Glencarlyn Library
🏢 Arlington Public Library · ARLINGTON, Virginia
Glencarlyn Library
Glencarlyn Library grew from the very origins of Arlington's public library system — a book collection begun in the 1880s for the Glencarlyn summer community at nearby Carlin Hall. The branch sits alongside Glencarlyn Park, one of Arlington's largest natural areas, making it a natural gathering place for the west Arlington neighborhood.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 300 South Kensington Street, ARLINGTON, VA 22204
Phone: 7032286548
Website: library.arlingtonva.us
📖 About Glencarlyn Library
<p>Glencarlyn Library's roots reach back to the late 1880s, when a book collection was started at Carlin Hall to serve the summer community that Washingtonians built in what is now Glencarlyn. That informal collection grew into one of Arlington County's first organized library services, eventually becoming the Glencarlyn branch at 300 South Kensington Street. The library borders Glencarlyn Park and the Long Branch Nature Center, serving a west Arlington residential community with collections, public computers, and programs for all ages.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Descended from an 1880s book collection at Carlin Hall — the earliest origins of Arlington's library system
- Situated adjacent to Glencarlyn Park and the Long Branch Nature Center
- Serves west Arlington's residential community between Arlington Boulevard and Carlin Springs Road
- Full circulating collection with countywide holds and public computer access
📱 Free with an Arlington Public Library Card
Digital borrowing and statewide research tools available 24/7 at no cost.
📍 More Arlington Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Glencarlyn Library?
Glencarlyn Library traces its origins to the late 1880s, when a book collection was established at Carlin Hall in the Glencarlyn neighborhood — making it the oldest precursor to the Arlington Public Library system. The current branch at 300 South Kensington Street continues that long tradition of neighborhood library service.
Is there a park near Glencarlyn Library?
Yes. Glencarlyn Library is located next to Glencarlyn Park and the Long Branch Nature Center, both Arlington County natural areas. The park offers trails, a butterfly garden, and stream access just steps from the library entrance.
What are Glencarlyn Library's hours on Tuesdays?
On Tuesdays, Glencarlyn Library is open noon–8 p.m. The branch is closed on Sundays. Full weekly hours: Monday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday noon–8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.