The public is invited to see the energy-efficient elements that allow the building to be a net zero energy facility, as well as demonstrations of the cutting-edge educational technology. These include a Microsoft Surface Table and SMART Boards. At the event, there will be refreshments and children’s activities.

The public is invited to return at 2 p.m. when the state-of-the-art library will reopen with full services. The festivities will continue inside the library throughout the afternoon with the Carranza Puppets presenting a marionette show at 2:30 p.m.

"We have much to celebrate and we’re looking forward to showing off our newest library location," said Tracy Bearden, branch manager. "With more than three times the space of the previous storefront location, lovely views of the surrounding landscape and all the amenities of a modern facility, the new West Irving Library is sure to impress everyone who visits."

The 25,000-square-foot West Irving Library sits on a 6.5-acre site at the corner of Rochelle and Esters roads. The new facility is part of the city’s master plan for four stand-alone libraries. This plan will ensure that a full-service, technologically advanced library is convenient to every resident.

As a community resource, the library will offer patrons a number of unique features including an outdoor sitting area; detailed glass etchings throughout the library that complement the building’s theme of Our World; new resources and technology; dedicated spaces for children, teens and computer users; quiet spaces for studying or reading; and energy-efficient technologies including geothermal technology and solar panels.

Normal business hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.cityofirving.org/library or call (972) 721-2457.

City Spectrum, April 2011

Grand opening festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, presentations, building tours and children’s activities. Following the grand opening, the library will close from noon to 2 p.m. and then reopen for regular business hours.

More than $8 million was invested in this 25,000-square-foot facility that sits on a 6.5-acre site on the corner of Rochelle and Esters roads. Completion of the environmentally friendly, technology rich facility marks another milestone in the city’s master plan for four stand-alone libraries.

“We are looking forward to opening the West Irving Library for the community,” said West Irving Library Manager Tracy Bearden. “At the new library, residents, visitors and businesses will enjoy traditional library services and experience amazing technology.”

The new facility is three times larger than the storefront Northwest Branch that it replaces. In fact, the West Irving Library will open with 100,000 items that may be checked out including books, audiobooks, DVDs, music, newspapers and magazines. The expanded electronic collection will include downloadable eBooks, audiobooks and music.

Library Features
Based on public input, the West Irving Library was designed to represent the city’s cultural diversity. Using the “Our World” theme, glass etchings in the interior display various phrases in several languages. Other features include dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults to use and enjoy the library. The children’s area will feature a storytime room with built-in puppet stage and an area for conducting craft programs.

The library also is equipped with a large meeting space, study rooms, quiet reading room and a computer lab. The library will house 55 computers for public use, including computers dedicated for use by children, teens and adults. Adjacent to the computer lab is a business center that will provide print and fax services.

SMART Tables will showcase educational software that encourages collaborative learning for children of all ages. SMART Boards combine the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer. West Irving Library also will be one of the few libraries in the nation to house Microsoft Surface tables. The tables will include custom software to educate and inform customers in interactive, collaborative and entertaining ways.

“With its substantial collection, modern booth seating, and computers, the teen area should be a popular afterschool destination,” said Bearden. “The adult area will include reading areas along the north wall with views of the surrounding landscape.”

-City Spectrum, March 2011

Upon completion next spring, library patrons will be able to take full advantage of the new facility. As a community resource, the library will offer residents:

The vision for the city’s upgraded library system was developed based on input provided by Irving residents. The requests include features that will equip libraries with tools to engage residents with new ways of learning, such as:

• Innovative technology
• Computer software supporting school curriculum
• Computer labs/business centers
• Study rooms
• Large meeting spaces

“Providing exceptional services means listening to our residents and giving them what they ask for,” said Chris Michalski, parks and libraries director. “They have requested enhancements to our libraries, and they’re going to get just that. We’re very excited about the future of our library system and seeing it transform from something that’s already great—into something that’s truly extraordinary.”

Standalone facilities will provide increased squarefootage to house additional collections, and offer enhanced library and technology services. One such enhancement is the incorporation of cutting-edge technology such as Microsoft Surface tables, multitouch computer tables that respond to hand gestures. The Valley Ranch Library, located at 401 Cimarron Trail, has received its first surface table in the teen area. Applications available to date include chess and checkers. Additional activities, such as a customized puzzle application with Irving photos, will be available in the future. (See details on this innovative tool on Page 8.)

Upon completion of the new facilities—four fullservice libraries will be positioned in four quadrants of the city—putting 95 percent of Irving residents within three miles of a library. The cost savings associated with the standalone facilities will eliminate the lease costs from current storefront locations, saving the city $245,000 annually.

The West Irving Library will be located at Rochelle and Esters roads. The facility is set to open in spring 2011.

-City Spectrum, April 2010