This page was last updated on July 14, 2026.
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| Before the celebration, the library was decorated to commemorate the 250th anniversary of signing of the Declaration of Independence. |
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| Here's the library loft just before the event. |
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| Librarians Charlotte Malerich and Alexandra Schultz researched and created a spectacular video slide show on the history of public libraries across America and in Arlington and Cherrydale in particular. |
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Suzanne and Greg Embree, officers of Citizens for Cherrydale Library, assisted in organizing the event. Here they pose before the cake they bought at Heidelberg Bakery. It weighed at least 25 pounds and was consumed almost entirely by the end of the celebration. |
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Revolutionary War reenactors Scott Springston (center) and son Dakota pose with mom, spouse, and family seamstress Kathryn Holt Springston just before the crowd arrives. Kathryn is the Smithsonian Institution's longtime historian for Arlington County. All belong to the Arlington Historical Society. |
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The library was packed most of the afternoon. One librarian estimated that some 500 people attended for at least part of the time during the two-hour celebration. |
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Members of the volunteer-led book discussion group that meets by Zoom arranged to have a group photo made during the celebration. |
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The band "Fusion Project" shared the main floor with the children's crafting tables during the event. The group's music throughout the afternoon drew avid listeners and gave the event its celebratory and festive flavor. Members, from left to right, are Evan, Ava, Elisha, and Isaac--all recent graduates of H-B Woodlawn. |
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Kate Summers, vice-president of Friends of the Arlington Library (FOAL), welcomes the crowd. FOAL, which co-hosted the event with Citizens for Cherrydale Library, arranged for multiple platters of delicious snacks from Lebanese Taverna, Lapu Lapu, and Habibi Market. |
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County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti addressed the crowd, reminiscing about attending library programs with his young daughter, and thanking attendees for their patience during the FY2027 budget adoption process. To watch Mr. De Ferranti's remarks, visit this link on YouTube. |
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Greg Embree, Secretary, Citizens for Cherrydale Library, spoke about the history of public libraries in America and how their growth stemmed from the core principles written in the Declaration of Independence. To watch Greg's 15-minute speech, visit this link on YouTube. |