Glencarlyn Library to celebrate over 100 years with festivities this weekend
Glencarlyn Library is celebrating over 100 years in operation with a rededication and family friendly festivities this weekend.
The library opened in the fall of 1923. It will honor its extensive history on Saturday afternoon with displays of historic photos, a talk about Glencarlyn in the 1920s and remarks from officials including Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey, a press release says.
A Roaring '20s-themed fair featuring classic carnival games such as ring toss, fish bowl, bean bag throw and "ducks in a bucket" will follow the rededication ceremony and cake cutting.
The fair, which will take place at Carlin Hall next door to the library, will also include a crafts table, a Charleston contest and refreshments including popcorn, cotton candy, lemonade and hotdogs.
A complete schedule for the afternoon's events, which begin inside Glencarlyn Library at 300 S. Kensington Street, is below.
In addition to Garvey, scheduled speakers at the event include Arlington Public Library Deputy Director Anne Gable, Glencarlyn Civic Association President Brandon Hemel and Glencarlyn Library Centennial Celebration Chair Julie Lee.
Construction on the original Glencarlyn Library was completed in 1922 thanks to a $3,000 bequeathment from Samuel Swinfin Burdett , a prominent Glencarlyn resident, and a $2,000 sale of Glencarlyn lots owned by Burdett and William Curtis.
The library became part of the Arlington Public Library system in 1941, and the county received a deed to the building in 1959. A new facility for Glencarlyn Library was built in 1963.
"Glencarlyn Library is our neighborhood treasure," said Lee. "It is the heart of our community and benefits so many in Arlington's most economically challenged neighborhoods. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to commemorate Glencarlyn Library's rich history and celebrate its purpose."
