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Library director outlines outreach, teen programs and possible Cherrydale closure as budget lever
Summary
Arlington Public Library reported heavy usage across eight locations, growth in teen volunteering and maker‑space activity, and presented a proposed Cherrydale branch closure (3.75 FTE reduction) that would shift services to other locations and outreach; board members asked for operating cost, demographic usage, and transition plans.
Diane Kresh, director of Arlington Public Library, told the board that libraries remain a heavily used social safety net, with the system on track for roughly 3.9 million checkouts and about 96,000 active patrons in 2026. Kresh highlighted new and popular offerings — the Westover teen space, a growing maker space (8,500 visitors), and a teen volunteer program that has expanded to 186 volunteers at Central.
Kresh said the library’s FY27 proposal includes a potential closing…
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