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Business Plan
Arlington has a network of six library branches found strategically throughout the city and the George W. Hawkes Downtown
Library is in the heart of Downtown Arlington. Each of these locations offers a variety of unique spaces such as:
The Maker Space, with a focus on exploration and creativity
Arlington Reads Adult Education area
Genealogy & Local History section
Engaging areas for teen and children where they can explore and play
All library locations offer a variety of public meeting and study areas that
provide spaces for collaboration, discussion, and gathering spaces for
the community.
The 80,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
has been open for one year. In the first year 370,017 visitors came through the
doors of the new building, 35,752 library guests enjoyed programs for all ages, and over 486,624 physical library items were
checked out. At the beginning of February 2019, the Woodland West Branch Library renovation project was complete. This
$637,260 project was funded through both bond and general fund allocations and included a new entry area, updated public
restrooms, new shelving and furniture in the public areas. Since the reopening, 107,628 guests have visited the Woodland
West.
To further the City’s FY 2020 Council Priorities to support youth and families and champion great neighborhoods, the Library
offers a wide array of programs for all ages, often in partnership with community educational and cultural institutions, to enhance
quality of life and civic involvement, increase appreciation for the arts, and improve vocational skills for Arlington residents. It is
another exciting way that people connect through the Library’s innovative and engaging programs throughout the year.
Examples of unique Library partnerships in FY 2019 include:
Camp Lotus, a 1-week music camp hosted by 14-time Grammy Award winner, Kirk
Franklin, provided young aspiring musicians the unique opportunity to maximize
their potential and helping to prepare them for a career in the music industry.
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation donated a dazzling,
interactive sculpture now available for public enjoyment in the heart of Arlington just
outside the Downtown Library.
A partnership with City Square supplied free lunches during the summer for children
at four library locations.
Arlington Water Utilities, Tarrant Regional Water District and the Library worked
together to presented “Fix-a-Leak Week” to offer demonstration workshops that also
feature library resources to learn quick fixes for household and outdoor leaks and
water conservation.
Arlington Public Library has been a member of the Tarrant County Adult Education Literacy Consortium (TCAELC) for
a couple of years now. The consortium is partnership that includes a Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce
Solutions for Tarrant County, Fort Worth ISD, Tarrant County College District, Arlington Public Library, Arlington ISD,
Birdville ISD, Tarrant Literacy Coalition, The Learning Center of North Texas, Region XI, DARS, and various Tarrant
County civic, religious, and community partners to provide educational and career opportunities for adults (18 years of
age or older) in Tarrant County that may be struggling due to limited education. In FY 2019 APL received a $235,614
grant to fund a wide range of adult education opportunities such as High School Equivalency, English as a Second
Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education and Citizenship classes.
The Library department is also present outside of the confines of the library locations. The Library team is out and
about connecting with members of our community at a variety of outreach programs and events. In addition, the
LiteracyLiNK van continues to help build early literacy skills in young children by supporting partnerships with other
organizations, especially those with the goal of minimizing the effects of growing up in poverty. The LiteracyLiNK staff
2020 Adopted Budget and Business Plan 12 City of Arlington, Texas
