After years of construction and planning, the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is opening to the public on Saturday, June 16. The Downtown Library, located at 100 S. Center St., Arlington TX will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by a day full of activities for all ages. Library staff and volunteers are excited to share the new building with the public for the first time. A full schedule and more details are available here on the Arlington Public Library’s site.
The grand opening kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Mayor Jeff Williams and other speakers will offer their remarks in the Plaza between City Hall and the Downtown Library. The audience will enjoy roving costumed performers, free balloons on sticks, and cake served in the plaza. After the ribbon is cut, the front doors will open for the first time! Join the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, the library’s sustainability partner, in the lobby for a ceremonial flipping of the switch, then explore the rest of the building.
The Downtown Library has three floors, each full of books, technology, seating, natural light, work spaces and more. Explore the different vibe on each level: the first floor children’s section and Living Room are bright and energetic, the second floor’s technology spaces are full of slick surfaces and cool colors, and the more traditional third floor offers wood tones and tall bookshelves.
Once the building is open, discover new library services with open house-style demonstrations all day long. From storytime and STEM activities on the first floor to local history lectures and a rock band performance on the third floor, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss a tween writing workshop with award-winning author Kimberly Willis Holt or short film screenings in the City Council Chambers and Community Room!
The Library will close at 6 p.m., but reopen from 8 to 10 for the inaugural Library After Hours. This evening event for adults features live music and refreshments for purchase.
The Downtown Library’s regular hours of operation will be Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Downtown Library will be open on Sundays all year long.
More grand opening details are available here on the Arlington Public Library’s site.