The Downtown Library's second floor is dedicated to modern learning, creativity and innovation. With technology and spaces for teens and adults, students and creators, the second floor will be a busy hub of activity. Explore public computing, adult education, maker spaces and more once the Downtown Library opens on June 16.

The second floor will hold the bulk of the Downtown Library's computers and other technology for adults. Computers with Internet access, the Microsoft Office suite, and CD/DVD capabilities will be available for adults to use for free with their library card. Non-residents can purchase a guest pass for computer access. A print and copy station, one of three throughout the building, will release printing done from library computers or through the library's mobile printing service.

Staff will be on-hand to help with research, navigating the library, and smart devices! Visit the Help Desk for assistance finding an item, using the library, or reserving a meeting room. The Ruthie Brock & Allan Saxe Tech Genius station is a starting point for eBooks, tablets, smart devices, and more. Library experts are glad to help at both service points.

Beyond the Tech Genius, discover the library's maker space. Four unique spaces, each with a different set of modern or traditional tools, are available for library card holders to use. Create holds a set of 3D printers and computers. Explore is a computer lab which will be used for classes as well as open work times. Innovate offers professional equipment like a vinyl cutter, plotter printer, vacuum former, and more. Tinker is a space for traditional fiber arts and offers sewing, quilting and embroidery machines. Training and classes will be available for all equipment.

Teens will find a space just for them on the second floor. Play video games, meet after school in study rooms, browse Young Adult books, or just hang out in quirky, comfortable furniture. Teens can even check out a laptop or other device to use within the library. A teen Help Desk in this section is ready for questions about projects, technology, books, events and more.

Arlington Reads, the Arlington Public Library's adult education initiative, gives a home to adult learners on the second floor. After many years operating in the Literacy House, Arlington Reads is moving to the Downtown Library. This space features a classroom, an open workspace for studying or meeting with tutors, and a welcoming reception room. Free classes in High School Equivalency Test Prep, English as a Second Language, Citizenship, adult basic education and other subjects will be offered year-round.

Books and other items housed on the second floor will support adult learning. The International Languages collection and a portion of the Non-Fiction collection will be available just outside Arlington Reads. Audio visual items such as DVDs and audiobooks are also moving to the second floor.

Like all floors of the new Downtown Library, the second floor offers meeting rooms and multipurpose spaces to the community. Each room is specially named to empower its users. The Spark Ideas and Be Unique Be You rooms are perfect for teens to reserve for school or personal projects.

Along the east side of the building, the Curiosity, Courage, Optimism, Resilience and Originality rooms have great views of Downtown Arlington to enjoy while working. The second floor also features the Confidence reading nook, a comfortable spot to read or get online while overlooking the first floor Lobby.

The second floor of the Downtown Library offers many ways to learn and explore! Discover them all in person when the building opens to the public on June 16, or afterward during normal business hours.

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Welcome Downtown: The Downtown Library's First Floor