to talk to him. I had to call them myself to follow up. I was given the supervisor's number in response. I had to call the supervisor. He called back, & just laughed when I asked if the guard had been told not to walk with clenched fists or yell at a patron, saying, "Er, yeah." So, no apology, no reassurance of it not happening again. Not good. read more

I agree with Jennifer, this library is great. So convenient-- with a click of the mouse, you can put books on hold, and they will give you a call when they are ready for pick up. Renewing online is simple as well, but even I forget to do that sometimes. Last time, I had overdue fines which came out to $2.80. For some reason, the librarian only charged me $2. Don't know if she gave me a "discount," but I was pleasantly surprised. Back to the convenience part: there's garage parking, a good sized "free books" selection, local art works on display, free WiFi, lectures/educational film screenings, and even a park nearby so you can plop down outside with your books. One caveat though: remember to wear your shoes at ALL TIMES! No, I was not traipsing around the library barefoot. I was at a desk and had taken off my shoes to make myself comfortable. A security guard actually came over and told me I had to put my shoes back on. I was expecting him to break out in a smile and say, "Just kidding," but nope, he was serious. Maybe it's a safety hazard? What-ev. I still love this library and am happy it's in my neighborhood. read more

After working in three libraries and being a library patron of four others, I have to say that this library has the best customer service, layout, and selection that I've come across as a whole. Multimedia on the far side of circulation, book sale across from circulation, self-checkout machines, lots of study and reading areas, and books for the younger crowds thoughtfully located on the ground floor. Elevator to the parking garage for when the lot is full of people fooling around on the tennis courts. Three-block stroll from the orange line Ballston station. Really shady neighborhood to be in after dark, though. read more

Big reading/writing room upstairs that has free WiFi, lovely natural light and lots of places to sit. There's the occasional guy who's blaring Celine Dion through his earphones...not bad if you enjoy "The Power of LERVE!" as your background music. They have a decent movie selection you can check out for a week at a time and a big area of books on tape/cd. The people that work there are pretty friendly but don't seem to understand that libraries are quiet places...I wonder if working there gives you the right to talk in a non-library voice? Good children's section too where there are lots of kids reading and studying after school. read more