Since opening its doors in March 2023, Frisco Public Library has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative library spaces in Texas. Housed in a transformed 150,000+ square foot former rocket factory, the facility reflects the city’s investment in the future of learning. From maker spaces and VR equipment to a towering T-Rex skeleton named “Rexy,” the building is designed to spark curiosity and exploration at every turn. As the Adult Services Manager, Thomas Finley puts it, “the experience is really important to us, from the greeting you get when you arrive, to all of the constructed amenities, which also includes our approach to tech learning here as well.”

At Frisco Public Library, innovation isn’t a buzzword. It’s an expectation rooted in years of listening to the community and evolving alongside it.

Back in 2013, the library’s master plan revealed a clear vision from residents: they wanted the library to serve as a guide in an increasingly complex information landscape. That idea continues to shape the library’s approach today, especially when it comes to technology.

“We were told the library should be navigators,” said Adult Services Manager, Thomas Finley. “That really stuck with us, and it’s guided how we think about teaching and technology ever since.”

Building a Teaching Library

Over the years, Frisco has worked to embed teaching into its culture. From early programs like “30 apps in 30 minutes” to hands-on training in Microsoft Office, 3D design, and 3D printing, staff have been encouraged to share knowledge and build skills across the board.

“We run really lean,” Finley said. “Expecting staff to teach, this is what the community wants. Giving people the opportunity to teach is part of the job.”

To support that, the library has invested in training staff not just in technical skills, but in how to teach effectively. The goal is flexibility. If one instructor is unavailable, another staff member can step in. That adaptability has been key as technology continues to shift.

A Mindful Approach to AI

Even before the pandemic, Frisco Public Library was beginning to help their patrons explore artificial intelligence, from experimenting with smart speakers and coding to building early chatbots. Today, AI has become a central focus. “It used to be laser cutting or Microsoft Office,” Finley said. “Now it’s AI.”

But the approach isn’t blind enthusiasm. Staff and leadership alike have wrestled with real concerns around privacy, ethics, and content ownership. “It’s not all roses and AI rainbows,” Finley said. “We put forth the effort because it’s worth it.”

Rather than avoid those concerns, the library brings them into the classroom. “Share these concerns in your class. Talk about it. Make people aware,” he said. “But also talk about what it’s good for.”

This balanced approach helps patrons better understand both the potential and the risks, while positioning the library as a trusted source of information in a rapidly changing space.

Expanding Expertise Beyond Staff

Frisco’s success hasn’t come from staff alone. The library has built a strong network of local volunteers and community experts who contribute to programming, especially in specialized areas like AI and career development.

“We’ve developed a good cadre of volunteer experts,” Finley said. “They see what we’re doing and want to be part of it.”

Programs have also evolved beyond basic introductions. Instead of generic “AI 101” sessions, the library now offers more targeted classes like career planning with AI or practical, everyday applications.

At the same time, digital learning platforms like Udemy help extend access to knowledge beyond the building, giving patrons 24/7 opportunities to build skills.

Staying Flexible in a Fast-Changing World

One of the biggest challenges with emerging technology is how quickly it changes. Interfaces shift, tools evolve, and new platforms appear almost daily. “It’s a low-level challenge, but things are constantly changing,” Finley said. “What did Claude (GenAI tool) change today?”

Despite that uncertainty, the library remains committed to staying current and continuing to teach. “We can’t stop teaching AI. That’s not what people expect of us,” he said. “We are constantly moving forward.”

A Library That Meets the Moment

From legacy maker kits funded years ago from a TSLAC grant to cutting-edge AI programming today, Frisco Public Library continues to adapt its services to meet real community needs. The goal isn’t just to introduce new technology. It’s to make sure people understand it, feel confident using it, and can think critically about its impact. “AI is not going away,” Finley said. “Learn about it, what it is, and what it can do.”

Just a few years after opening, the new Frisco Public Library is already living up to its promise as a high-tech community hub. The building may be new, but the mission remains the same: to help people make sense of a rapidly changing world and feel confident stepping into it.

As Finley reflects, “I can’t think of a better time to be Librarian than now, with discovering and navigating all that AI has to offer. I am sure there will be something else on the tech horizon before we know it, and when that happens, we will just lean into whatever that is too.” And in Frisco, the library isn’t just keeping up with change, it’s helping lead the way.