Arlington Public Library Celebrates 75th Anniversary

As Arlington Public Library turns 75 years old, the library’s website presents an interactive timeline that traces its history over the years.

“Even a quick reading of the Library's timeline should detect some well-woven threads,” says the library’s website. According to the website, these common links include:

• Arlington residents have always had a strong affinity for their local libraries.
• The library system was built largely by a group of forward-thinking women.
• With a few exceptions (including the addition of a Central Library), neighborhoods that were home to libraries in the past continue to have branch libraries. The basic framework has remained similar since the beginning of the library system in 1936.
• Arlington Public Library has adapted over the years to new technologies.

A look at the timeline reveals some interesting highlights regarding Arlington Public Library’s past 75 years. The following list is a small sample.

Historical Highlights

1924: “Clarendon Library opens in Citizens Hall at Wilson Blvd. and N. 10th St., founded by the Educational Committee of the Women's Civic Club.”

1934: “County Manager Roy S. Braden asks several interested residents to help in an effort to better support Arlington's existing libraries.”

1936: “A Department of Libraries was established. County Board votes $3,000 for libraries in County budget, and the Department of Libraries becomes an official County bureau to be run by a County Librarian. The five libraries—Arlington Community, Aurora Hills, Cherrydale, Clarendon and Glen Carlyn—are to become part of a system serving a County with a population of 40,000 and 74 farms. Funds are allocated so each library receives $250 to buy two encyclopedias and an unabridged dictionary, as well as other tools.”

1960: “Groundbreaking for new Central Library—a $516,667.75 project—the first publicly financed library construction in County history. Building to have capacity for 100,000 volumes, 150 reading patrons, parking for 50 cars. Second floor to include administrative offices and meeting room for 100 people.”

1966: “Construction begins for addition to Central, doubling the size.”

1976: “Friends of the Library hold first used book sale, raising more than $2,700 to support Library programs. The sale is initially an annual event but later becomes biannual and is considered Arlington's oldest recycling program.”

1985: “Library institutes computerized circulation system followed by computerized catalog.”

1995: “Library installs first Internet terminals with help of $20,000 LibraryLink grant.”

2006: “Library launches first Arlington Reads community read program, featuring Anne Tyler's ‘Digging to America’ for adults, Marjane Satrapi's ‘Persepolis’ for teens and Linda Sue Park’s ‘A Single Shard’ for elementary school children.”

2011: “In partnership with Arlington Public Schools, Library installs first new catalog system in 12 years… New system allows for online payments, alternative usernames and requires PIN.”

2011: “Solar panels are installed on Central Library roof.”

To view the entire Arlington Public Library timeline, as well as accompanying photos, visit http://library.arlingtonva.us/presentation/timeline/apl-timeline.html.

Share Your Story

As part of Arlington County’s initiative “Tell Arlington’s Story,” the Library encourages users with stories about how the Library has helped change their lives to submit their experiences at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/75ZCWKT.