Allen library card holders can now check out laptops. The Allen Public Library expanded its services to include laptop rentals for teenagers and adults with library cards, per an April 6 news release.

The specifics: Library patrons can check out one of 15 available laptops with a charger for work, school or general use, per the release.

Card holders can check out laptops for up to two hours at a time, with the option to renew the rental per availability. Patrons can also check out mouses and keyboards, and can use the laptops anywhere inside the library, the release states.

The context: The Allen Public Library reopened in early December after a $19.9 million renovation project.

New and improved amenities include:

• A preschool playroom
• Six study rooms
• Rentable meeting rooms
• Dedicated teen spaces
• Four new self-checkout stations
• An enhanced book return and book-sorting machine

Opus Music School is expected to open this spring in Allen, owner Ariel Tan said.

The details: The business offers piano, violin, cello and vocal lessons, per its website. Students can take private or group lessons.

• 107B N. Greenville Ave., Allen

Organizations and cities throughout North Texas showcased various transportation-related plans for the upcoming FIFA World Cup games.

Dallas Stadium, also known as AT&T Stadium, will host nine games between June 14 and July 14.

North Central Texas Council of Governments, along with the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, DART, Trinity Metro, Trinity Railway Express and the Texas Department of Transportation, were part of a press conference April 2 to discuss the myriad of travel options.

A closer look: The transportation plan includes the use of public transit, how to get to games and the FIFA Fan Festival, as well as what traffic would look like on various highways across North Texas.

According to the presentation, the final plan was submitted to FIFA on March 31.

The specifics: NCTCOG developed a creative approach for match day transportation, knowing FIFA spectators rely far more heavily on public transit than typical crowds at events at Dallas Stadium, Morris said.

Check out five road project updates around Dallas-Fort Worth. 

Collin County 
1. Gaylord Parkway roundabout 
Project: A roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Gaylord Parkway and Ohio Drive in Frisco. 

Update: Construction started April resulting in several traffic pattern changes. Gaylord Parkway will close west of Ohio Drive, and traffic will be detoured north to Warren Parkway. Additionally, northbound and southbound traffic on Ohio Drive will share the east side of the roadway, with one lane open in each direction. 

• Timeline: Construction expected to finish in 2027

• Cost: $3.5 million

• Funding source: city of Frisco
  

2. Dallas Parkway intersection improvements
Project: Work includes pavement improvements, dedicated turn lanes and two new traffic signals on Dallas Parkway in Celina. 

Update: Celina officials approved Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating for construction at the March 10 council meeting. 

• Timeline: Estimated completion in July 2027 

• Cost: $3.49 million

• Funding source: city of Celina