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    Westover Branch Library

    4.3 (13 reviews)
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    Courtesy of http://westoverlibraryarlingtonva.blogspot.com/
    Ann-Ella P.

    This new Westover branch just opened in October 2009, and is wonderful. The building itself is large and beautiful -- you can see how well planned the relocation project was. I love how they incorporated the original facade of the original 1938 Reed School. Parking is all around the front and sides of the library as well as in the lot in back. In the library, there are plenty of work areas and public computer terminals. The book/media collection is also extensive. Especially worth mentioning is Westover's collection of independent/foreign films on DVD. What a selection!!! There are so many great ones on the shelves to choose from. (Sure beats going to Blockbuster and paying for a rental!) For items not at Westover, it's easy (and free!) to logon to acornweb.org and place items on hold for pickup at Westover. The self-service holds shelf is directly in front of you as you walk in the door. I usually don't work in the library, but noticed that Westover is pretty quiet on weekday afternoons. Even though Westover has self checkout machines, I had no trouble finding a librarian to resolve a card issue. She was right there at the desk and proved to be both helpful and friendly. I have not used these services personally, but Westover also offers wireless for laptops, printing services, a book discussion group (the evening meeting is held on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m., and the afternoon meeting is held on the 4th Wednesday, at 2 p.m), kids & teens activities, two meeting rooms for reserve (an 8-person room and a 30-person room), ESL conversation groups, and volunteer opportunities. Check out the website for more details. A quick note to everyone: the library hours will change on July 1, 2010. The new July 1st hours will be as follows: Monday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday: CLOSED Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED I'm not a big fan of Westover's new hours -- specifically, the decision to close for business on Thursdays. It's not a big deal, but I feel that such a new, wonderful community resource should be available all weekdays. Another minor issue I have with Westover is the DVD shelving, DVDs are not always in alphabetical order as they should be. This is probably more the result of patron carelessness than library staff error. Nevertheless, this problem makes DVDs hard to locate and if you're really pressed for time, I'd recommend putting a DVD on hold and not hunting for it yourself on the shelf. Something else worth noting: the drive-through book return at Westover was damaged in the blizzard of February 2010. It is now summertime, and the return slot has yet to be repaired. The other after-hours book return (not drive-through) is located by the flagpole in front of the library. I can't always find a parking space in front of this area, so returning books can involve some walking. Last time I had to park on Washington Blvd and walk around to the front of the library. Be aware that the high ceilings in Westover really cause sound to carry. (Did the architects forget about acoustics??) When other patrons speak slightly above a whisper, their voices really can be heard over a large area of the library. A friend was working in Westover during the weekend and heard children's voices all the way from the children's section on the other side of the building. Just something to be aware of. I've found Central Library's 2nd floor work area very conducive to getting work done in a quiet environment. You may want to consider Central Library (1015 North Quincy Street, in the Ballston neighborhood) on the weekends.

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    Review Highlights - Westover Branch Library

    Another minor issue I have with Westover is the DVD shelving, DVDs are not always in alphabetical order as they should be.

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    Arlington Public Library - Arlington

    Arlington Public Library - Arlington

    4.2(101 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Book selection - Very small graphic novel collection, only two rows and missing key series like…read moreOutcast. 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.

    Arlington Pulblic Library is well organized, quite large with plenty of quiet places to read and…read morestudy. 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.

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    Arlington Public Library - Arlington
    Arlington Public Library - Arlington
    Arlington Public Library - Arlington

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    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch

    Arlington Public Library - Glencarlyn Branch

    4.6(7 reviews)
    1.8 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.

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    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)
    4.9 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.)

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    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)
    3.0 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)
    3.3 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.

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    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)
    7.4 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.

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    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

    Westover Branch Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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