After years of discussing the Central Library’s future, we finally saw the Advanced Learning Library come to fruition this past Saturday. We had the honor (along with 600 other volunteers) of participating the Ceremonial Book Brigade to pass 100 items by hand from the Central Library to the Advanced Learning Library about 0.7 miles away. We passed books representative of the patrons of the Wichita Public Libraries, including books for children and adults and books in Spanish and Vietnamese. After all said and done, the passed items were ready to be shelved at the Advanced Learning Library.

We took a break from the opening ceremony to get a quick bite to eat and to rehydrate, but we did get a quick self-guided tour of the Advanced Learning Library a few hours after it opened.

We noticed a great change right away, in that we did not have to pay for parking. I remember scrambling to find change to park outside the Central Library and lack of change deterring me from visiting often. The parking lots easily accommodated the hundreds of visitors at the Advanced Learning Library, but we did notice lack of bike racks (people got creative and locked their bikes to young trees).

The Advanced Learning Library also welcomes a plethora of needed new technology including the Cox Communications Digital Pavilion to direct patrons, wall-mounted meeting room schedules, and power outlets at every table.

We also noticed updated amenities including modern water fountains and bathrooms, and new spaces for studying. I remember loving the Central Library for its character and its charm, but not loving the lack of amenities.

While losing the charm that the Central Library had, I am excited to explore all the new things that the Advanced Learning Library has to offer.

Advanced Learning Library
711 W 2nd St, Wichita, KS 67203
316-261-8500
Monday-Thursday 10:00AM-8:00PM
Friday-Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM
Sunday 1:00PM-5:00PM