Glendale's Central Library is throwing its doors wide open to the community with a Grand Opening for its freshly minted Youth Spaces on November 23, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 222 East Harvard Street, and it's shaped up to be a bonafide family-friendly affair. The revamped areas are specifically carved out for the young minds and young at heart, promising to be more than just spots to find books, but also spaces to kindle imagination and foster connections amongst its youthful patrons.
The reimagined Children’s Space, adorned with Alix Soubiran's whimsical hand-painted wallpaper, now hosts an array of age-appropriate materials a dedicated programming section and a cozy new reading zone, while the Teen Space, designed for those aged 13 to 18, offers a soundproof hangout where socializing, studying, and gaming converge seamlessly and create, connect it's a breeding ground for camaraderie and creativity. Innovation continues in the form of the state-of-the-art Sound Space in which the public can indulge in recording anything from a personal podcast to music tracks, with library staff on standby to assist in navigating the technology.
In a statement obtained by GlendaleLAC.org, GLAC’s Acting Director, Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, asserted that the Central Library's Youth Spaces will serve as places "where children and teens can ignite their imaginations, explore their creativities, and find a sense of belonging." The city's commitment towards these community enrichments was recently complemented by generous funding, including a $6.095 million allocation from the State Budget, $5.7 million from CSL's Building Forward grant fund, and $2.5 million from local Measure S funds, making this project a reality and marking the largest investment in California’s public libraries in over two decades.
The November 23 event is more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, offering attendees an immersive look into the library’s new amenities with activities, storytimes, and various performances it is a day to explore and experience the transformative power of these educational havens firsthand. For more details about the event, visit GlendaleLAC.org. As an added convenience, the library offers 3 hours of free parking with validation at the Marketplace parking structure, and accessible parking can be found on the east side of the building.
