Arlington Public Library Joins WETA To Celebrate Elizabeth Campbell

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington Public Library is partnering with WETA on a community celebration of the life of Elizabeth Campbell on Friday at Shirlington Library, an event that will highlight Campbell’s many contributions to Arlington.

The April 7 event, from 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., will feature crafts and activities for children and families and light refreshments for all.

A community scavenger hunt will be announced at the celebration, along with the unveiling of Campbell’s desk, which her family donated to Arlington Public Library. Also, PBS character Super Why will make a special appearance at the celebration.

Campbell, founder of WETA, the first public television station in the D.C. area, was an elected member of Arlington School Board and worked to desegregate the county’s schools. She died in 2004 at the age of 101.

Along with Super Why, special guests at Friday’s events will include Sharon Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA, Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz, County Board Chair Christian Dorsey, County Board Member Takis Karantois and Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh.

The event, which is also sponsored by the Center for Local History, will mark the opening of a new exhibit, “Power in the Public: The Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Campbell,” at Shirlington Library.

The library is located at 4200 Campbell Ave., named after Elizabeth Campbell and her husband. The public can visit the Arlington Public Library website to RSVP for the event.