Local Guides World
Top Public librarys in Arlington, United States
Top Rated Public librarys in Arlington
Top Reviewed Public librarys in Arlington
Arlington County Government
Cherrydale Library
Westover Library
Columbia Pike Library
Glencarlyn Library
Robbins Library
Shirlington Library
Courthouse Library
Reviews
Always a pleasant experience. Incredibly helpful and kind staff.
It’s so beautiful after renovation
Love this
Love this
Great children's section. Kind staff. Always has a puzzle out to work on. Computers. Two sets of bathrooms.
Summer reading challenge is starting, join now!
Summer reading challenge is starting, join now!
Cute little library with some spaces to work that seem occupied often. Decent collection of books. I live close by and use it to pickup books that I put on hold.
Love public libraries! The Shirlington branch is your typical local library - friendly staff, plenty of seating, and really nothing to complain about. Bathrooms were clean, outlets readily available, and also super quiet (exceeded my expectations - for a library!)
Good Wi-Fi and selection of tables to work at. There are some tables outside that have Wi-Fi reception outside so that a group of people can get takeout and still work together.
Wonderful library, kind employees m comfortable chairs to sit down and say dream while reading books,
Brat DVDs to rent, love sitting outside taking photos of birds on trees near the library.
Brat DVDs to rent, love sitting outside taking photos of birds on trees near the library.
Small location but holds arrive typically within 3 days. There are toys and games to borrow as well. Activities and storytime events as well, very engaging programming like March Madness!
I work from the library every day. Opens late on Tuesday: noon. Normally, 10-8, but 12-8 on Tuesdays and 10-5 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Lots of programs and community outreach. Can schedule meeting and conference rooms.
This library is a great service to the community. It also has many events for kids of all ages. In addition a quick shout out to Laura in the resource center as a older gentleman who considers Himself a Luddite, I was feeling overwhelmed in accomplishing a very important task a person named Laura at the resource center, stepped up and helped me and made it very easy and went above and beyond at her job. Kudos to her and undoubtedly five stars for this public library as a whole.
The architecture of this library is so beautiful and the decorations are at museum level. It feels so nice to pick a book and read it in such a beautiful building.
This is a great library! A little on the small side but still really nice to spend time and the staff are super friendly and helpful. If you don’t have a library card already, get one!
Today we went to the library, it been a while...
First accident..
I asked for help to find a language book. She walked me to where they are. Then, my 5yrs daughter was asking me something. I said to my daughter to wait but she asked me a second time. That is when the librarian said to my daughter " what is it sweaty, can you wait Mommy is busy. We are doing this first then she will come".
My daughter was talking to me not the librarian, so the librarian should had react different and said to me "I can keep searching option and then wait at my desk " or "let me look trough the computer and see more option in another library and resource".
Her attitude to my kid was ZERO PATIENCE, OVERSTEPPING ( parenting) , SHE THINKS SHE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY KID.
Second accident.. maybe am wrong
I ask the librarian for a bookmark and she said they don't have no more. She didn't look around in another desk. At least said I look early today and I could find anything but let me check. I know it was 10 minutes to closing time.
You need to be more welcoming and friendlier, to parent that have KIDS.
ps. i wouldn't mind her talking to my kids if there was no guardian around the kid. If my kid was bothering like that if she was helping someone else. Or if my kid was bothering someone from the library that is a complete stranger to the kid.
First accident..
I asked for help to find a language book. She walked me to where they are. Then, my 5yrs daughter was asking me something. I said to my daughter to wait but she asked me a second time. That is when the librarian said to my daughter " what is it sweaty, can you wait Mommy is busy. We are doing this first then she will come".
My daughter was talking to me not the librarian, so the librarian should had react different and said to me "I can keep searching option and then wait at my desk " or "let me look trough the computer and see more option in another library and resource".
Her attitude to my kid was ZERO PATIENCE, OVERSTEPPING ( parenting) , SHE THINKS SHE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY KID.
Second accident.. maybe am wrong
I ask the librarian for a bookmark and she said they don't have no more. She didn't look around in another desk. At least said I look early today and I could find anything but let me check. I know it was 10 minutes to closing time.
You need to be more welcoming and friendlier, to parent that have KIDS.
ps. i wouldn't mind her talking to my kids if there was no guardian around the kid. If my kid was bothering like that if she was helping someone else. Or if my kid was bothering someone from the library that is a complete stranger to the kid.
Love this library and library system. They have tons of books and events for all ages. It was really easy and quick to get a library card so I could start reading books on their app, Libby. I also learned that you can rent power tools and gardening tools if you need them from this library. All the employees are very nice and helpful. Would recommend!
Front desk has helpful polite people if you need help. Rows of computers to use. Quiet place.
Fantastic library with a wonderful selection of everything--books and movies (including a good number of foreign films and books), library of things, puzzles, even art to hang on your wall. The reading rooms are nice, and the children's room (which is a whole floor) is awesome. The staff is what really makes this library shine though. They provide reading recommendations, have put together a large number of themed "book bags" to check out if you wanted to learn a new hobby for example or wanted to check out new releases in graphic novel biographies. The children's librarians also put together custom "grab bags" for kids given an age and interest, which is how we have found many of our favorites.
I am a big fan of this library.
Plenty of seating and quiet spaces to do work, though there is freedom in the culture/atmosphere of this library in certain spaces to sometimes take short calls without greatly disturbing the peace.
Free wifi, works well.
Plenty of free parking in adjacent garage that is unlimited! If no spaces are available on the first floor (which is more rare), then the third floor.
Clean restrooms.
Staff are friendly and often greet me with a smile.
I appreciate being able to check out a plethora of library books as well.
Plenty of seating and quiet spaces to do work, though there is freedom in the culture/atmosphere of this library in certain spaces to sometimes take short calls without greatly disturbing the peace.
Free wifi, works well.
Plenty of free parking in adjacent garage that is unlimited! If no spaces are available on the first floor (which is more rare), then the third floor.
Clean restrooms.
Staff are friendly and often greet me with a smile.
I appreciate being able to check out a plethora of library books as well.
Amazingly wonderful local library branch. Great selection, great librarians, easy parking, terrific neighborhood. Modern facilities.
I basically live there every day—it's where I work remotely.
Columbia Pike Library is a less busy neighborhood branch of Arlington County's library system, but it is a good one with lots of open space, a varied selection of books, a big reading space/section for children, some DVDs, graphic novels, foreign language, audiobooks, new books and a section of public computers. Their librarians are super helpful and friendly, and they do a great job of curating the rotation of seasonal selections - I'm usually grabbing something off the round shelves! Great if you live nearby, get overwhelmed by Central's size, prefer somewhere cozier than Shirlington. Come roam the shelves!
We love coming here for baby lapsit!
The Courthouse Library reopened in March 2023 after 2 years of closure due to the pandemic. This library has been renovated. It has an area for kids and several computers available. This is a very tiny library but it is a convenient location for books pickup. Staff is friendly when I was there to sign up for my library card.
A county that aids and abates a criminal company like Advanced Towing is a failure to its constituents. Disgraceful!
Neat little library. I am a fan of the aesthetics and design.
If memory recalls, I stopped by here briefly on my way back, coming from an ice cream spot in Arlington.
I liked the layout of the library, but the only thing that throws me off that “urban” vibe I get, same as from the City of Fairfax library. I can’t put my finger on it. I would have liked to see more greeneries and windows with pleasing views I guess.
Overall, cool spot. I like that it has study areas and computer stations. Not too shabby at all.
If memory recalls, I stopped by here briefly on my way back, coming from an ice cream spot in Arlington.
I liked the layout of the library, but the only thing that throws me off that “urban” vibe I get, same as from the City of Fairfax library. I can’t put my finger on it. I would have liked to see more greeneries and windows with pleasing views I guess.
Overall, cool spot. I like that it has study areas and computer stations. Not too shabby at all.
Small-medium sized library. Cozy, very clean, usually only a handful of people there at a time. Grateful to have this beautiful little library nearby. Part of what makes Westover so great.
Beautiful historic library. Not a ton of lot parking, but nearby street parking. They have self checkout. You can also borrow artwork, Disney+, small tools/appliances all in addition to books.
Nice place to read, study or do your online job. The library is very clean and they have a nice customer service, so many options to choose in books.
There are 24 computers to use with internet access. Also handicapped doors.
There are 24 computers to use with internet access. Also handicapped doors.
It is indeed a beautiful building inside and out with helpful staff. Large building with 5 floors but only 1 bathroom on the first floor and 2 bathrooms in the basement - children's section. You'd think with the extensive renovations that have been done they'd have added at least one to the upper floors.
Parking car near my place and just because parking a bit off the sign got me a ticket IN THE EARLY MORNING AT 6:00 AM
On Saturday morning .
Frustrating………………
On Saturday morning .
Frustrating………………
Terrible service . No one worked before COVID and now even worse . They are not even at the office
Mecca for local families with young children. It’s small and un-crowded, with kind and helpful staff. Arlington Public Library is compatible with the Libby app, so we can all check out digital copies at home and read on our devices. So convenient! We all love our local library.
Great library! It’s historic and very well kept. Staff is friendly and there is usually space to study. Only detractor is that you must pay for parking and there is a four hour limit but other than that it is an excellent place to be.
They get it done
Please re-open this library soon! I’ve been visiting this lovely location for Over 20 years. It’s great for kids, seniors, and I’ll book lovers.
I’ve been going to this library for the past 31 years. I brought my sons to the Monday night story telling given by one of the librarians. The library is a haven for kids after school. There are a number of computers for all patrons to use. The surrounding gardens are maintained by master gardeners from the community. They also hold native plant sales, and every October is an October Fest that is very popular.
Always tops with me. Ever since I was a kid.Great selection of books. Excellent website. Wonderful programs. Professional and friendly staff.
Odd little library, and not a free one, at that. Out back looks like one, but for gardeners only ... Odd cultures to me: entitled, judgemental, and kid focused, as play group and one room schoolhouse for preK, nursery, etc. Then some seniors and others (homeless? Gang wannabes, overPrivileged brats, etc) hanging around, when not out front smoking when I'm trying to breath at the entrance bench, repacking or waiting for it to open. Other times some are friendly and sociable. Open times vary according to day of the week, sometimes 10a sometimes 1p, and closing 9p or 5p, do check the app, and/or gMaps for when is which (perhaps witch is more apt like trick and/or treat?), like closed all day Sundays... Staff varies, mood and annoyances in public facing babysitting patrons, the computers and likely each other... YMMV
There is only ONE full-time (small 4-person) table available. There are several more in the loft, but that space is often reserved for organized group activities. If you want a space to use like a desk (using a laptop or physically writing) uninterrupted for longer than a couple hours, you don’t have many options if that table is taken. I tried sitting there with another person I did not know and it was small enough to feel like I was invading that person’s personal space. There are a couple lounge chairs with tiny desk surfaces so small I could not fully fit a 15” laptop on them. They also can’t move from the side, so typing is awkward.
Library is not set up well for technology - very few places to plug in and the library WiFi is slower than other branches. By comparison, Westover Branch has a charging port at every desk space and decent WiFi speeds.
There are definitely some positives. There is free off-street parking which, while there are not many spaces, rarely seems to be full. It’s got a light and airy mid-century design and a nice selection of kids books. The staff is quite friendly as well. It’s definitely more of a “recreational” library than a place to get any significant work done, but it does seem to succeed at being a good place to do some light reading and reloading on young kids’ books.
If you need desk space in North Arlington, the central branch is best, although parking is a challenge, especially for a full day. Westover is great but popular.
Library is not set up well for technology - very few places to plug in and the library WiFi is slower than other branches. By comparison, Westover Branch has a charging port at every desk space and decent WiFi speeds.
There are definitely some positives. There is free off-street parking which, while there are not many spaces, rarely seems to be full. It’s got a light and airy mid-century design and a nice selection of kids books. The staff is quite friendly as well. It’s definitely more of a “recreational” library than a place to get any significant work done, but it does seem to succeed at being a good place to do some light reading and reloading on young kids’ books.
If you need desk space in North Arlington, the central branch is best, although parking is a challenge, especially for a full day. Westover is great but popular.
It is small, quiet, convenient, comfortable, has very helpful staff ....... love being able to cruise the system-wide catalogue of books and DVDs, reserve whatever takes my fancy, then just trot over to this branch to pick them up.
While the hours and space are limited, I regularly reserve and then pick up the materials I want at this location because it's within walking distance. The staff is super helpful and very reliable about checking things in. When I've needed to, I've never had a problem getting on a computer. Do wish they had a few more seats for reading papers, magazines, though.
Parking authority lady yelled at me because I asked for a penalty abatement on a parking ticket.
^_^ BuleStory review for Plaza Branch Library in Clarendon, Arlington - Virginia 😊 This library was cute, they had a video section besides the book section, they had several computer, printer and scanner and the thing that make me very surprise is… they had a very super old computer with old style monitor and when me and my hubby saw that we both says “OMG is it still working?” it’s very interesting!! it located in the back area
Quiet, small library: ideal for studying or computer use. Not a huge book collection, go elsewhere if you’re looking to browse
Excellent used book section, lots of computers and shared study/ reading areas, helpful staff, I’m glad to see a library connected to a school: we’re finally starting to let architecture meet education! I’ve reserved the meeting space and we stayed until closing - the staff was patient and communicative without becoming rude even though we overstayed our welcome. An older building, and I often have to walk a ways to get to the front doors from limited street parking, but very worthwhile!
Very pleasant service! Helpful and well intent.
Friendly staff, quiet and clean, good selection of the books I like to read, readily available meeting rooms. Thank you for providing this for us - and I'll sign up as a friend of the library today, to help support programming!
I really enjoyed my visit to this location. The place was really clean, and the staff were really friendly. The noise level was also kept at a minimum. They have a vast variety of books to chose from, and the best part is that you can download a book straight to your kindle.
Love this place. Really nice kids area.
They also have summer reading stuff and very cool.
They also have summer reading stuff and very cool.
A sweet branch in a wonderful neighborhood. Great playground and field, so much valued green-space! Many fine events, friendly staff...
A good little nook to relax and read. They also have computers. Just be sure of their hours beforehand or you may wind up taking a nap in your car waiting for them to open 👍
The Arlington county library system is the best. Lots of little branches in the communities and a transfer system that allows them to operate like one large system. This branch is at the heart of our community, it is our hub, our school bus stop and our community center. I visit it everyday.
I received a late fee for a bill payment that was returned to me by the post office (Arlington post office also gets 1/5 stars for constantly misplaced mail). Although I included the original post-marked envelope with the second payment, I was told I would still be responsible for the late fee. And unless you provide them direct access to your bank account, they charge you a 2.5% fee for paying online. And don't expect anyone in the office to try to help you beyond telling you how much you owe. Overall disappointing experience and some messed up policies, especially considering how much we already have to pay in personal property taxes.
The building is just gorgeous on the outside and in. The old section has some mosaic floors and wooden carved walls with big arched windows ... just historic.
The whole pace is impeccably clean and well organized, the staff are super helpful and friendly. I can't be any more grateful for a place like this !
The whole pace is impeccably clean and well organized, the staff are super helpful and friendly. I can't be any more grateful for a place like this !
Small, limited hours, but has DVds, and service is good.
Airy, well-lit space that is perfect for sitting down with a book or for catching up on work. My only complaint would be the lack of charging points.
I needed a place to study and this was not it. This location is only a "branch" of the Arlington Public Library System. Its located in the back corner of a gift shop. There are no work desks but there are a few public access computers and a few shelves of books. There's a book drop located near the 15th St entrance of the building. It was not what I was expecting but the staff was helpful and there were a few patrons using the library. Wifi is available throughout the Arlington County building and there's a seating area on the second floor.
My children and I go to Glencarlyn after school to do homework. Their reward is free time on the kids PC that is usually always available, sometimes we have to wait for turns, but well worth the wait.
There are adult PC's for 30 minute and 60 minute use also.
When the weather is good, we go outside and enjoy the garden and gazebo as well as the play ground.😄
There are adult PC's for 30 minute and 60 minute use also.
When the weather is good, we go outside and enjoy the garden and gazebo as well as the play ground.😄
It is super convenient to have a library in my neighborhood! While this one is small they've had everything I needed and there are programs for kids, which my son loves.
Very good hope when your in Virginia 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
The library is gloomy. The lack of natural lights makes this library unpleasant. Also, the arrangement of tables and chairs is not good at all. This library needs a lot of improvement to be a suitable environment for all age groups to enjoy reading and studying. I really like how close is this library to my house, but I don't like the feeling of being sad and uncomfortable inside the library.
Great neighborhood library - love the setup with community space in loft above stacks. Lots of light, lovely place to stop and read for a while.
I love this library! The staff are all wonderful, friendly and very helpful, the facility is well maintained, and the garden surrounding the building is a joy to walk through. It's in a residential area and very quiet and convenient. My one and only complaint is I wish they had more books, CD's and movies but they are always willing to search the system and have anything I want sent there from other branches. It's a great place to browse....also very kid friendly. I bring my grandchildren there and there are always other children using the computers or studying. I repeat....I love this library!
Helpful Staff, Peaceful Environment, Clean and Convenient location. :D