Storytimes near CENTRAL LIBRARY

Quincy Room, Central Library

For families with babies 0-12 months Bond with your baby through songs, rhymes, and games! Stay after the program to connect with other parents and caregivers of babies. Each attendee needs a ticket for this event. You may pick up your free tickets from the Central Youth Services Desk starting at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are given out first-come, first-served, while supplies last. Call (703) 228-5946 for more information.

Eads Room, Aurora Hills Library

For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of reading. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. For more information, contact the Aurora Hills Library at 703-228-5715

Azalea Conference Room, Courthouse Library

Practice speaking English in an informal setting. Level: Beginner - Advanced. Classes meet in person every Thursday morning. Classes are led by experienced Library volunteers. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. Please call 703-228-3352 or email Lib-Courthouse@arlingtonva.us for more information.

Glencarlyn Library

For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of reading. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. For more information, contact 703-228-6548

Campbell Room, Shirlington Library

For families with children ages 0 - 5 Cuentos para niños / Stories for Children es un programa bilingüe en inglés y español para familias con niños de 0-5 años de edad. Lectura de cuentos y canciones, con tiempo para jugar después de la hora de cuentos. No se requiere registro. La asistencia es por orden de llegada hasta que se alcance la capacidad del evento. Cuentos para niños / Stories for Children is an English and Spanish bilingual storytime for families with children ages 0-5 years old. A mixture of stories and songs, with playtime afterwards. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. Para más información, llame al 703-228-6545. For more information, contact 703-228-6545.

Children's Area, Westover Library

For families with children ages 0-5 This lively, interactive program features music, movement and storytelling. It introduces children to rhyme and rhythm, social interaction and the Library. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating.​ Call 703-228-5260 for more information.

Children's Area, Courthouse Library

Animal Tales for Grades K - 5 Take an adventure into the world of theatre arts! Be a part of Educational Theatre Company's mission to unlock the potential of children and adults through immersion in theatre arts. This theatre workshop will grow motor skills and encourage sensory, intellectual and social development. NO REGISTRATION.​ For more information, call 703-228-3352 This program is part of the Plant a Seed, Read Summer Reading Program.

Children's Area, Columbia Pike Library

For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of reading. NO REGISTRATION.​ Summer construction may make parking at or accessing the library more difficult. For the latest updates, check here: Parking Updates for Columbia Pike Library. For more information, contact 703-228-5710.

Quincy Room, Central Library

Connect with other impacted federal workers The ripple effects of the mass layoff of federal workforce are being felt everywhere in our community. Whether you were a federal employee, federal contractor, or otherwise impacted by the federal workforce reductions, please join in this support group to share your experiences and learn from others. Certified executive coach Eva Hogan will facilitate a group conversation about how to think through what comes next and begin taking actions to move forward with your career. Arlington Public Library will also provide available resources to help you find new employment should the need arise. Please note, this program will not be livestreamed or recorded. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. For more information, please email LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us

Bluemont Room, Central Library

Join us for activities and discussions to engage the brain! Memory Cafe at Central Library is a meeting place for people experiencing early-stage memory loss, along with their caregiver, where they can enjoy a change of pace, meet others on a similiar journey, and engage in specialized group activities. Memory Cafe is a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. All attendees must be accompanied by a caregiver. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Space is limited. For more information, email Lib-CentralOperations@arlingtonva.us. This program is presented in partnership with the Arlington Adult Day Program.

Glencarlyn Library

Calling All Gamers! Join us for an epic gaming experience at the library. It’s the ultimate showdown where you can challenge your friends, discover new games, and showcase your skills on our Nintendo Switch. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: First-come, first-served seating. By registering, you will receive event updates. Attendees may be asked to alternate playtime to ensure everyone gets to play. For more information, contact 703-228-6548

Loft, Cherrydale Library

Tiny Monsters, Big Style Paint and decorate a 3D-printed mini keychain inspired by popular collectible “monster” toys. We’ll have paint markers and other supplies ready so you can customize your own colorful creation to take home.​ NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating.​ For more information, contact 703-228-6330.

Quincy Room, Central Library

For Children in Grades 1-3 Read with a Teen pairs a 1st-3rd grade reader with a trained teen volunteer to bond over books and reading. Readers and Teen Buddies read books, play fun literacy-based games together, and connect over the power of stories! Attendance at all events is recommended, but not required. Series Dates: July 9, 16, 23, 30 REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 703-228-5946 for more information.

Loft, Cherrydale Library

Work on your project with other yarn craft lovers; Share your enthusiasm and learn from each other! Join us on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month to connect with other yarn crafters of all skill levels. Beginners welcome! Bring your knitting, crochet or any portable yarn project or practice with the library's tools. Feel free to bring a covered mug of tea, coffee or any non-alcoholic beverage. Walk-ins welcome! This program is led by an experienced volunteer. Free. Adults 19 . REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. For more information please contact 703-228-6630 or email lib-cherrydale@arlingtonva.us

Eads Room, Aurora Hills Library

For kids in Kindergarten - Grade 5 At each club meeting we explore arts, books and crafts through a different fun activity NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating.​ For more information, contact the Aurora Hills Library at 703-228-5715

Campbell Room, Shirlington Library

Tiny Monsters, Big Style Paint and decorate a 3D-printed mini keychain inspired by popular collectible “monster” toys. We’ll have paint markers and other supplies ready so you can customize your own colorful creation to take home.​ NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating.​ For more information, contact 703-228-6545.

The Shop, Central Library

Do you have small items around your house that are broken or need repair? Perhaps your favorite pair of jeans needs to be patched, or an old lamp has seen better days? Don't just throw them out - figure out how to fix them! We'll have a sewing machine, jewelry parts, hand tools, and more on hand, as well as some inventive library staff who will be happy to investigate with you. We have a limited amount of replacement parts. Therefore we suggest you bring your own, such as lamp sockets, plugs, or zippers. Disclaimer: We'll do our best to help, but we cannot guarantee that your object will be fixed. Drop by anytime between 6 - 8 p.m. during our Open Shop hours. All participants must have a library card in good standing and complete a Maker User Agreement prior to using The Shop equipment. Ages 14 . Participants ages 14-17 must have an adult present or have a Maker User Agreement signed by a parent or guardian. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. Assistance at this event is first-come, first-served. If you are registered but are unable to attend, we ask that you cancel your registration using the link found in the registration email. For more information please contact 703-228-7718 or email LIB-Makers@arlingtonva.us.

Wilson Room, Central Library

Come Read and Discuss Banned Books! Are you interested in reading books that have been banned or challenged? Do you value the importance of freedom of expression? Explore these topics and more with the Banned Books Club. Banned Books Club will meet on the second Thursday of each month and is run by an experienced volunteer. Book club attendees should place their own holds for books, all of which are available in the library's collection. Book List 2026: Jan. 14: All Boys Aren't Blue by George Johnson Feb. 12: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi Mar. 12: American Street by Ibi Zoboi Apr. 9: All the Rivers by Dorit Rabinyan May 14: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Jun. 11: Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison July 9: Flamer by Mike Curato Aug. 13: No meeting for the month of August. Sept. 10: Kindred by Octavia Butler Oct. 8: Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson Nov. 12: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Dec. 10: TBD REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering you will receive event updates. For more information, please contact LIB-Centraloperations@arlingtonva.us.

Quincy Room, Central Library

Practice speaking Spanish in an informal setting. Classes meet Thursday evenings in person. Everyone is welcome but you will need a working knowledge of Spanish in order to participate fully. Classes are led by an experienced Library volunteer. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. For more information call 703-228-5959 or email lib-centraloperations@arlingtonva.us.

2nd Floor , Columbia Pike Library

Need a way to wind down at the end of a long day? Join us the second Thursday of the month for a relaxing meditation session led by Pushpa Krishnaswamy of Yoga Abhyaasaa! Deep meditation helps calm the mind and relaxes the body. Meditation is a vacation away from one's own stress. Meditating for 20 minutes every day helps us to withdraw from our external activities and spend time with ourselves. It is quality me-time. These sessions will include: 20 minutes of movement to relax the body. 20 minutes of meditation. 15 minutes of yoga knowledge with a Q&A session. Instructor: Pushpa Krishnaswamy (She/Her) of YogaAbhyaasaa Traditional Yoga for Holistic Well-being. Pushpa has been teaching yoga for over 9 years. She has been practicing yoga, breathing techniques and meditation for 17 years. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Space is limited. If you are registered but are unable to attend, we ask that you cancel your registration using the link found in the registration email. Summer construction may make parking at or accessing the library more difficult. For the latest updates, check here: Parking Updates for Columbia Pike Library. For more information please contact Columbia Pike Library at 703-228-5710

Glebe Room, Central Library

Prepare for the United States Citizenship Exam. This class meets in person every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each class will: study the 128 civics questions on the exam prepare to take the oral and written portions of the exam in English practice for the Naturalization interview. Since each class will cover a different section of the exam you may start the class at any time. The exam is divided up into 12 sections. We will begin with the first section and advance in order. They are as follows: Early America Establishing Independence The U.S. Constitution U.S. History in the 1800's U. S. History since 1900 Equality and Freedom Rights and Responsibilities U.S. Geography American Symbols and Celebrations The Executive Branch The Legislative Branch The Judicial Branch Because the oral portion of the exam requires the person being tested to understand the questions being asked and to answer them correctly in English, this class will emphasize spoken English. We will also practice the vocabulary and grammar needed to answer the questions successfully. REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. For more information call 703-228-5959 or email LIB-CentralOperations@arlingtonva.us.

Children's Area, Courthouse Library

Preschool STEAM Play Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activities that explore the STEAM-based concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math! No registration. Attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached. For more information, email Lib-Courthouse@arlingtonva.us.

Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium, Central Library

For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of reading. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. Call (703) 228-5946 for more information.

Children's Area, Westover Library

For families with young children Family Storytime is for children 0-5 years and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and flannel boards and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of reading. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. For more information, contact 703-228-5260.

Eads Room, Aurora Hills Library

Level: Beginner - Advanced Practice speaking English in an informal setting. Classes are led by experienced Library volunteers. Classes meet in person on Friday morning. Free. Adults 18 . REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. For more information, call 703-228-5715.

Aurora Hills Senior Center (735 18th St S, Arlington, VA 22202), Aurora Hills Library

For families with children of all ages Join us for Intergenerational Storytime! Children of all ages are invited to a special storytime with Arlington County Parks and Recreation 55 Programs volunteers will share their love of reading and music with children. Storytime will take place in the Senior Center, located in the same building. No registration required for children and their caregivers; attendance is first-come, first-served. Call 703-228-5715 for more information. If you are an Arlington County Parks and Recreation 55 Programs member interested in reading a story to the kids, please contact the Senior Center at 703-228-5722.

Longfellow Room, Westover Library

For families with babies 0-12 months Bond with your baby through songs, rhymes, and games! Stay after the program to connect with other parents and caregivers of babies. NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating.​ For more information, contact 703-228-5260.

Glencarlyn Library

Join us for an hour of sharing, socializing, and creating! A bullet journal is an analog system that allows you to capture and organize tasks, events, and thoughts efficiently. Fully customizable, it can do as much (or as little) as you'd like and can be used as a reading log, meal planner, habit tracker, scrapbook, and so much more! No prior bullet journaling experience needed. Bring your own notebook and pen. Stickers, highlighters, and washi tape will be provided! REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED: First-come, first-served seating. By registering, you will receive event updates. Call 703-228-6548 for more information.

Bluemont Room, Central Library

We meet to discuss an eclectic mix of fiction and nonfiction. This book club is hosted in partnership with the Arlington's Office of Senior Adult Programs. An experienced volunteer maintains our email list. Participants are asked to lead at least one of the discussions during the year. We welcome new members to join us in reading and discussing current literary fiction, historical fiction and some nonfiction titles. We hope to see you there! New members are welcome! REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. 2026 Reading List: Jan. 9: "While Justice Sleeps" by Stacey Abrams Feb. 6: "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s" Doris Kearns Goodwin Mar. 6: "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt Apr. 3: "The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration" by Jake Bittle May 1: "The Hunter" by Tana French Jun. 5: "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano Jul. 10: "A Great Circle" by Maggie Shipstead (one week later due to Independence Day holiday) Aug. 7: "The Wonder, A Novel" by Emma Donoghue Sep. 4: "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver Oct 2: "More Than You'll Ever Know, A Novel" by Katie Gutierrez Nov. 6: "An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us" by Ed Yong Dec. 4: "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Ernest Hemingway For more information contact jodlum@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-5954.

Campbell Room, Shirlington Library

Practice speaking English in an informal setting! Level: Beginner - Advanced. Classes meet in person weekly on Friday afternoons. Practice sessions are led by experienced Library staff. Free. Adults 18 . REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. By registering, you will receive event updates. For more information, call 703-228-7007