Library Secrets Revealed

The Advanced Learning Library in downtown Wichita near 2nd and McLean — which made the perfect backdrop for our back-to-school fashion shoot in this issue — recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The bright and airy building that opened to the public June 16, 2018, replaced the old Central Branch location, offering new spaces and features that have made it an even more welcoming space for community members to gather, collaborate and grow in knowledge. Here are 10 of the library’s more innovative offerings that many visitors know nothing about.

1. AV Studio

Become a media master. The AV Studio provides access to equipment that allows visitors to record a podcast, edit social media videos, experiment with music, and more. The free-to-use audiovisual recording and editing space is equipped with the latest software technology, creating a vibrant recording experience for future media moguls and curious users looking to try something new in the ever-changing world of media communications. 

2. Cricut Maker

Explore your creativity! This state-of-the-art machine does it all, from cutting numerous materials (including vinyl and paper) to create eye-popping signs, inviting invitations, clever cards, stylish stickers and more.

3. Used Bookstore

Looking to build your book collection for less money? Friends of the Wichita Public Library’s Used Bookstore, located inside the Advanced Learning Library, offers an extensive selection of lightly used books, movies and music to supplement your home library collection at affordable prices. Revenue from purchases benefits the library’s ever growing program offerings.

4. 3D Printers

Bring creations of all kinds to life. To join in the fun, participants must complete two certification classes and one staff-mediated print job to gain access to the futuristic printers designed to recreate objects of various shapes and sizes in amazingly precise detail.

5. Research Pavilion

Got questions surrounding Wichita, its surrounding communities, or your own family history in the region? Learn about local history or conduct genealogical research at the library’s extensive Research Pavilion. Staff members are available to answer questions and help locals connect to the history that binds them together within the community. 

6. Public Art

While it isn’t uncommon for libraries to promote public art, the Advanced Learning Library localizes the experience with such pieces as the new “Big Red” statue by artist David Stoltz. Other pieces offering local appeal include “Avian Migration” by Lisa Rundstrom, John Harrison and Tom McGuire; “Concentricity” by Conrad Snider; “Electron Membrane 1” by Eric Schmidt; “Keeper of a Brighter Future” by Michella Tripoli; “True Colors” by John Waltner; “Woven” by Kent Thomas Williams and Stephen Atwood; and “Zero Balance” by Josh Tripoli.

7. Laptop Kiosk

Feeling tied down when using a desktop computer to complete a research project? At the Advanced Learning Library, utilizing the provided Chromebook or laptop available to visitors for library use from the laptop kiosk make it possible to collect the information at its source by providing the user the flexibility to navigate the building to conduct and store valuable research.

8. Book Club Support

For book club members needing multiple copies of their latest reading conquest, the Advanced Learning Library offers more than 200 titles of book sets to provide members access to content without looking over another’s shoulder.

9. Book-A-Librarian Tech Assistance

Challenged by the latest equipment changes and technological advances? The Book-A-Librarian service provides free one-on-one technology guidance with computers, iPads, software, job searching and more. Librarian staff are available by appointment to assist card-carrying members at no cost.



10. Collaboration Rooms

If a lack of work space poses a problem at home, library patrons may want to bring their work or meeting to the library, where collaboration rooms are available at no cost by appointment.