A real page turner: Building dreams in Downtown Arlington

New York Timesbestselling author Sandra Brown is just one compelling reason to attend the first-ever Building a Dream Gala. The Gala is also a special opportunity to support the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, a state-of-the-art hub of family enrichment, personal growth and civic engagement in the center of Downtown Arlington

The library of tomorrow. Today.

A completely reimagined, 80,000 square foot facility with a vast collection of print and audiovisual resources, the Central Library will be both high tech and high touch. A comprehensive technology infrastructure will power a digital arts lab, technology classroom, public computing area, 3-D printing lab, digital recording spaces and online resources accessible from anywhere.

Flexible multi-use and learning spaces will accommodate programming such as children’s services, teen services, literacy and workforce development, small business resources, local history and genealogy research. Casual seating areas, a vending café, Friends of the Arlington Public Library bookstore, the Children’s Discover Wall, plus dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults will further engage and inspire lifelong learning and skill development, family time together, job seeking, innovation and entrepreneurism.

In addition to the new Library, a shared meeting room will be created to accommodate 200 attendees of Arlington City Council meetings, as well as providing a space for large library events such as lecture series and author events.

“The new Downtown Library facility will bring invaluable programs and resources to the residents of Arlington,” said Yoko Matsumoto, director of libraries for the City of Arlington. “It will completely transform the user’s experience through a new modern design, technology and enhanced public programming tailored to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population.”

How to build a dream

“What an exciting time to reinvent a place where people can gather to learn, interact, and most importantly, dream.” said Carl Cravens, regional president for Southwest Bank, DAMC executive board member and member of the library’s capital campaign committee. “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.”

While you can support the DREAM: CENTRAL campaign by attending the Building a Dream Gala, you can also contribute online. Donations of any amount are welcome, and naming opportunities for gifts of $25,000 and above are available.

“American libraries have a long tradition of public/private partnerships,” said Matsumoto, “beginning with Andrew Carnegie and his legacy of funding 1,700 public libraries across the country. While public dollars fund construction, private dollars fund furniture, fixtures and equipment – the stuff that makes the difference between a good and a great library!”

For more information, contact development coordinator Andi Davis at 817-459-6924 or andi.davis@arlington.tx.gov.

More about the Gala

The Building a Dream Gala will take place on Saturday, March 25 at the Arlington Museum of Art from 7:00-10:00 p.m. The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a silent auction.

Keynote speaker Sandra Brown, a prolific author who has been honored by the International Thriller Writer’s Association and Romance Writers of America, loved books and reading since childhood. Her appearance at the Gala punctuates the immeasurably positive impact that literacy has on an individual’s ability to achieve his/her personal and professional dreams. As a part of the program, Yoko Matsumoto will talk about the features of the new Downtown Library.

Click here to purchase tickets and for more information.

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About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.