BOOKS ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING
WHO WE ARE
The Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) is a volunteer organization established to support our public library system in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to enable a strong, vibrant, engaged community using our libraries as a place to read, learn, work, create, congregate, and share ideas.
Arlington’s public library system is an incredible resource for increasing literacy and strengthening our community, and we strive to enhance its capabilities. To do so, we fund and support special events and programs at all branches, promote literacy through reading programs, and host storytimes and author events.
WHAT WE DO
The Friends of the Arlington Public Library help provide events and activities for our community throughout the year at all of our library locations and beyond.
NEW! Check out these career counseling and emotional support references created by our amazing reference librarians.
![Parents and children listening at Storytime at the Courthouse Library](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Storytime-Courthouse-Library.jpg)
![Jerry Craft author event at Arlington Library](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Author-Events.jpg)
![Friends of Arlington Public Library Book Sale](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Book-Sales.jpg)
![Ms Niki at Lubber Run Amphitheater](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Summer-Reading-Program.jpg)
![women doing crafts at Arlington Library](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Maker-Events.jpg)
![FOAL Bookstore shelves](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Foal-Bookstore.jpg)
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
![quotation quotation mark](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/quotation.png)
It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed.”
- Paula Poundstone