Youth Technology

The Arlington Public Library youth-centered technology is an opportunity for a rich experience. Learn how apps and the library’s technology for children and teens can promote engaged and interactive learning. We have a variety of technological experiences from more traditional desktop computers, to touchscreen tables, and age-appropriate gaming systems.

Traditional Computer Stations

Each of our seven locations has computers with Microsoft Office and age-restricted internet access set aside for children under the age of 13. The computers can be reserved for 30 minutes at a time for up to four hours a day, and either require a child’s library card or guest pass. Children must follow all Arlington Public Library computer usage guidelines.

Chromeboxes

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, there will be a Chrombox with touchscreen hub. These hubs will be pre-loaded with games and activities, while still allowing access to the internet and Google web-based apps.  

iPads

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, there will be mounted iPads where children can check out Osmo Play Systems. Osmo is an award-winning game system that will change the way your child interacts with the iPad and iPhone by opening them up to hands-on play.

Playaway View comes pre-loaded with multiple videos making it simple for patrons to access digital movies, shows, educational programming and more without the need for DVDs, downloads or an additional player.

• They check out for one week like the videos, but cannot be renewed.
• There is a charge of $.25 for each day that they are late.
• If they are lost or damaged the replacement cost is $100. Charger replacement is $15.
• They may only be checked out on an adult card.
• There is a checkout limit of two per card.
• They can be returned to any location and can be put in the book drops.

Pre-loaded with high-quality, ad-free learning apps grouped by age, subject and grade level. Every Launchpad is durable enough to move from the hands of one little explorer to the next. 100% secure — No risk of exposure to unintended content

• 7” high-definition touchscreen
• External speaker
• Two out at a time
• Can only be checked out on an adult card
• They check out for one week like the videos, but cannot be renewed.
• There is a charge of $.25 for each day that they are late.

Traditional Computer Stations

Each of our seven locations has computers with Microsoft Office and age-restricted internet access set aside for children under the age of 13. The computers can be reserved for 30 minutes at a time for up to four hours a day, and either require a child’s library card or guest pass. Children must follow all Arlington Public Library computer usage guidelines.

Chromeboxes

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, there will be a Chrombox with touchscreen hub. These hubs will be pre-loaded with games and activities, while still allowing access to the internet and Google web-based apps.  

Playaway Views

Playaway View comes pre-loaded with multiple videos making it simple for patrons to access digital movies, shows, educational programming and more without the need for DVDs, downloads or an additional player.

• They check out for one week like the videos, but cannot be renewed.
• There is a charge of $.25 for each day that they are late.
• If they are lost or damaged the replacement cost is $100. Charger replacement is $15.
• They may only be checked out on an adult card.
• There is a checkout limit of two per card.
• They can be returned to any location and can be put in the book drops.

Playaway Launchpad

Check out the kids only learning tablet today!

Pre-loaded with high-quality, ad-free learning apps grouped by age, subject and grade level Every Launchpad is durable enough to move from the hands of one little explorer to the next. 100% secure — No risk of exposure to unintended content

• 7” high-definition touchscreen
• External speaker
• two out at a time
• Can only be checked out on an adult card
• They check out for one week like the videos but cannot be renewed.
• There is a charge of $.25 for each day that they are late.

Xbox One S

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Tweens can choose to play our Xbox One S gaming system. Xbox One S delivers brilliant graphics with HDR technology and premium audio. All the games in the Tween area are rated E for Everyone. Game controllers must be checked out on a Juvenile Arlington Library Card or an Arlington ISD Student ID Number. 

Nintendo Classic

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Tweens can choose to play our Nintendo Classic Entertainment game system. The NES Classic Edition system is a miniaturized version of the groundbreaking NES, originally released in 1985. Game controllers must be checked out on a Juvenile Arlington Library Card or an Arlington ISD Student ID Number. Games are pre-loaded on the system by Nintendo. Here is the list of classic games:

• Balloon Fight
• Bubble Bobble
• Castlevania
• Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
• Donkey Kong
• Donkey Kong Jr.
• Double Dragon II: The Revenge
• Dr. Mario
• Excitebike
• Final Fantasy
• Galaga
• Ghosts 'n Goblins
• Gradius
• Ice Climber
• Kid Icarus
• Kirby's Adventure
• Mario Bros.
• Mega Man 2
• Metroid
• Ninja Gaiden
• Pac-Man
• Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
• StarTropics
• Super C
• Super Mario Bros.
• Super Mario Bros. 2
• Super Mario Bros. 3
• Tecmo Bowl
• The Legend of Zelda
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

The Arlington Public Library offers access to public computers for teens and adults. Public computers are free to use for all users with a valid library card. Guest passes are available for non-residents for $1 an hour.

Computers are first-come, first-served and may be reserved at a sign-up station. In order to provide accessible services to our patrons, teens are able to use public computers in Adult service areas only. In some library locations, computers are also designated specifically for teen (ages 13-18) use.

Please see our Computer Usage Policy for more details.

Windows Operating Systems

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, the Northeast Branch, and the East Arlington Branch there are laptops with Microsoft Windows operating systems that Teens can access while in the library. 

Chromebooks

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, there are Chromebooks that Teens can check out and use while in the Downtown Library. 

Xbox One S

At the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Tweens can choose to play our Xbox One S gaming system. Xbox One S delivers brilliant graphics with HDR technology and premium audio. All the games in the Teen area are rated E for Everyone and T for Teen. Game controllers must be checked out on a Teen or an Adult Arlington Library Card or an Arlington ISD Student ID Number. 

Nintendo Wii

The Wii console brings interactive gaming to people of all ages. Teen experience intuitive motion controls that deliver a unique social activity. Wii gaming gets Teens up for hours of fun! All the games in the Teen area are rated E for Everyone and T for Teen. Game controllers must be checked out on a Teen or an Adult Arlington Library Card or an Arlington ISD Student ID Number.