Monday, July 1 - Friday, Aug. 2
The Library will create a pop-up space within Ballston Quarter for one month this summer, providing the community an innovative, non-traditional place in which to interact with the Arlington Public Library.
“Pop-ups allow libraries to innovate and engage with new users. We can experiment with different service models and add value to retail markets,” said Library Director Diane Kresh. “It’s a great partnership with Ballston BID and Ballston Quarter and our aim is to continue bringing innovative services to Arlington.”
Ballston Quarter Pop-up Hours
Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
What Can You Do at the Ballston Quarter Pop-up Library?
The pop-up is in two adjoining spaces on the first floor of Ballston Quarter.
In the first space you can:
- Talk to a librarian.
- Register for a Library card.
- Browse new titles in the collection.
- Learn about upcoming and ongoing Library programs and services.
- Charge your phone on the go.
- Kick back and read!
Charging station!
In the second space you can experience Alterspace, a immersive experience created by Harvard University's Library Innovation Lab, which gives visitors control over light, color, sound, and space. Pop through the curtains and use the app to create your ideal environment for meditating, reading, collaborating, playing - whatever brings you to the Library!
The Ballston Quarter Pop-up Library is made possible in partnership with Ballston Quarter and Ballston BID.
Is the Ballston Pop Up Library located in the Ballston Commons shopping center?
Karen,
Yes, it is located at the intersection of the two main interior corridors. And when the old Ballston mall was renovated, Ballston Common was rebranded as Ballston Quarter.
Hi,
What a great idea. I’ll suggest that you have at least one or two computer stations. I use a secure laptop for my work. It might be nice to have access to an alternative on my lunch break.
I think it is a great idea! I would love to see this space promote what is happening at a neighborhood library each month to reinforce the public good that happens no where else but at libraries. Yeah Librarians! We should cherish our most democratic of institutions.
This—Ballston library pop up—is a good idea, but it would have been nice to include a street address or some other location signifier, in case a person doesn’t have a smartphone, or isn’t that familiar with the area.
It did make me curious about the ‘alterspace’ app/demo
Susan,
As the pop-up is inside Ballston Quarter – the new Ballston mall – it doesn’t have a very useful street address. The official address for Ballston Quarter is 4238 Wilson Blvd, which refers to the entire building in the triangle between Wilson Blvd, Glebe Rd and Randolph st.
What a terrific initiative !! Thank you So Much ! Looking forward to just browsing & …whatever that may lead on to. I see many children in the new mall so Hope this attracts
a good night mber to reading. Thank You for Your Creativity & BID’s community building:
Making Ballston Quarter More than a mall.
Thank you!
You don’t specify – and I don’t want to assume. Can materials be returned at this location?
Actually, and I should have asked in the first question – can materials be returned here when the location is not open?
Hi N,
Good question – there is no book drop, so we can’t take returns outside of operating hours, but you are welcome to return materials when we’re open.
Is it possible to bring small groups or reserve for a walk through event? Alternatively, is the second AR room, large enough for small groups to enjoy or is it an individual setup?
Marie,
Thank you for your interest in visiting – the Ballston Quarter Pop-up is a drop-in experience, so it’s not available for reservations or tours. But we do hope you will stop by!
For technical reasons, we have consolidated the Alterspace installation into a smaller alcove within the primary space. This means that only 3 – 4 people can comfortably fit into the space at one time.