Glendale Library expands, upgrades technology inside IDEA Center

PHOENIX — The City of Glendale recently expanded the IDEA Center, a space made for “business innovators, entrepreneurs and networkers” to come together and share ideas.

The center offers free classes, workshops and business resources aimed at helping job seekers and entrepreneurs succeed.

There is now more space to work and upgraded technology, including computers loaded with the latest in software, two 3D printers and a media lab equipped with cameras, green-screen imaging, production lighting, sound equipment and special software for audio and video editing.

The center, located inside the Glendale Main Library, is free and open to the public during regular library hours.

Library staff members hope the improvements will better allow participants to learn more about starting businesses and find partnerships with mentors.

“The added space and technology upgrades for the Glendale IDEA Center will help improve opportunities for new startups and established businesses that are looking for new ways to innovate and grow their ideas,” Glendale’s Chief Librarian Michael Beck said in a statement.

The center partners with the Glendale Public Library, Glendale’s Economic Development Office, Service Corps of Retired Executives and Arizona State University’s Entrepreneurial Outreach Network.

Funds for the expansion came in part from a $28,300 grant from the Arizona State Library and a $5,000 donation from ASU’s Kauffman Institute’s Empowering Women in Business Pilot Program that was provided to hire public business speakers.

“I wanted to try and get my name out there and find opportunities for my business idea,” Dru Heffington, business owner and IDEA Center participant, said about his time at the center in a statement. “It was most valuable to sit down with people who understood and cared about what I could do.”

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