Media Center Opens at Newport Library

If you're looking to brush up on computer software skills, or learn new programs, the Newport Beach Central Library's Media Center might be the place for you.

The media center, which opened to the community at the beginning of August, houses 15 computer workstations -- including 10 Dell computers and five iMacs-- and is available for free use to students, career people or anyone who wants to learn new skills.

"We have never had anything like this," Katherine Mielke, library spokeswoman, said. "The library is all about inspiring people to expand their knowledge and this is another avenue."

Some of the programs available on the media center computers include ProTools, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite plus other video and music editing, animation, graphic art creation, architectural drafting and modeling programs.

Neil, a Newport Beach resident, discovered the library's media center one day while walking around the library. He said he has been using it for web design projects.

"This has been a lifesaver for me," Neil said about the media center. "Sort of miraculous because the programs I use for work are always changing. This helps me stay relevant."

The media center is located on the lower level down the hallway from the elevator. It's opened at the Central Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A reservation is encouraged and can be made online or in-person.

Along with the media center, the Central Library also has iPads for loan. They can be used for free for up to two hours inside the library. Nooks are also loaned for free for up to two weeks. 

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