Libraries
Westover Library
School and Library Join Forces:
May 9, 2008: A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Reed School site for the Reed School/Westover Library project. [full details]
The 1938 Reed School and Westover library will be combined and reconstructed. [more]
1800 North Lexington Street
Arlington, VA 22205
(703) 228-5260
Branch Manager
Neil Phelps
Hours
Monday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: 1:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Directions
From Washington, D.C.
From the 14th Street Bridge, right (north) onto the GW Parkway. Exit at Spout Run. Proceed to Lee Highway and turn right. Cross North Glebe Road and George Mason Drive. Left on Lexington (about 2.5 miles) and down to library on the right.
From Alexandria
GW Parkway North. Stay on Parkway past Rosslyn to Spout Run exit. Turn right on Lee Highway. Turn left on Lexington Street (2.5 miles) to library on right.
From Fairfax
Rt. 66 East to exit 69 (Rt. 237 or Washington Blvd.). Stay on Washington Blvd., past lights at Sycamore and Ohio to left onto McKinley. Library 2 blocks ahead on left.
From Maryland
From I-495 W, cross American Legion Bridge. Take exit 12, I- 66 East towards Washington to exit 69 (Rt. 237 or Washington Blvd.). Stay on Washington Blvd., past lights at Sycamore and Ohio to left onto McKinley. Library 2 blocks ahead on left.
Metrorail and Metrobus
Westover Library is served by the Number 2 bus line, which runs on Washington Blvd. between the Ballston and East Falls Church Metro stations. The bus runs every 30 minutes. Patrons can disembark at the Westover Shopping Center and walk the one block up McKinley to 18th and Lexington (directly behind the shopping center).
Materials
47,000
Building Size
5,800 square feet
History
Westover Library opened in 1949, when it occupied two apartments at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Longfellow Street. The present split-level structure opened in 1963.
The Westover Branch Library is a busy community library located one block from the Westover Village shops on Washington Blvd. The frequent sight of vintage red or gold library cards in the hands of Westover users shows that many long-term customers make this library part of their regular routine. The print collection features popular and contemporary fiction and non fiction for all age groups, and a selection of popular newspapers and magazines. Audiovisual materials include books on CD and tape for all ages, and family videos and DVDs.
Children's programs are popular and well attended. There are also lively monthly book discussion groups for adults and teens. There are 6 Internet access computers for adults and 3 for children.
The branch is a split level building containing materials on all three floors. While this design is interesting architecturally, it does not allow easy access for customers with disabilities. And, as in a split level house, the item you want is never on the level where you are. At Westover, a great deal has been crammed into a fairly small space. Planning is underway for a new Westover Library.
