FY 2014 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2014 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 16

Supporting Quality Education

T

he City of Arlington emphasizes education as a vital component of a successful community. Through
innovative partnerships with its university, community college, public schools and social service partners,
the City recognizes and nurtures the best and the brightest young people as well as providing support
to students and families who need additional services. At the core of this community education philosophy is a
robust library system. Arlington’s commitment to the future of learning was illustrated this year with a plan for a
new $24.9-million Central Library that will help anchor a revitalized downtown development plan.

Central Library Closes, New
Facility on the Horizon

Like a beloved friend, the
George W. Hawkes Central
Library looked over the Arlington
community for 40 years. But its
ability to meet the future needs
of its patrons was limited. So
City leaders decided to close the
main library to make way for a
downtown development plan that
includes a new main library to
open in 2017.

The Central Library was
feted with a “Turning the Page”
celebration that featured a
timeline of the building’s history
and showcased a collection of
artifacts including photographs, a
book press, newspapers and the
original library’s building plans.
While the main library is closed,
the City’s branch libraries, a
temporary Central Express facility,
elementary schools and pickup
locations at a local YMCA and
community college campus will fill
in the gap.

Libraries
16 | Popular Annual Financial Report

Training for the Future of Public Safety

The Arlington Police
Department teamed up with UT
Arlington and AISD to foster young
talent and prepare future officers for
law enforcement careers through
its Hometown Recruiting Program.
High school seniors interested in
a criminal justice career can earn
college credit at UT Arlington and
participate in early police training.
Upon earning their college degree,
they can become a top recruit for
the Arlington Police Department.
Twenty-two seniors are enrolled in
the program.

Arlington’s groundbreaking
Fire Academy program, which
trains high school students from

Fire
Academy

Arlington’s six high schools,
continued to gain notice. The Texas
Municipal League recognized the
program with its 2014 Municipal
Excellence Award in Public Safety.
The honor distinguishes the City for
its efforts, along with local partners,
Tarrant County College and AISD,
to develop a fire academy for high
school students that will enable
graduates to immediately enter
the workforce after completing the
program. The Texas Association of
Partners in Education [