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Advanced Learning Library in Downtown Wichita

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The Advanced Learning Library at 711 W. 2nd Street in Wichita replaced the old Central Branch location. This library is a great addition to Downtown Wichita, with neat indoor and outdoor spaces. It has cool new features that will make this library a place for the community to gather and collaborate.

Although the library looks much larger, it’s because the space is spread out across a large main level and a smaller second floor. The old Central Library had four floors. The library is just under 100,000 square feet.

Advanced Learning Library

The fiction and children’s areas of the library feels like a bookstore. The big difference, though, is that when you go up to the self-checkout you don’t have to pay anything. (Unless you owe late fees, I guess.)

Advanced Learning Library self-checkout stations
A self-checkout station at the new Advanced Learning Library. A librarian will be nearby if you need assistance. Photo credit: Joanna Erickson

About the Advanced Learning Library in Downtown Wichita: 

  • Watch the conveyor belt move returned library books and other materials to where they must go to get checked back in.
  • Try out the library’s self-checkout stations. If you don’t have a library card, you can get one.
  • Watch the 3-D printer make something in the TECnovation room
  • Check out the kid’s area – it has an indoor storytime room and an outdoor courtyard.
  • Also, in the Children’s Pavilion, step onto the interactive floor near the entrance to see what happens!
  • Step outside onto the Reading Terrace on the second floor.
  • Look at the collab rooms on the first floor; they’re like small conference rooms for a few people. One has a green screen, and you can record podcasts, videos, etc.
  • Count all the charging stations and power outlets. Our phones will never have to die. 🙂
  • Visit the video section if you like movies. They have shelves and shelves of movies that can be borrowed if you have a library card.

A few more noteworthy things about the library…

  • in September 2023, they opened the “Family Place” space that families and caregivers of children 6 and under can enjoy. This area is for the little ones.  
    • There is a specially designed welcoming space for families with young children to explore, play, share books, and learn together.
    • Collections of books, toys, music, and multimedia materials for babies, toddlers, parents and service providers
    • Library staff specially trained in early literacy, child development, and family support.
  • There is a drive-through area where you can not only return your library books but also pick them up!
  • The collab rooms will be able to be checked out for two hours at a time.
  • A big new conference room you can rent seats up to 100 people in each of the three sections. It has fancy new technology like infrared sound.
  • The library has an area just for teens, with books and screens where they can play video games and study nooks.

On the second level, the library has a Historical Research Pavilion with photos, maps, genealogy information, microfilm, and a room for recording oral history.

A library section next to the Teen Pavilion is available for peer-to-peer learning. The seating in that area includes couches and chairs with desks so you can take notes.

Related:

How to read e-books for FREE from the Wichita Public Library

 

Wichita library location

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