On June 16, the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library marked its first year promoting literacy and providing educational opportunities to the Arlington community! The Downtown Library opened on June 16, 2018 with a celebration attended by more than 3,000 people. As a hub for the community, the library has provided life-changing free services for all ages.

Since opening, the Downtown Library has seen 344,752 visitors. The Library is open seven days a week and is a resource for the community each day. Regular hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 to 6 p.m.

The Downtown Library contains 157,270 items, ranging from traditional formats like books to modern options such as laptops for in-building use and science kits for parents and teachers. Patrons checked out 427,724 items from the Downtown Library in its first year.

The Library offers events for all ages. Learning support begins with early literacy interventions in storytimes and follows children as they enter kindergarten, move through the school system, and prepare for college or a career. Adults can benefit from free education classes as well as recreational activities, including creative options for seniors. Since opening, the Downtown Library has hosted 1,652 events, attended by 34,018 patrons.

The Downtown Library is designed to meet the needs of a vibrant, modern society, and offers a variety of community meeting spaces! From free study rooms to formal event spaces, there are options for many events and price ranges. So far, the Downtown Library has hosted 658 outside meetings and 6,613 study room reservations.

Community support is a driving force behind the Arlington Public Library, and the Downtown Library is no exception. The new building has already seen 205 volunteers give 4,253 hours of service! The Library is also excited to welcome new patrons, 6,191 of whom got a library card for the first time at the Downtown Library.

“The Downtown Library is a modern resource for a modern city,” says Acting Director of Libraries Norma Zuniga. “We have had a great first year and are excited for what is still to come.”

The Downtown Library is located at 100 S. Center St., Arlington, TX 76051. Click here to learn more about the Library.