The smallest branch in the Arlington system, but it's still good. If Central Library's like a…read moregiant tour bus filled with nerdy gloriousness, then Glencarlyn's more of a clown car. Tiny but packed with some great finds. If you have children/teens or just have a nostalgic fondness for hardcover Nancy Drews and Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown's solve it yourself mysteries, every single Princess Diaries ever penned, or Dr. Seuss's, this branch is definitely worth a browse. The adult fiction section is limited, but they have an excellent and well stocked children's books section and a not too shabby YA section, too. There's even some carpeted steps by the windows for sitting and reading with your kids, siblings, and baby sittees. An added bonus is that the back garden is maintained by the Master Gardeners of northern VA. At this time of year it's a lovely place to walk around and admire the various plants and flowers or to sit on a bench with a good book.

This is my favorite branch of the Arlington County Library. It's so quaint. It just sits on its…read morelittle side street in the sleepy neighborhood of Glencarlyn, surprising unsuspecting new patrons who enter it to find a book they ordered, expecting a branch library in one of the richest counties in the country and not a one room schoolhouse with books (a good thing...five stars!). Even the walk from my house is fun, along the trails in Glencarlyn Park and the Long Branch Nature Center. The selection is small, because the branch is small, but the last time I went in I left with two books just from browsing. That's the sign of a good library.

I like that it is a relaxing place. This is probably among the most laid back county libraries…read more Also you don't have to fight for parking. That alone makes me pleased. It's set back from the main road, but close enough to be visible. Also if you want to donate books, or get cheap used ones, this could be a place for that. There's not many computers. Quite a few of them are dated. Sure you'll find plenty of newspapers, but sadly not much good writing in them anymore. Staff here is friendly and helpful. Families with little ones will love the children's section. This is a pleasant community library. There are meeting rooms and events also.

This is my local library and, although it's on the smaller side, they have a great children's…read moresection and it's never crowded (except during the twice a year book sale), making it an ideal place if you want to read in peace or study. The reservation system, which is Fairfax county-wide, is easy to use and the books come quickly. Parking is plentiful, with the exception of during the book sale. Since I've mentioned it a couple of times, the book sale is the highlight of this library. Held in April and November, make sure you come the first day, usually a Thursday, to take full advantage of the kids room. All paperback books are 50 cents! I bought about 20 children's books in good condition for $15.00. The hardback books were around $1.00 each. Even if you live a bit further than I do, I still highly recommend stoping by during the sale, particularly if you're searching for board ,toddler, and early reader books.

This is a decent library with a decent selection of literature. It also has a decent amount of…read morespace to study/work and I like the variation in workspaces aligned along the perimeter. The high ceilings and windows make it special. Additionally they have regularly scheduled activities for individuals of all ages, passport services, a decent amount of computers with printing, puzzles, a children's area w/ books and toys and a newspaper/magazine room. Staff is generally pleasant. However, you will need NOISE CANCELLING headphones. There are children screaming and running around, unhoused individuals snoring, elderly people speaking loudly and inconsiderate people also making noise -often on the phone (whether on speakerphone, facetime or zoom calls). If you ask personnel to tell someone to be more quiet, they are prompt though. However, that individual will likely continue once they're gone. It also is problematic how despite this library having a childrens section towards the front, they host events in the back of the library where many are working quietly..... Reservable rooms and more considerate hosting would resolve these issues. I have noticed many of us are students/professionals working/studying intensely and more consideration in preserving a serene environment would make this place more appealing.

This is a wonderful, beautiful library right up against a busy main street (Duke Street) but the…read moreaccess point is through N Pickett Street and with a huge parking lot nestled among mature trees and plenty of shade. As of May 2024, is heavily under construction and restoration, and areas are clearly taped off. The library is still open for business. The interior is clean, bright lit, huge with tall ceilings, books stocked and neatly organized on shelves, areas for newsletters and flyers, clean bathrooms, a separate kids area, computers for Internet access, a lovely very green courtyard, comfortable arm chairs, and a lot of seating. Anyone who lives, works, owns property, owns a business or attends school in Alexandria is entitled to a free library card and allowed full use of the facilities, plus those who live in Arlington, Charles, District of Columbia, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Prince William.

This is our closest library. Everyone is very kind and quick to help out. It isn't the largest…read morelibrary but we always find something that interests me and my son. Thanks for your community services and helpfulness.

Rigid systems and Customer Service needs a VAST Improvement…read more The book I am reading was a 14 day loan, due today. I tried to renew online, but was not allowed. There is a sticker on the book, no renewal. Ok, thus now I have to make a trip to the library. I have about 100 pages still to read. When I checked it out, there were multiple copies in the library, which is about 5 minutes away. However, now no copies. The Sherwood branch, further way on route 1, and way out of my way, has 2 copies available. I could put a hold and have it delivered to my library here, however, there is a note about the John Marshall library closing Saturday for renovation and will be closed for 18 months. I called the John Marshall branch to see if they could override and just renew so I wouldn't have to make an out of the way trip when I don't have time. They said NO, they can't. Also, I can't get a hold sent to here as they are not taking them now and are being re-directed due to the closing. I tried to write a note of complaint to the branch manager as I felt that was POOR customer service given the situation. But the email bounced back. Tried to send to the Sherwood Branch mgr and got the same bounce back. I tried to just put the book on hold to send it to the Kingstowne branch which would be next closest, however, it wouldn't let me put the book on hold because I already have the same titled book checked out. I called John Marshall to talk to the mgr, but she was out. Called the mgr at the Sherwood branch to explain situation w/ renewal, holds, branch closing, etc., and hopefully work it out. She still could NOT just renew mine, even though there are 4 available books in the system. So I still have to go to the library tonight to return mine. She was able to put one on the hold and I will pick it it up in Kingstowne when it arrives. Super annoying...when I haven't finished the story. It's a bit ridiculous. What is the difference of just renewing a book for a customer when they call and speak to the manager vs me having to return 1 copy to John Marshall, and Sherwood sending a different copy to Kingstowne for me to check out? I just don't get it and it was a complete waste of my time :-(

AMBIANCE A beautiful place to work/study! I was looking for…read morea more focused work/study place outside of home or coffee shops that offered a quieter setting, and Fenwick Library was perfect. This was my first time visiting the campus, and it was absolutely beautiful. The windows on the floors are floor to ceiling and offer great scenery of the greenery on campus. The second floor is for collaboration, and the third floor is for quiet study. Group study rooms during the summertime are often empty but are only reservable by students/faculty. WI-FI Wi-fi (MASON for guests) is free upon creation of an account. Your account expires every two weeks, so if you visit often as a guest, it might be tedious to keep creating/renewing accounts. BATHROOMS The bathrooms are very clean and tidy with multiple locations on each floor. PARKING Parking garages on campus are $5/hr, so if you're an outsider visiting to study, it can get quite pricy. Bus routes are also available around campus to the rest of the county.

Love this library. Always go here to do work or hop on a zoom class. I always try to reserve a room…read moreand if I am having difficulties getting someone out of my room the staff is super professional and efficient in getting the reserved room at hand available.

The staff at this library are incredible and they have well thought out programs and activities- a…read morereal gem in Fairfax County. We bring our kiddos from Fairfax County less secure detention and the staff is consistently kind, helpful and engaged when they ask questions or need recommendations. They helped us establish a really nice reading program in our facility that will last long after I leave...and the staff at the library is a part of this legacy! Thank you Fairfax Co library staff for treating all your customers with respect and dignity. ;)

Quiet and great place to get work done. Plenty of tables and seating and free parking!!read more

A neighborhood library who is a little old but still very nice. Surprisingly, the is a fair amount…read moreof space in this one. They have a nice children's section as well as a fairly big computer room. They also have meeting rooms which can hold up to 100 People. However, the best part here at Burke would be the friendly staff, very helpful.

Decent library. It's got a nice parking lot to park in the back. It's a relatively small library…read morecompared to the other ones I have seen in Alexandria and Arlington but it's got a decent collection. I like the small local feel of it. When I went, people took their children for story hour during the summer and that's cute. I like that the system allows you to put books on hold and transport it to whichever library you choose so even though this library did not have the books I want, I was able to get a transport. The staff here are friendly.

Printing services are convenient and affordable! You can easily load your documents to the…read moreSmartAlec app and once you get to the library just print. Staff is available if you need assistance. You can add your library card to your mobile wallet as well. Btw this location is open by entering via right side of the building lower level. General area of library is under construction so customers cannot enter via main entrance.

This library is noisy, many inconsiderate people do not take into account that others are studying…read moreor working, people talking loudly on their cell phones, there is not moderator in the library to regulate the noise level, either signs that encourage people to be silence, the children screaming all the time and parents don't do nothing to preserve the harmony of the library. Please if you don't know how to behave in a public library go to Starbucks.