East Library and Recreation Center

This collaborative project between the Parks and Recreation and Libraries departments is the first of its kind in The American Dream City. The 47,249-square-foot facility is set to open in Fall 2020. ELARC was created to be a single building with two distinct functions, architects were inspired by the architecture and automotive designs from the 1950s and today. The intertwining of curved and angular elements, joined by a shared lobby, creates a state-of-the-art facility that honors Arlington’s history while providing a modern space for present and future generations.

This facility opened in November 2020.

The co-facility is located at 1817 New York Ave. Arlington, TX 76010

The East Arlington Library is an open concept library expected to be a community hub for shared resources such as books, children’s toys, and public computers for our residents. The library will provide literacy tools to support students, families, and lifelong learners. Free programs include bilingual early literacy storytimes; GED, ESL, and other adult education classes; and events for seniors.
The Innovation Zone allows Arlington to expand internet availability, creating a tech-centered community outdoor space, while increasing the technological capabilities within the recreation center and library spaces.

Library visitors have access to public computing, including a laptop dispenser that allows residents to check out the technology. Patrons will also be able to check out Chromebooks from this location. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a laptop bar in the lobby or charge your device in one of our charging stations.
Visitors also have access to printing, faxing, scanning, and mobile print capabilities.

Children will be able to explore the technology with our Discovery Stations and access homework resources as well as educational games on our children’s computers. AISD students have access to computers by using their AISD student (“lunch”) numbers at any time.

Residents will discover our collection of books, DVDs, CDs, and more. Books in Spanish, Vietnamese, French, and other languages are available, as well as e-books and e-audio books. Young children can enjoy exploring our Read It Again kits and our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten backpacks.

We offer dynamic programming for every age. Children can discover and grow in the library with interactive experiences, learning, and play. Storytimes, including our Bilingual storytime, engage children with short stories, finger plays, action rhymes, and songs. Programs for children include exploring STEM concepts and so much more!

Our adult education program is an accredited program that addresses adult literacy needs in the community. All our services are at no cost to the student. We offer High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship classes as well as workforce training opportunities. Classes available by registration. Morning and evening classes are offered for your convenience.

Arlington’s investment in the health and recreational opportunities of its residents is on full display with the new East Library and Recreation Center, which will replace the Hugh Smith Recreation Center and Senior Center New York, which were constructed in the 1960s.
With the scan of one library/recreation center card, guests will have access to a wide array of programs and services. The recreation elements of the center include a gymnasium, indoor pool with party room, fitness center, locker rooms, group exercise room, community meeting rooms, and outdoor amenities.

The new center features multiple workout locations, including an expansive fitness room featuring cardio machines, circuit equipment, and free weights. In addition to this space is a separate group fitness room that will offer a variety of classes such as Zumba, H.I.I.T. (High-Intensity Interval Training), circuit training, yoga, and more.

Whether you’re interested in shooting some hoops, playing pick-up basketball or another sport, the largest recreational space of the new center will meet all of your sporting needs. The gym features a regulation-sized full-length basketball court, that can also be split into multiple smaller courts for players of all ages.

Parks and Rec staff will offer child care to our guests while they are in the facility, providing a fun and enjoyable environment for children to play while allowing adults to enjoy the numerous leisure and educational opportunities within the new center.

The new 113,309-gallon indoor pool will operate year-round and provide the perfect spot for lap swim, aqua-fitness classes, swim instruction, and leisure play.

The East Library and Recreation Center will include dedicated space for seniors to gather for meals, crafts, educational seminars, games, and more.

Birthday parties, reunions, showers, sports rentals, meetings, and more! There is even a dedicated party room overlooking the indoor pool. Other rooms, gyms, fitness areas, child watch area and more may be rented during and after business hours.

 The City of Arlington has partnered with the UT Arlington College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs to create a design for an outdoor community working space with a technology-centered innovation zone. The pods are funded through a $750,000 Texas Library and Archives Commission Grant.

Within ELARC’s walls, the Library strives to increase access to technology by providing a laptop dispenser that allows residents to check out laptops. Visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi and work at a laptop bar in the lobby or charge their device in one of our charging stations.
Children will be able to explore the technology with our Discovery Stations and access homework resources as well as educational games on our children’s computers.
ELARC also features an interactive learning projection system called Lü which engages children using compelling activities, tools, and immersive experiences addressing all learning styles. Lü supports health, sports, fitness, and physical education leading to a quality active lifestyle.