Arlington County Public Library Department Records 1960-.
(Realia)

RG 29 is divided into three accretions. Accretion #1 consists of five subgroups including branches, library department records, Central library, buildings and construction, and Arlington County. Accretion #2 consists of subgroup six, the records of the central library addition. Accretion #3 has eighteen subgroups that follow the same basic pattern of Accretion #1. Within each subgroup the records are divided into alphabetically arranged series. Within each series the material is arranged chronologically.

Please contact the Center for Local History in advance to view these materials. There are no research restrictions.

RG 29 has organizational records that include all aspects of the Library's development and growth from the history of the branches and personnel records to building maintenance and Virginia Room grants.

Prior to 1936, Arlington County had five independent neighborhood libraries. These libraries received limited financial support from the County. In 1936, Arlington citizens working with the libraries organized a County Library Association with the goal of creating a county library system and increasing the County's financial support. In the years following this beginning, many librarians and volunteers have worked to enhance collections, and increase community services. In 1949, the eight branches in operation included: Aurora Hills, Cherrydale, Clarendon, Columbia Pike, Glen Carlyn, Holmes, Shirlington (formerly Fairlington), and Westover. Except for the Holmes branch, which closed in 1949, and the Clarendon branch, which became Central Library, all these branches remain in operation. The branches have over time expanded operations, moved into larger facilities, and hired additional staff in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of the Arlington Community.

Finding aid is available in the library.