STAR Financial Bank has partnered with the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Foundation through a $2,000 gift to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allen County. The contribution directly funds the program's mission to mail free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to local children from birth to age five every month, regardless of family income. By removing barriers to book ownership, the initiative fosters early literacy, improves kindergarten readiness, and bui

STAR Financial Bank will present a $2,000 gift to the Allen County Public Library Foundation in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allen County. The program provides children from birth to age five with free, high-quality, age-appropriate books mailed directly to their homes each month—helping foster early literacy, kindergarten readiness, and a lifelong love of reading. The contribution from STAR Financial Bank will help expand access to books for young childre

After nearly two decades of music, memories, and community, the Allen County Public Library’s summer concert series “Rock the Plaza” will take its final bow this summer with one last, unforgettable concert on Friday, July 18 from 4–10 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for August 1. Launched in 2007 at a time when live music opportunities in Fort Wayne were limited, Rock the Plaza quickly grew into a beloved summer tradition—showcasing local talent, drawing thousands of attendees,

As the gardening season begins, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is pleased to announce an expansion of its popular Seed Library program to two more ACPL branches, increasing access to free seeds and gardening resources across additional locations. Originally launched in 2016 at the Little Turtle Branch to encourage residents to grow their own food and support sustainable practices, the ACPL Seed Library has expanded to include the New Haven and Waynedale branches. The

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is proud to join the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with a series of engaging programs, films, and exhibits designed to reflect on the nation’s history, culture, and democratic ideals. The Library is participating in the Allen County America 250 Committee and in partnership with PBS Fort Wayne, the committee will present a day-long Allen County America 250 event on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mai

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) invites the community to dig into discovery this summer with “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed,” an interactive dinosaur exhibit on display at the Main Library from May 1 through July 31. The exhibit is free and open to the public as part of ACPL’s Summer Learning Program, themed “Unearth A Story.” “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” transforms the Main Library’s Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery into a hands-on exploration of prehistoric life. Spanning appro

In celebration of National Library Week’s Library Outreach Worker’s Day on April 21, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is shining a spotlight on one of its longest-running and most impactful outreach efforts: the Juvenile Depository Collection (JDC) program. Since its beginnings in the 1970s, the JDC program has connected librarians with in-home daycare providers across Allen County—bringing books, storytimes, and early literacy support directly to children who may not

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) invites the community to celebrate National Library Week (April 19–25, 2026) with this year’s theme: “Find Your Joy.” The annual celebration highlights the essential role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This year’s theme—championed by honorary chair and “Reading Rainbow” host Mychal Threets—invites people of all ages to explore what brings them happiness at the library, from discovering a new book to c

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is taking the next step in its Facilities Master Plan, with a focused effort to engage the community through a series of drop-in Listening Sessions. These sessions are designed to gather input, answer questions, and ensure these libraries reflect the evolving needs of their neighborhoods. Listening Sessions represent the next phase of work for Georgetown, New Haven, and Shawnee—three branches identified for meaningful improvements as pa

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) proudly congratulates Visit Fort Wayne on receiving the Indiana Tourism Association’s (ITA) Best Meeting/Group Partnership Award for its work bringing the International Jewish Genealogical Society’s Annual Conference to Fort Wayne. The conference held August 10–14, 2025, brought together genealogists, researchers, and families from across the globe for educational sessions, networking, and access to ACPL’s unparalleled collections. The

The Allen County Public Library’s Woodburn Branch will celebrate National Library Week with a special themed storytime inspired by a beloved children’s book series. What: Spotlight Storytime – “If You Give a Librarian a…” When: Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. – noon. Where: Woodburn Branch (4701 State Route 101 North, Woodburn) Who: Media are invited to take photos and conduct interviews with ACPL staff, participants, and their caregivers. Inspired by the classic cause-a

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is excited to announce a special series of Bilingual Storytimes designed to engage families in both English and Spanish. These interactive programs are presented in partnership with students studying Spanish at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW), providing a unique opportunity for children and caregivers to experience language learning in a fun, welcoming environment. Each storytime will feature stories, songs, and activities presented

This week, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) proudly recognizes National Library Giving Day (April 1) and celebrates the generosity of the ACPL Foundation and the Friends of the ACPL in supporting programs and providing financial support that strengthens literacy, learning, and community connection. Through the two entities’ financial support, the ACPL continues to expand access to transformative library services across Allen County including signature initiatives: Dolly

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Allen County Public Library for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the 2024 fiscal year. This marks the 33rd consecutive year that the library has achieved this prestigious recognition. The report was reviewed by an impartial panel of judges. According to Michele Mark Levine, Director of t

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is excited to announce the release of five new themed memory kits designed to support individuals living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive challenges — and to help their families, friends, and caregivers engage in meaningful activities together. All five kits will be available for patrons to check out immediately. Memory kits are carefully curated collections of books, music, photos, puzzles, activity prompts, an

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is making it easier than ever for patrons to get help with a new Live Chat Reference service, now available on the library’s website. The free service connects users in real time with a network of trained librarians across the country who can answer questions, assist with accounts, and help patrons make the most of ACPL’s wide range of resources—without the need to call or visit in person. Live Chat Reference offers extended hours of a

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is reporting significant progress in the second year of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, highlighting expanded literacy initiatives, increased access to technology, and strengthened community partnerships. As part of its commitment to celebrating reading and learning, ACPL expanded StoryScape early learning spaces to additional branch locations and led the successful “One County, One Book” community-wide reading initiative. The library also

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has finalized the purchase of property to support the construction of a new, expanded Shawnee Branch. The property, 5610 Noll Avenue, is directly adjacent to the existing branch. The purchase was finalized on February 13, 2026. Once construction begins, the current Shawnee branch building will be removed and replaced with a new, modern 17,000-square-foot library designed to better serve the needs of the surrounding community. The new f

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of WELT Community Radio (95.7 FM), a one-of-a-kind station that has spent the past decade informing, connecting, and amplifying voices across Fort Wayne and Allen County. Launched in 2016, WELT is the only low-power FM radio station licensed to a public library. The station was created as an accessible platform for local music, culture, civic dialogue, and community storytelling and was given the name

This Valentine’s Day, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is encouraging readers to take a chance on something new with a creative and charming display at the Main Library: “Blind Date with a Book.” The special display features a curated selection of books wrapped in paper, concealing the title and author. Instead of judging a book by its cover, patrons are invited to choose their next read based on a short teaser description hinting at the story inside. From heartfelt ro