LIBRARY OF TOMORROW

The newly reimagined Fayetteville Public Library is a portal to a world of inspiration and innovation.

It seems wrong to call it just a “library.”

The word conjures images of stacks of books and solo contemplation, with librarians whispering “shhhhh.” The newly expanded and renovated Fayetteville Public Library couldn’t be further from that image.

“This project has been in development for a long time, and it’s almost hard to believe that we can now invite the community inside of our vision,” said David Johnson, executive director of Fayetteville Public Library. “One of the main goals of this expansion is to encourage patrons to explore the full definition of literacy, and I truly believe that happens every time someone explores the space for the first time.”

The renovation, which broke ground in March 2019, and was completed in 2021, took what was already a world-class library into a vision of all a library can be—a gathering space, a creative hub, a wonderland of playing, learning and curiosity, a portal to personal growth, a skill-building center for a changing world.

The library nearly doubled in size, expanding to more than 170,000 square feet. And within that space: a Fabrication/Robotics Lab, Culinary Arts Teaching Kitchen, A/V Production Studio, Photography Studio, Recording Studio, Simulation Lab, 23 study rooms, an art and movement room, a 700-seat event center, outdoor programming space and so much more.

Walk through the doors and step into a place of imagination and inspiration. Think less “library” and more “launching pad” for discovering interests, turning those interests into passions and those passions into careers.

Make no mistake, there are still plenty Wander down the hall to the Art and Movement room, where you can attend a dance, yoga or creative art class.

Visit the Children’s Library, which has doubled in size, from 16,000 to 32,000 square feet. Real-life aircraft suspended from the ceiling remind us that this is the place where little imaginations take flight. Separate preschool and grade school areas are playfully designed to encourage investigation, with flexible, soft modular furniture and materials within easy reach. A dedicated craft room and story time room keep minds and hands engaged in spacious, sunny, glass-walled spaces.

Teens have their own hangout space here too, with comfy nooks for study, private spaces for groups, a gaming room and new ways for teens to rediscover how cool the library can be. Next up is the new Event Center, with 480 theatre-style seats, plus room for 200 more chairs and capacity up to 1000 total. It’s a flexible space for summits, banquets, book readings, theatre and music productions and other events. The state-of-the-art control room features recording, broadcast and streaming

capabilities so your event can reach far beyond the walls of the library. The space can be rented for community use, and use of the adjacent professional teaching kitchen makes luncheons, banquets and other catered events possible.

And the Teaching Kitchen is an “event” in its own right. It’s open to the public for community training and workforce development purposes such as training back of house workers and restaurant staff. A partnership with Brightwater culinary school means the school’s culinary arts program offerings can be made available here to Fayetteville High School students and others.

There’s more discovery to be had in the Center for Innovation. The library calls these “maker spaces,” and for good reason. There’s a whole realm of opportunity and invention here, defined only by one’s own ambition and creativity.

“Through the Center for Innovation, we aim to be a gateway to opportunity by expanding access to technology, tools and knowledge that may otherwise be beyond the grasp of many members of our community,” said Melissa Taylor, center for innovation manager. “Our goal is to be a resource not only for those who want to create and learn about new technologies, but to go beyond the traditional makerspace model and embrace technology that will support and expand workforce development opportunities right here in our own community.”

The Simulation Lab means students and others can practice for their driver’s license or get certified for commercial driving, heavy equipment or forklift operation with the various simulators. Or, take flight and log hours towards a pilot’s license on the airplane simulator.

The Virtual Reality Studio next door really takes things to another dimension. Become immersed in a virtual world, travel to a new place, or hone your skills through solo and multiplayer game options.

The Fabrication and Robotics Lab, which can accommodate up to 20 students, is the place to bring those ideas you’ve envisioned down to earth. Budding engineers will find the future is theirs in this dedicated workshop equipped with 3D printers, a laser engraver, electronics, robotics and more.

Record your band’s demo in the Recording Studio, then edit and mix it down. Learn and get certified in Pro Tools music software. Create a commercial for your product in the Video Production Studio or record the next episode of your podcast in the Podcast Booth. If you can dream it, you can do it here.

Photography buffs, both amateur and professional, can take advantage of the sleek, ultra modern Photography Studio. Stage the food you cooked in the professional kitchen next door and photograph it for your new cookbook. Arrange a family photo session. Edit a masterpiece.

The outdoor space is thoughtful extension of what’s inside the library. Venture outside to the “Gathering Glade” programming space, a great venue for summertime concerts or sunny day story time for the little ones. The outdoor swings are still up on the deck, with sweeping views of Fayetteville.

All your favorite things are still here, cozy reading nooks, collaboration spaces (more of them!), the café and of course, helpful library staff eager to help you discover it all.