Central Library — Attraction in Arlington

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...

It’s a great place to quietly study and there are some nice programs there. Love the local history section, too. I primarily use it as a place to read and get some writing done solo, and for that purpose it’s great. I can’t comment on the book selection much, but it’s on par size-wise with other suburban central libraries in the area. It’s definitely newer, clean and kept in good shape. Bathrooms are fine - not all libraries have decent facilities. Never had a problem finding a large table for myself. Charging spots are a little harder to come by than I would have expected, but if you come prepared in that regard - either for light device use or coming early to grab a spot with a charging port - you should be fine.

It seems to be quiet enough - I usually stick in noise limiting headphones though. The few times I haven’t, it’s been a suitable environment for studying or solo work.

The only drawback - and it’s a big one - is the parking. The library’s lot limits parkers to two hours, period. After that, one has to go find metered parking or a pay lot. Or just start out at pay parking. I haven’t investigated neighborhood parking, but it’s a walk and could be zoned. Also don’t know how strict the 2 hour limit is. I know there are public transportation options, but for my purposes I need to be able to leave quickly if needed and thus other options aren’t great. By contrast, Montgomery County (MD) has 2 hour validated parking where you just pay the overage. Much simpler.

If you want a place to get quiet work done, this is the best branch I’ve found. Just be sure to carpool, rideshare, walk, bike, etc. if you plan to be there for more than two hours or be prepared to...

Worst "public" library I have attended. There is a clear censorship going on in regards to information available to the public. You can find all manner of far-left propaganda books from so many no-name authors, but not even one copy of books from a more conservative perspective. If you're hoping to find Christian books here, don't bother. Their selection is almost non-existent as well. There is a Gay Pride flag waving outside the building to make clear what the agenda of the library is. (Not fair access to all information. Extremely Noninclusive. Only far-left ideas)

They have a bookstore that I have supported greatly, but they keep raising the prices on their books when all of their inventory is freely donated by the public.

A couple of employees like Barbara were wonderful and friendly but most seem dead behind the eyes.

One day I decided to bring snacks and my child and I sat at a table in the children's area designated as a snack eating area. Marianna, the leader of the children's story time came up to our table and announced, "THIS ISN"T A CAFETERIA. YOU CANT EAT LUNCH HERE". I had a salad, so understandable I suppose if they only want you to eat things like crackers, but her comment was just so incredibly rude. We haven't been since. I really tried with this library but when you can't find much other than 1000 copies of Michelle Obama's Becoming book, it's much more worth it to support a...