The Downtown Library's third floor, full of books and quiet places to read, is the most traditional space in the building. The third floor holds the entire fiction collection for adults as well as a large amount of the non-fiction books. Patrons can work or study in a variety of specialized areas, including an executive-style board room, study spaces, and a staffed genealogy collection. Discover this floor when the Downtown Library opens to the public on Saturday, June 16.
The third floor houses all regular-print fiction for adults. Book lovers can explore more than 5,000 square feet of fiction and paperbacks! Mysteries, science fiction, and westerns are highlighted in their own sections to make it easier for genre fans to find their favorites. Read the first few pages of a book or get comfortable in seating throughout the floor.
While some non-fiction items are on the second floor, the third floor holds the bulk of this collection. Dig into research projects, prepare for school assignments or browse for personal interests. Patrons can go to the third floor Help Desk for assistance finding items, or make a one-on-one reference appointment with a librarian to kick-start their research.
The Genealogy and Local History collection is the perfect spot for family historians to begin their research. This enclosed space holds the Arlington Public Library's local history items, ranging from reference books and microfiche to local yearbooks and maps. Computers, a copier and other equipment is available for researchers. A Genealogy and Local History Librarian will offer classes as well as assistance with research.
The third floor features multiple rooms for group or individual use. The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Boardroom is an executive meeting room with a view overlooking Center Street. The space comes equipped for presentations and will be available for rent after the building opens. Four other rooms - Dream, Aspire, Achieve, and Inspire - will also be available for patrons to study or work. The third floor's rooms, like all others in the building, were named to empower and encourage library patrons.
Special open-air spaces are a highlight of the third floor. The Sun Club Gardens on the east side of the building bring a natural element to the library's top floor. On the north end of the building, a monarch butterfly garden is visible from the Hawkes Family Reading Room. Milkweed and other native plants in the garden support monarch butterflies on their annual migration. On the south end of the building, step outside onto a rooftop patio overlooking downtown Arlington. The Sun Club Garden features more native plants and is a wonderful spot to enjoy the view while reading a book or having a snack.
In addition to the gardens, the Sun Club sponsored a rooftop array of solar panels to help power the building. The Sun Club is the Downtown Library's sustainability partner. Their solar panels are not visible from inside the library, but make a big impact throughout the building.
Library staff is excited to welcome to the public to the Downtown Library when it opens on June 16! The building will open for the first time following a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony. Discover the features of the third floor and the rest of the building on the 16th, or visit during normal business hours after the grand opening.
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