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George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
East Library and Recreation Center
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Northeast Branch Library
Wednesday: Temporarily Closed
Southeast Branch Library
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Woodland West Branch Library
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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George W. Hawkes Downtown Library

Discover Your Downtown Library

The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is a hub for all members of the Arlington community. The new library is designed to meet the technological and educational needs of a vibrant, modern society. With three levels, 80,000 square feet of community spaces, meeting rooms, computers, rooftop gardens, and of course books, there is something for everyone. This new state of the art library houses a collection of approximately 200,000 print and electronic items and provides spaces for users of all ages, including dedicated areas for children, teens and adult literacy. The Downtown Library will also include special collections such as Genealogy and Local History. 

Other features include WiFi perches and technology help desks, a digital art lab and makerspace, hearing loops, an outdoor plaza, and three distinctly designed floors to meet a variety of tastes and preferences. The Downtown Library is full of comfortable places to read, study, and work. Relax with an interesting title in reading nooks and cozy chairs on every level. Explore each floor to find them all! Here is a convenient map of all three floors.PDF iconGeorge W. Hawkes Downtown Library Map 

The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is located at 100 S Center Street. 

Children's Area

Discover Wall (3)

One of the premier features of the new building is the Discover Wall, an interactive art installation on the first floor for children to explore. Each letter has a unique feature, from reading nooks to crawl spaces. Large enough to fit the child at heart, there is something for everyone.

Climb through the DISCOVER Wall’s tunnels, sit in its cozy reading nooks, and then explore the rest of the children’s area beyond the wall. The Children’s Book Neighborhood is designed for all children, infants through “tween-agers”, and their families or caregivers. In this section, you can find picture books arranged by themes, first readers, chapter books, and children's non-fiction items. A wall of windows at the south side of the building provides natural light and a view of trees and plants to this bright, colorful space. 

Since children learn through play, this space also offers lots of toys, games, lifesize blocks, and other ways to play. From developmentally appropriate toys for babies and toddlers to collaborative gaming systems for older children, there is something for every child. Parenting books are available to help families support their children’s growth.

Children can use the Kindness study room to work on school or personal projects. The Play Room, which is lit by a wall of floor to ceiling stained glass windows, is a fun place to enjoy storytimes and other library events.

Makerspace in the Library

Discover and learn to use technology in the second floor’s makerspace area. From sewing and other traditional crafts to cutting-edge 3D printing, the Downtown Library offers something for both experienced and aspiring makers. Training is provided by Library staff. Use of makerspace equipment is free to library cardholders. Bring designs to life with STEM-focused technology, or create wearable, usable pieces of art using machines that offer a range of options. 

Some of the equipment includes:

  • 3D printers
  • milling machine
  • sewing machines
  • embroidery machine

Click here to learn more about the Arlington Public Library makerspace and the equipment available, or to see it in action!

Plaza

Step outside the library and find yourself in an urban oasis of trees and native plants in the heart of downtown Arlington. The plaza connects the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library with the City Council Chambers and Community Room and features sustainable landscaping of 50 beautiful trees, over 1500 plants, and a rainwater riverbed feature. Arlington residents and visitors can relax and take in the sights and sounds of downtown, or sit on the lawn while enjoying a good book on their lunch break. 

Arlington Reads

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.

Click here to learn more about Arlington Reads and available adult education classes.

Young Adult Area

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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. The Spark Ideas and Be Unique Be You rooms are perfect for teens to reserve for school or personal projects. A teen Help Desk in this section is ready for questions about projects, technology, books, events and more.

Sun Club Garden

Step out on to the second-floor roof of the Downtown Library, and enjoy a scenic view of the heart of Downtown Arlington. The Sun Club Garden on the third floor can be used for small outdoor events and programs, or to just enjoy the space. All plants in this rooftop garden are native to North Texas and are drought resistant. The watering system uses rainwater runoff to keep the plants healthy and fresh. Native plants featured in this garden provide beauty, help with storm water control, provide habitat for wildlife, mitigate heat island effect, and reduce cooling loads. The Sun Club Garden contains urban garden planters, which will educate the public on vertical gardening in a small environment. 

The Sun Club Garden is available for private events for a small fee.
 

Dream: Central – Building the Library of Tomorrow

We are grateful to our lead donor, Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, for their gift of over $4 million.

$100,000+

Arlington Water Utilities 

Baylor Orthopedic and Spine Hospital at Arlington

Byrne Construction

Allan Saxe, in honor of Ruthie Brock

Thasunda and Richard Duckett in honor of Rosie and Otis Brown

Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

TXU Energy

$50,000 - $99,999

Sandra and Michael Brown

Bob and Judy Johnson

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson

Optimist Club of Arlington

The Peters Family

Robert Rivera

Stripe-A-Zone and David Sargent family

Women Inspiring Philanthropy 

$25,000 - $49,999

Arlington ISD Education Foundation

Arlington Memorial Hospital

Arlington Rotary Club

Atmos Energy

Brad and Suely Cecil and Brad Cecil & Associates

Ruthie Brock and Allan Saxe

Dodson Companies

Hillcrest Foundation

Margaret and Dennis McClure

Greg Morse

Victoria Farrar-Myers and Jason Myers

Vivienne Redlich Charitable Trust

Ann L. and Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee

Skywalker Property Partners

Texas Health Resources

Union Pacific

Steve and Linda Vincent

Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee

Worthington National Bank

$10,000 - $24,999

Jerry Anderson in memory of Peggy Anderson

Arlington Genealogical Society

Audiology Associates of Arlington

The Cravens Family

Frost Bank

Nancy Hadaway

Patsy Lewis

Asaya and Matisse Matsumoto

Jo McGovern

Republic Services

Mayor and Karen Jeff Williams

$5,000 - $9,999

Karen Ellen and Brian Anderson

Arlington Board of Realtors

Dr. Theron L. and Denise Bowman

Johnnie Sue Bucek

Estate of Betsy Burson (Former Director of the Arlington Public Library)

Sheri Capehart

Anna Elisa Coronado-Meyer

Drury Hotels

Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library

Estate of Eileen Schulte Geppert

Linda and Val Gibson

Janice and Michael Glaspie

Jerry and Suzanne Halbert

Clark and Beth Hellier

John and Mary Hibbs

Kathleen Belle Higgins estate

Caroline Jordan

Jeremiah and Briella Kieffer

Bill and Laura Lace

John and Julie Landry

Jim Maibach of Peyco Southwest Realty

Benita Morrison Ibrahim

Patricia A. Norris

North Arlington Rotary

Deanna Palla

Charlie and Jackie Parker

Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott

Kent and Diane Rasmussen

Dorothy Rencurrel

Brad and Judy Rupay

Peter Scott

Linda Seitz

Kim and Pat Shelton

Harold and Lynda Sherrieb

Lee Shqeir

Cary Siegfried

Rich and Reecia Stoglin

Suzanne Sweek

David and Jerry Tees

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Urso

Jennifer Wichmann

Cindy Will

Steve Zimmer

$1,000 - $4,999

Affiliated Bank

Mike Becknal

Dwain and Jan Brown

Joe and Doreen Bruner

Mark and Erin Hawkes Chaney

Andi Davis

Sissy Day

Delta Gamma, Arlington Alumnae Chapter

Dan and Glynda Dudley

Downtown Arlington Management Corporation

Enterprise Holdings

Mark Gist

Ben and Cindy Goodyear

Charles and Kay Hawkes Goodyear

Claudia Gray

George W. Hawkes Jr.

Tommy Hawkes

Linda Helsper

George and Carole Hoyer

Michael and Teresa Jarrett

JMEG

Jim Ross Law Group, PC

The Pinnacle Corporation

David Prengamin

Jeff and Susan Quail

Amanda and Scott Reading

Reliable Paving

Sherwin Rubin

Tony Rutigliano

Raley and JoAnne Smith

Summit Midstream

Matt and Robyn Talton

Christopher Toplyn

Kenneth and Elizabeth Hawkes Turner

Karen VanWinkle

Charla Hawkes Vinyard

David Walker

Polly Walton

Whole Foods

Kathryn Wilemon

Margaret Mann Wilson Fund (NTCF)

Linda Wise

Lana Wolff

Capital Campaign Committee

Sandra Brown
 Honorary Chair

Carl Cravens Diane Patrick
John & Mary Hibbs
Co-Chairs
Sissy Day Tony Pompa
Brad Cecil Michael Jarrett Scott Reading
Erin Chaney Robert Johnson Judy Rupay
Sarah Merrill-Young Tony Rutigliano
What Some of Our Capital Campaign Committee Members Say about the Downtown Library

Mike Jarrett

Michael D. Jarrett

"Teresa and I are financially supporting the Dream: Central Arlington Capital Campaign because of our lifelong love of reading and a desire to improve literacy. Having a vibrant, state-of-the-art central library for Arlington is essential to maintaining and improving the quality of life in our community."

Bob JohnsonBob Johnson

"The new downtown library is an exciting new project for Arlington and critical to our entire community. We want to take this opportunity to create a great central library."

Carl Cravens

"Arlington is America’s Dream City. What an exciting time to reinvent a place where people can gather to learn, interact, and most importantly, Dream. A community’s central library reflects the citizens’ outlook on opportunity and their support for exploring new frontiers. We will all benefit from this state-of-the-art facility for generations."

Tony Rutigliano

"The new downtown library is a very important part of our revitalization efforts and will play a significant role in setting the stage for future development. It is going to be a wonderful gathering place for our community!"

Sissy Day

"The Downtown Library is important to Arlington because it is a major investment in our quality of life and educational opportunities for our community. The Library's planned resources and services are vital to Arlington's future. The Library will continue the efforts to revitalize Arlington's downtown area and stimulate economic development."

Special Events & After Hours Reservations

The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library has select spaces available for after-hours booking. For a nominal fee, you can have private access to the library, and allow access to the catering kitchen. These spaces are great for meetings, special events, and family gatherings.

Spaces available:

  • Sun Club Garden on the second floor
  • [re]Brary A&B
  • Lobby

To reserve a space for an after-hours event, call 817-459-6900

Meeting Rooms

The Downtown Library offers four meeting rooms, including the [re]Brary room, a multipurpose room that can be divided into two separate spaces. Individuals or groups of all sizes can use these rooms to host events and meetings at the library. All meeting rooms, as well as The Play Room, are equipped with Hearing Loop Technology, which allows those with T-coil hearing aids to connect to the room’s sound system. 

Reserve a meeting room online

The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Boardroom

The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Boardroom is a premium meeting space on the Downtown Library’s third floor. The Boardroom provides everything needed for executive-level meetings: a conference table, projector, whiteboard, and additional technology.
 

Reserve the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Boardroom

Room Technology

Computers are not provided. You must bring your own laptop.

The methods you can connect to our system:

  • Wirelessly through the AirMedia.

  • HDMI port

    • We have HDMI cables that can be checked out at each of the help desks.

    • If your laptop can’t connect to an HDMI cable then you need to have an adapter.

  • VGA (display only)

    • If you need audio in addition to the display, then you will also need a 3.5 mm audio cable.

Parking Options Near the Downtown Library

The 101 Center Garage, across the street from the library, has one level of free parking reserved for the library and Downtown Arlington visitors. Just outside the library, along Center Street, there are 10 handicap back-in parking spaces with additional handicap spaces are located on the west side of the building, at Pecan and Main Street.

Other nearby parking options in Downtown:

  • Half of the City Hall lot is available to the public, with the entire lot available to the public after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.
  • Front Street parking lot, next to Babe’s Chicken Dinner House and Mellow Mushroom.
  • 2 Hour parking is available on Main Street
  • Additional street parking is available throughout Downtown Arlington.

The Sustainability Project

SunClub-Logo-FC-01

The George W. Hawkes Library is a LEED Silver certified building featuring many elements that make it environmentally sound. These features, which include everything from solar panels to innovative recycling methods, are made possible from a $400,000 grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club.

The library’s sustainability partner, the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is a nonprofit organization advancing sustainability for people and the planet by investing in communities in Texas and the Northeast. Since its founding in 2002, the Sun Club has donated more than $6.5 million to nonprofits and the Arlington Downtown Library is its 100th and largest project ever!

Sustainability Shop

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The Sun Club Sustainability Shop is sponsored through a grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club to promote recycling of our most used resource: books. This sells gently used books, eco-friendly office supplies. and an assortment of green items, such as reusable tote bags, hats made from recycled materials, and refillable water bottles. It also carries branded items, so you can wear your support for the Arlington Public Library. The Sustainability Shop is located in the first-floor lobby of the Downtown Library and will be open during all normal library operating hours.

Butterfly Conservation

The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable species of butterfly in North America and often considered the most beautiful. Monarch habitats and migrations support many other species, but the monarch population has declined by 96% in the last 20 years. Milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat, so it is important to reestablish milkweed along the monarch migration path. In order to promote the repopulation of the monarch butterfly, we have created a special garden designed with nectar plants and a place to lay their eggs. 

In addition to tropical milkweed, the Sun Club Butterfly Garden will be home to a variety of drought-resistant plants. The butterfly garden will be closed to the general public but is viewable from The Reading Room. Patrons will be able to attend programs to learn more about attracting butterflies to their own gardens to help support the
population. 

Water, Energy & Recycling

The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library holds a photo-voltaic array that is rated to generate 94,250,000 kilowatts per year.  The roof contains 252 crystalline panels in a nominal 65kW Fixed Array, which could supply enough power for 56 three bedroom homes in Arlington. 

Each floor of the library is equipped with refillable water stations to reduce the use of single-use water bottles. By reducing the overall use of water within the building by 41%, an expected 118,570 gallons of water will be saved per year. 

On the first floor of the library, you will find community recycling bins, where patrons can bring various electronics and other goods to be recycled.

Private Study Rooms

Need a quiet place to focus on work or studies? The Downtown Library is equipped with 11 study rooms, uniquely named to inspire positivity. These rooms vary in size and are available to all library card holders on a first come first served basis, offering the ability to collaborate without disturbing other library users. Study rooms may be reserved through a staff member on the day you will be using the room or may be reserved online by clicking here. Tweens and teens will have dedicated study rooms available. 

There is no cost to reserve a study room, but a library card is required. 

Room Technology

Computers are not provided. You must bring your own laptop.

The methods you can connect to our system:

  • Wirelessly through the AirMedia.

  • HDMI port

    • We have HDMI cables that can be checked out at each of the help desks.

    • If your laptop can’t connect to an HDMI cable then you need to have an adapter.

  • VGA (display only)

    • If you need audio in addition to the display, then you will also need a 3.5 mm audio cable.

Drive Up Book Return

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, you can return books without leaving your car!

Automatic Book Return and Sorter

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, there is an automatic book return and sorter.

Branch Closures

The Southeast Branch will reopen on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Click here for more information.

Starting Monday, December 4, 2023, the Northeast Branch will be temporarily closed for HVAC renovations. Click here for more information.
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