More About the Advanced Learning Library
The Advanced Learning Library is the third central library building in Wichita's history, following the Carnegie Library (1915-67) and the brutalist Central Library (1967-2018). After years of planning that included community input, private fundraising, construction, and a ceremonial "books and more brigade," the Advanced Learning Library opened its doors on Saturday, June 16, 2018.
As the largest public library facility in Wichita, the Advanced Learning Library includes specialized collections and services you cannot find at our branches, including archives of our city's history, meeting rooms of various sizes, spacious areas designed for the distinct needs of youth age groups from birth to teens, an audiovisual studio, a 3D printing service, a number of informal and formal collaboration spaces, and spots throughout the building to charge your mobile devices so you don't run out of power during your visit.
The Advanced Learning Library is a Family Place Library
The first three years of life are the most important. They build connections and skills that set the stage for learning when children enter school. We've joined the Family Place Libraries network. Families and caregivers of children age six and under visiting our library will enjoy new experiences. We're providing special space, new resources, and educational opportunities to help parents and caregivers connect, discover, learn and thrive with their child.
Pop-up Café at Advanced Learning Library Now Open
The Wichita Public Library has partnered with LegacyWorks for their CoffeeWorks venture to host a Pop-Up Café on the first floor of the Advanced Learning Library.
LegacyWorks employs local teens to gain professional development, increase their personal confidence, and access financial resources to ensure youth in the area have transferable skills that will aid in a successful transition into adulthood. Their CoffeeWorks program teaches teens about the coffee industry, from ethical supplying practices and roasting beans all the way to customer service and coffee-bar barista training. Support their mission by purchasing a specialty coffee beverage or a "Pay It Forward" medallion so another library patron can enjoy a cup for free.
Due to the recent loss of AmeriCorps funding, hours at the café have been reduced. Follow LegacyWorks on social media for the latest updates.
Amenities
Book Store
- Operated by the Friends of the Wichita Public Library volunteers
- Proceeds go toward Wichita Public Library events and collections
- Bookstore hours:
- Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Collaboration Rooms
- Three rooms with seating for four people and four rooms with seating for six people
- Reserved for free on a first come, first served basis beginning a week prior to reservation date
- One two-hour reservation per person per day
- Book a collaboration room
Computers
- 38 general use public computers
- 5 public computers in the Teen Pavilion
- 6 public computers plus 3 Early Literacy stations in the Children's Pavilion
- 4 research-only computers plus 2 microfilm scanning computers in the Burns Historical Research Pavilion
- 2 computers with specialty software, 2 iMacs, and 1 iMac with Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 in the Maker Space
Drive-up Window
- Return items without leaving your car
- Pick up your hold requests
Faxing
- $1 per page
- Outgoing only
- Local or long distance within the United States
Meeting Rooms
- Dr. John M. Hyde Conference Room: Maximum capacity of 30 people
- Keeney Stevens Board Room: Maximum capacity of 30 people
- Rolland Eakins TEC-Novation Room: Maximum capacity of 30 people
- Sharon G. Miles Reading Terrace: Maximum capacity of 70 people
- Conference Center (full space): Maximum capacity of 300 people
- Conference Center (2/3 only): Maximum capacity of 240 people
- Conference Center (1/3 only): Maximum capacity of 100 people
- Request a meeting room
Mobile Printing
Outdoor Children's Area
- Children's STEAM Learning Garden - an outdoor interactive playground
- Musical instruments and collaborative games
Pop-Up Café
- Hosted by LegacyWorks
- Operating at reduced hours: Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Specialty coffee beverages and select pastries available for purchase
- Purchase a "Pay It Forward" medallion so another patron can enjoy a free coffee
Vending Machines
Wi-Fi
- Log in with your library card number and password
