The Arlington Author Salon is a free reading series with a twist: each author’s presentation includes something special to tickle the senses: music, paintings, photographs, tasty treats, fabrics, even smells!

At Kickstand Café, 594 Mass Ave

Lots of bargains for book lovers: an inventory of 30,000 used books and new books at discounted prices. Don’t find what you’re looking for? They’ll special order.

13 Medford Street

Yes, it’s really in Arlington despite the name. And, yes, typewriters live on in the digital age. It sells vintage typewriters -- portable typewriters from the 1920s through 1970s are best sellers – repairs machines, and provides parts. It’s also a museum of sorts: see an array of classic Royals, Remingtons, and Coronas and period ads from the heyday of the machine that created the qwerty keyboard.

102 Mass Ave

Arlington’s public libraries play a major role in the cultural life of the town. The Fox Branch Library is a much-loved community hub for East Arlington families. Both libraries offer an extensive collection of books and other media, supplemented by all libraries in the Minuteman Network. The Robbins Library Local History Room contains a collection that documents the historical, social, and cultural development of Arlington. Robbins also has an art loan program. Both libraries host lectures, readings, special events, and programs for young readers.

175 Mass Ave

For each storytelling event, Fugitive Stories selects a theme and Moth and Massmouth winners, along with others from the local community, share their stories. Audience members can drop their names in hat; if chosen, they also tell their stories on the theme.

At Kickstand Café, 594 Mass Ave

The Poet Laureate Committee selected Jean P. Flanagan as the fourth Poet Laureate of Arlington. She was appointed by the Select Board on January 23, 2023. Flanagan is one of the founders of the Arlington Center for the Arts – a linchpin of our cultural community and a physical manifestation of the ways our lives are inextricably bound. The Poet Laureate is a 3-year town appointed position funded by the Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture (ACAC).

700 Massachusetts Avenue

Built in 1892 by the architectural firm of Cabot, Everett and Mead, the original Robbins Library building was based on an Italian Renaissance design. Today Robbins Library in Arlington Center and the Fox Branch Library in East Arlington play a major role in the cultural life of the town. Both these public libraries offer an extensive collection of books and other media, supplemented by all libraries in the Minuteman Network, and host lectures, readings, special events, and programs for young readers. The Robbins Library Local History Room contains a collection documenting the historical, social, and cultural development of Arlington.

680 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 02474