A Great Resource for ALL!…read more This library is simply, a gem. It often gets overlooked between the hustle and bustle of the congested, busy Oxon Hill Road traffic and slue of neighboring businesses. As an avid bookworm and lover of books, I've seen this library many times while on my commute riding home but today I was off and decided to stop by and venture in. Although not much to look at on the outside, I must say I was impressed with the interior of the library and its collection. Although the collection of books are small compared to other libraries around, they were still relevant and current. What makes this library special is that they have a huge collection of African-American history and literature..... actually, as I learned from the head librarian, it is one of the largest collections of African-American history books and literature in the Washington DC area. I spent some significant time and this section of the library and really enjoyed it. Lots of knowledge and artifacts for the avid readers and knowledge seekers. I also couldn't help but notice a community puzzle that was laid out on a table that was really cool! I even added a couple of the missing pieces myself and found it to be very cathartic--relaxing. In all, neighborhood libraries can be a bit of lost nostalgia, but I find these resources to be very important in today's digital world. It's great to step into a space and actually feel, read, engulf yourself into reading materials as oppose to glaring screens and tablets. I highly recommend stopping by this library and giving it your patronage. It is open to all, whether you are a DC or Maryland resident. The staff is truly knowledgeable and seemed very happy to help with my questions/requests. The facilities is fully Wi-Fi enabled and can service a great stop for quick teleworking. It's the historical reference for me about this library and the vast collection of African-American literature that makes this place a stand out. They will even go back to the old collections and pull something out for you. They even have a wide variety of events, programs, including educational programs and lectures. And if they don't have what you are looking for, they can order it from another library and have it brought in for you. Not to mention, your library card gives you full access to digital materials and a library service called Libby, which contains just about anything you would find both old and current in any bookstore for free. I definitely recommend a stop by to this library. I have something for all ages. Enjoy!

This is a great library. While I haven't explored the full library, it's a great size library. I…read morecome here with my 3 year old for Story time and he absolutely loves it! We have been to a few libraries for story time and Oxon Hill is hands down the best. They do a great job picking books that engage the kiddos. Plus the music/movement breaks are always on point. The staff is always friendly, engaging, and welcoming. I adore this library and highly recommend their story time for the little humans. Let me also add that they have a great Children's book section.

This building has amazing architecture and paintings. Get the free tour with a volunteer guide…read more She pointed out so many interesting facts that I would have missed on my own. You can also get a free library card if you want to do research or go into the reading rooms. First time visiting this beautiful building.

If you're in DC for just a few days, I'd add Library of Congress to the list. Note that you do need…read moretickets to enter, but the best part about the tickets is that it's free. The architecture is beautiful. There was a lot of thought that went into the structure and design of the building. I took the advice of one of the people and went into the viewing room first, but I wish I had gotten a later "timed entry" to see the library itself so that I could've taken the time to learn what I was looking at. If I were to do it again, I'd follow the order online of how to view the Library of Congress, and I'd time the viewing of the library itself to be the last part. Fun fact: you also can get a library card for the Library of Congress! As long as if you fill out the form and have an ID, you can get a library card the same day and it'll last for 2 years.

Sometimes it feels like nothing nice gets built anymore. But somehow, Southwest did end up with…read morethis library, a pleasing wood-accented construction adjacent to the park. The library is smaller inside than it looks, and while it did have a small outdoor balcony, this was closed for some reason despite the pristine weather. It was an easy place to sit and charge a device or use wifi. There were some meeting rooms and an event calendar, and it was a reasonably well-attended space.

Inside a new building is Southwest Waterfront's new public library. Walk inside the two-story…read morebuilding and find computers with internet, free printing for library card holders, and lots of books. On the walls along the stairs is an old photo of the neighborhood. The library staff are helpful and they do lots of programming like story time for kids. On both floors are a few outdoor patios with chairs and tables.

Great library and community resource!…read more Just what this neighborhood needs. I am a bookworm and love myself some libraries....not to mention, an avid reader and enjoy the nostalgia of "physical" books! Not the digital stuff! I stopped by this library by happenstance because I had an overdue book in my trunk and the thought hit me to return it, when I noticed this location while passing through this neighborhood --- trying to follow Google Maps short cut route home during rush hour. I must say I was impressed. Although, the library collection is limited, there are tons of free resources, internet and computer services available for both adults and kids living in this neighborhood that may not otherwise have access to these types of resources. The facilities is small and you will not be overwhelmed as you are exploring their collection. Also, this library is very quiet, well organized and is great for serving as a study or meeting place for groups given there is low foot traffic. The staff are very helpful as well. They were very accommodating to my super late book return and I was happy to know that there were no fees. It was my first time visiting this library and I enjoyed my time here. Time well spent to say the least...and who knew?!....I was able to kill some time in this library instead of being stuck in rush hour traffic. I co-sign and recommend this great community resource!

Great library it nice and quiet and people are very nice and kind and show respect for each othersread more

This location is in Del Ray right behind the Mount Vernon school. There are a few spots for parking…read morebut chances are you may need to find it on the street. They have baby time on Mondays which was the purpose of the visit. It took place in a large space and was very interactive with bouncing, lifting, and puppets. There is a large kid section with lots of board books here. They also have a large rug area with puzzles and toys which we really enjoyed after the baby time. I really enjoyed my interactions here and plan to return again soon for both baby time and book check out.

A little outdated but overall cozy library. I come here often to get work and homework done…read more There's a fair amount of comfy chairs and tables. They do a lot of children's activities so if you're looking for a super quiet library this is not the place for you. Depending on the time of day parking can be a challenge. They have a small lot but it fills up quickly. There's also a ton of street parking but you may have to walk a block or two.

I don't know why it took me so long to get a library card, but the sign up process was super easy!…read moreYou just download the app on your phone, enter personal information, and have to verify your information in person within 30 days of signing up with an ID. In the mean time, you can browse the extensive catalog, which is shared among the nine libraries across Arlington. I was able to pick up the book I wanted to read within 3 business days of signing up! I'm super excited to discover more books through the library.

Wow - what a very pleasant experience! I haven't been to a public library in years and today, I was…read morein and out in five minutes! I got a library card and checked a book out. Everything was super efficient and the staff member I worked with was very helpful. And three weeks for a book is so generous! Can't wait to come back.

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.)

Excellent library. Convenient book reservation policies. Friendly service and accommodating hours.read more

I love this library right in old town. Lots of activities and classes for kids. We absolutely love…read morethe toddler classes. I just don't love that there's no parking lot. Street parking can be difficult to come by.

I went to the library to use the sewing room at the main branch. I thought my name would still be…read morein the system. I moved to VA from the West Coast; I was at the library for a Toast Masters meeting event. I received a library card at that time. I could not remember how to thread a machine it's been years they gave me the step-by-step information they saw me struggling, because they could not find my card one girl behaved as though I had committed a crime for not having a library card the other was helpful they stood around talking doing nothing while they watched me struggle. I don't know if it's the generation, racism or my high expectation for human kindness. I left without sewing a seam a small tear in my kimono. I came home sewed it by hand and purchased a machine on Amazon so I can teach myself once again. That experienced made me realized I have little patience for superior attitudes and a reminder in my daily activities to be kinder whenever possible it cost us nothing you don't need a card or help just the willingness to be a kind human being.

The location is great. The children, during children's hour, are beyond loud. Guess I'll choose a…read moredifferent time to come to the library and do some work. Spacious, lots of computers and work space. I appreciated it. But, don't sit by the large meeting room. Libraries just aren't quiet anymore. Lmao