Notes from the Neighborhood Roundtable held on March 8, 2022
By Hanna Beauchamp
The meeting was hosted by Tammy Hanson Irving’s Outreach Community Coordinator. There were two presentations on the agenda: Irving Public Library and Irving Archives and Museum.
What’s new at the library?
Makerspaces: The residents can enjoy learning new skills: sewing, 3D printing, paper cutting, and laser etching. Classes are offered on Saturdays at 10:30, and some supplies are provided.
New Technology@IPL: In addition to desktops, Android tablets are provided for usage, allowing patrons to sit comfortably in armchairs arranged around the libraries. A federal grant and partnership with AT&T allowed the purchase of 100 Hot Spots that can be checked out for home-usage.
New Collection offerings for kids: Picture books are shelved according to 10 categories, and a ShareTank grant allowed the purchase of educational materials Little STEAMers kits.
New Collection offerings for adults: movies, educational shows, and magazines available at Kanopy; Binge Box DVD sets organized by themes.
New Programs for kids: Spring Break/STEAM Break
New Programs for teens: garden flair theme, de-stressing, renewable energy, mystery club
New Programs for adults: personal finance for women, researching Hispanic Family History, Earth Day, crafting programs to stay informed, peruse an inhouse guide Beyond the Stacks that lists events and services.
What do Irving Archives and Museum offer? The old Central Library has been repurposed. There is a Smithsonian Spark! Lab. It’s a unique space for children and families to explore their inventive creativity. There is a museum with three different galleries: permanent, temporary, and community. Irving’s archives have a vast collection of old documents, maps, and pictures. In addition, there is a community space available for rental, not just during the hours open to the general public. The facility is open Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 am – 4 pm. Admission prices: adults $7.00; seniors, children, veterans $5.00; children three and under free. In March all the Saturdays are free of charge.
Announcement: Volunteers are needed to assist with a USA Triathlon event held April 28 – May 1 in Irving. Lifeguards will be paid $150.00 cash per shift. Get more details at USATRIATHLON.ORG/MSFESTVOLUNTEER.