Wichita Public Library

Check out the new library

Wichita Public LibraryAfter years of waiting and planning, Wichita’s new Advanced Learning Library is now open.

One highlight is a Children’s Pavilion that’s twice as large as the former central library’s children’s area. The new 10,000-square-foot area sports interactive learning centers, a quiet room and learning garden.

In addition to more computers and modern meeting facilities, the new library offers drive-up service, an automated materials handler, outdoor reading area and a coffee shop operated by Reverie Roasters

Explore the new space at 711 W. 2nd St. The museum is open daily; the coffee shop is open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Exploration Place launches aviation exhibit

After five years of planning, the new permanent exhibit Design Build Fly at Exploration Place give visitors an up-close look at aviation.

The 50 activities in the 5,100-square-foot space include piloting an unmanned aerial vehicle, testing landing gear, repairing a wing, designing a plane exterior and airplane seat, creating and flying paper airplanes, and watching air patterns on a wind wall. Exhibits also answer such questions as why you can’t use a cell phone during takeoff and what happens when you flush a toilet 25,000 feet in the air.

The aviation exhibit is included in regular admission. For more information, visit exploration.org.