Pop-up library possibly coming soon to Crystal City
ARLINGTON, Va. (ABC7) — Sandwiched between shops and restaurants in Crystal City, the Arlington Public Library is looking to open a temporary pop-up library.
"The goal is really to meet people where they're at and to provide them with some access to library services," said Susan McCarthy, branch services division chief at the Central Library.
Pop-up shops are trendy ways to bring a business idea into an area for a quick test run. In this case, it’s being dubbed, “The Connection: Crystal City,” which is an innovative way to attract new customers.
The pop-up location will open within the Crystal City Shops in late September.
"You have to spend to get things of value and I think this is a priceless value," said David James, who works in Crystal City.
The space is being offered to the county rent-free, but officials expect to spend about $113,000 to renovate the space. Part of that money used for shelving, carpeting and furniture will be reused by the county after the lease is terminated. Officials also expect to spend $60,000 to install fiber and conduit to connect the library up to the county's fiber optic network.
"The expense side is a little steep," said Markim Smithson, who works in the neighborhood. “But I guess you can’t put a price on learning.”
"It is a lot of money, but if they're going to put the money towards something like people bettering themselves and educating themselves, I don't think there's any harm in it if they have it to spare," said Alexandria Latimer, who works close to where the pop-up library will be located.
One-time funding was approved in the adopted Fiscal Year 2017 budget.
The Crystal City location is the first neighborhood the library is experimenting with. It will be up and running for about nine months, and then the goal is to move it to another neighborhood.
"We know that when we cited libraries in the heart of the business community it's been good for libraries and it's also been good for business," McCarthy said.
The pop-up will be used for checking out books, accessing the internet, holding community meetings and attending workshops.
