Antioch residents can take a dance class, join a game of basketball and pick up their library books – all in one convenient location – when the Mirant Gateway Center for Learning Library opens in the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way. This “express” library, augmenting the downtown library, will open Saturday, Jan. 29.

The Mirant Gateway Center for Learning Library’s automated check-out and return machines, wireless access, early literacy computers for children and use of the City of Antioch’s computer lab (adjacent to the center) help make it a state-of-the-art facility. Library users can tap into Contra Costa County Library’s website for access to live online homework help, student resources, and eBooks.

Spanning 1,500 square feet, the library might be small, but it serves as a gateway to the vast collection of resources offered by the Contra Costa County Library. Residents can request materials from other library locations and pick them up at the center. They can also browse more than 9,000 new and appealing books, audio books, CDs and DVDs.

In addition to its materials and resources, the library will host programs for all ages – story times, puppet shows and author visits. The Friends of the Antioch Library will sponsor programs at both Antioch libraries.

All are invited to join in the opening-day festivities on Jan. 29. The opening ceremony starts at 11:15 a.m., and the library will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Children can enjoy a sampling of library programs by watching the comedy magic of Timothy James at 2 p.m. After Jan. 29, the library resumes its normal operating hours: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. The library is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays.