As you walk through the glass double doors of the new space, the bookshelves, filled with physical and electronic materials, carry you through, as they are arranged in order of life stage. Alongside seating areas and a children’s space filled with books and puzzles, there is a Programming Space, a Makers Space, computer carrels, and study areas. Each attribute creates a space that can be enjoyed by members of all ages throughout the community.
“The library is more than the items in it. It’s the experiences,” Tracy Lambert Jack, Aledo Public Library outreach and programming, said. “So we want to provide opportunities for [patrons] to get together, for kids to explore and do things that they may not have the opportunity to do at home.” This goal is made possible through the updated Programming Space. In the old library, there were tables where people could enjoy programs and other activities, but now there is a dedicated, more private room.
Alongside books and materials, programs play a big role in the library’s communal impact. The programs hosted by the library include activities like story time, book club, open play, crafts, needle art, and senior activities. Patrons can suggest to the library a program they would be interested in and partner together to bring it to life.
The Makers Space, connected to the Programming Space, houses materials and machines available to the public. Thanks to a grant the library received, they have been able to provide items like a 3D printer, cutting machine, button maker, and sewing machine. With this updated, separate space, the library will be able to increase different activities the public and patrons want to see, Lambert Jack said.
The new library also holds a study space — once complete, the area will have two private pods with desks for people to reserve use if they prefer a more quiet setting. Separate from the study area, there is an array of computer carrels, open for use with free wifi and printing for its desired user.
There are still finalizations and updates to come in the new location of the Aledo Public Library. However, even though “a lot of things are familiar, they’re just in different places,” this space is set to “serve as many people,” said Lambert Jack.
The Aledo Public Library is located in the new Aledo Municipal Complex at 200 Old Annetta Road. It is open Tuesdays/Thursdays: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Wednesdays/Fridays: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturdays: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., and is closed Sundays and Mondays. The entire Aledo Municipal Complex will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. and an open house from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.
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