What is the secret ingredient to a great city? Its people—and their favorite dishes! As Arlington celebrates its historic 150th birthday this year, the Arlington Public Library is looking to cook up something special, and they need your favorite family recipes to make it happen.
From now through Oct. 2, 2026, community members are invited to share their favorite family recipes to help create a cookbook that celebrates Arlington’s diverse cultures, traditions and love of food. Your signature dish deserves a spot in the collection!
Recipes may be submitted online or in person. Fillable paper forms are available at all library locations. You can submit your recipe online. The library will compile submissions into a cookbook that will be displayed at the library and available for checkout.
If you need assistance submitting or transcribing your recipe, the library will host two in-person sessions to help. Participants who would like to include a photo with their recipe should bring a physical copy for scanning.
Sessions will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on both Friday, June 12 and Friday, July 10, at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S. Center St. More in-person sessions may be added at a later date.
This project is generously supported by the Arlington Genealogical Society.





