FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) says it is taking the next step in its Facilities Master Plan and inviting the community to play a central role. As Phase 1 moves forward, ACPL will host a series of drop-in Listening Sessions to gather input, answer questions, and ensure that its neighborhood branches of tomorrow reflect the needs and dreams of the people it serves today.
“This is the community’s library, and throughout the Facilities Master Plan process, we have sought to hear directly from our patrons as we shape the future of our libraries,” said Susan P. Baier, ACPL Executive Director. “These listening sessions are about more than buildings—they’re about ensuring that every branch reflects the people and neighborhoods it serves. This is the public’s opportunity to meet the designers, let your ideas be heard, and get excited about the next chapter of the project.”
ACPL representatives released the following:
Phase 1 of the plan includes a mix of renovations, improvements, and entirely new facilities at six ACPL branches: Aboite, Dupont, Georgetown, Hessen Cassel, New Haven, and Shawnee. These branches were identified as either critically undersized for their use and/or in need of significant updates to the infrastructure or use of the space. The updates are designed to create welcoming, innovative, and sustainable spaces that will serve Allen County residents for generations to come.
The listening sessions include both in-person sessions with the design team, including representatives from Group 4 Architecture, and Luminaut to share feedback and ask questions and self-serve Engagement Boards which will be on display during open hours at the selected branches. The schedule will be as follows:
Shawnee Branch
Sept. 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Patron Engagement with Design Team
Sept. 24–Oct. 1 Self-serve Engagement Boards during open hours
New Haven Branch
Sept. 24, 6–9 p.m. Patron Engagement with Design Team
Sept. 24–Oct. 1 Self-serve Engagement Boards during open hours
Aboite Branch
Sept. 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Patron Engagement with Design Team
Sept. 25–Oct. 2 Self-serve Engagement Boards during open hours
Hessen Cassel Branch
Oct. 8, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Patron Engagement with Design Team
Oct. 8–15 Self-serve Engagement Boards during open hours
Georgetown Branch
Oct. 8, 6–9 p.m. Patron Engagement with Design Team
Oct. 8–15 Self-serve Engagement Boards during open hours
Dupont Branch
Oct. 9, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Patron Engagement with Design Team
Oct. 9–16 Self-serve Engagement Boards during open hours
For more details about the Facilities Master Plan and how ACPL is preparing for the future, click HERE
Comments