PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN

Saturday, February 17, 2024; Louis Stokes wing of the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Library, 525 Superior Avenue, 1^st Floor: Grand opening of Studio 525, the Cleveland Public Library’s cutting-edge tech space for teens. Teens enjoy a video game in which pair of teens compete on a virtual basketball court.

   (Plain Press March 2024) On February 17^th, Cleveland Public Library held a grand opening for Studio 525, which it describes as “a vibrant, cutting-edge tech space for teens on the first floor of the Cleveland Public Library’s Louis Stokes Wing, blending the latest technology in a dynamic interactive environment.”

   The cold and snowy weather outside did not deter teens and families with younger children from visiting and exploring Studio 525 at its grand opening which offered guests music played by a DJ, free food, refreshments, as well as demonstrations of new technology, interactive sessions, and gaming.

   The Cleveland Public Library (CPL) says, “The Studio 525 experience is centered around STREAM programming, which integrates Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math, delving into robotics, gaming, artificial intelligence (AI), art, virtual reality (VR), or crafts.”

   According to information provided by the CPL, teens visiting Studio 525 can: “EXPLORE: Explore the latest in technology, including robotics, gaming, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. CREATE: Unleash artistic talents with a range of creative activities and workshops. INNOVATE: Dive into hands-on experiments and activities that nurture a love for science and engineering. MEETUP: Hang out with friends in a safe and welcoming space designed specifically for teens.”