Serving as welcome center for families, "the Curve" is unique, 21st century hands-on information center and teaching lab for the pilot-testing of real and virtual programs and activities emphasizing the importance of reading. The 18,000-square-foot facility features a set of spectral color-coded and age-appropriate thematic zones, each hosted by trained staff "activity guides." Visitors acquire the skills to make critical decisions about the vast amount of information available to families today.