Arlington Public Library
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library 100 S. Center Street ArlingtonLibrary. org 817-459-6900
The Arlington Public Library supports local entrepreneurs and businesses as they learn and grow with free networking events, workshops, digital resources and a makerspace.
Library services are funded( in part) by the U. S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Workshops
• The Library teams up with local experts to host workshops related to topics such as starting a business, computer classes, marketing, customer service and building operations.
• Arlington Read’ s is an adult literacy initiative that was created to improve the quality of life for Arlington residents and the surrounding communities. The program offers one-on-one and small group classes to help adults improve their reading and writing skills and can help with high school equivalency classes and testing for GED. The program also provides citizenship classes for students working towards their dream of becoming American citizens.
Digital Resources
• The Small Business Reference Center provides detailed“ how-to” instructions to address small business topics, such as buying and selling a business, managing employees, writing business plans, understanding legal information and much more.
• AtoZdatabases is a directory and marketing database that includes 30 million businesses and 220 million residents. It is ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, and market research.
• Business Abstracts offers a multitude of business magazines and scholarly journals. This comprehensive database is an ideal resource for those looking to conduct research or find information in any area of business.
Makerspace
• From sewing and other traditional crafts to cutting-edge 3D printing, the Downtown Library offers something for both experienced and aspiring makers. Training is provided by Library staff. Four unique spaces, each with a different set of modern or traditional tools, are available for library card holders to use. Bring designs to life in the Tinker Room that features 3D printers, a vacuum form, a milling machine, a vinyl cutter, a plotter printer, and a variety of small devices and tools. Create wearable, usable pieces of art in the Innovate Room, featuring sewing, quilting and embroidery machines that offer a range of options for working with fabric. A heat press is also available.
Urban Design Center
City Hall
101 W. Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010 817-459-6678 ArlingtonTX. gov / BusinessResources
The Arlington Urban Design Center aims to create public awareness about the importance of urban design and its impact on the quality of life, environment, and economic investment. Graduate students from UTA’ s College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs( CAPPA) work closely with City staff on business and neighborhood development projects in Arlington. The Urban Design Center can help business owners, organizations, and neighborhoods visualize goals for their projects and determine feasibility through conceptual design work. The Design Center seeks to provide urban design solutions and innovative ideas, and present before and after images, at no cost to the general public.
Projects include:
• Business Facade Improvements
• Development of Neighborhood Plans
• Design Concepts for Civic Spaces and Buildings
• Infill / Redevelopment Designs
• Landscape Plans
• Streetscape Designs
43