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News & Press Release Archive
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International Jugglers' Association Brings Free Family Performance to the Library
The Allen County Public Library invites the community to discover the fun, skill, and creativity of juggling during “Planting the Juggling Seed,” a free, family-friendly performance presented by the International Jugglers' Association Festival and produced by the Youth Juggling Academy. The event will take place Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Theater at the Main Library (900 Library Plaza). Designed for audiences of all ages, the interactive showcase features b
amichael-keller
3 days ago1 min read


Final Rock the Plaza Concert Returns This Weekend
The Allen County Public Library invites the community to the final Rock the Plaza concert this weekend, with one last evening of music, memories, and celebration on Saturday, July 18, from 4 to 10 p.m. on the Main Library Plaza. After nearly two decades as one of Fort Wayne's favorite summer traditions, Rock the Plaza will take its final bow with an extended concert featuring some of the series' most beloved performers: Phil's Family Lizard Pop N Fresh Alicia Pyle & the Local
amichael-keller
Jul 132 min read


ACPL Audio Reading Service Earns International Programming Award
The Allen County Public Library's Audio Reading Service has received international recognition from the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS), earning a 2026 Program Award for excellence in broadcasting. The award was presented during the IAAIS Annual Conference, held June 9–11, and recognizes programming that was recorded, produced, and broadcast during 2025. The IAAIS represents more than 80 audio information services across the United States, Cana
amichael-keller
Jul 82 min read


Indiana’s First Lady Visits the ACPL for Imagination Library Storytime
Indiana First Lady Maureen Braun visited the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) on Wednesday to celebrate early literacy and the growing impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Allen County, reading to local children during a special Storytime at the Main Library's StoryScape. The event highlighted the community-wide partnership that has brought free, high-quality books to thousands of Allen County children each month. Since launching in late 2024, Dolly Parton's Imag
amichael-keller
Jul 23 min read


Grammy-Nominated Family Music Duo Wendy and DB to Perform at ACPL
The Allen County Public Library invites families to enjoy two special performances by Grammy-nominated and award-winning children's music duo Wendy and DB at the Main Library on Thursday, June 18. Known for their blues-pop fusion family music, Wendy and DB combine original songs and interactive storytelling to create interactive musical experiences for audiences of all ages. Their high-energy performances encourage participation and celebrate creativity through music. What:
amichael-keller
Jun 161 min read


ACPL Seeks Community Input for Future Aboite and Dupont Branches
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is continuing work on its Facilities Master Plan with a new round of community-focused Listening Sessions. These informal, drop-in events will give residents an opportunity to learn more about upcoming branch improvements, share feedback, and help shape the future of their neighborhood libraries. The sessions mark an important milestone for the Aboite and Dupont branches, both of which were selected for significant upgrades during the f
amichael-keller
Jun 162 min read


Library’s Audio Reading Service Launches Major Broadcast Overhaul June 1
The Allen County Public Library Audio Reading Service (ARS) will launch a redesigned broadcast schedule and refreshed programming lineup on Monday, June 1, marking a most comprehensive service updated based on feedback from an extensive listener survey conducted last summer. The ARS team implemented this feedback, as well as a deep analysis of streaming, podcast, and download data to better understand listener preferences, how audiences access programming, and what types of c
amichael-keller
Jun 12 min read


ACPL and Blessings in a Backpack Tackle Summer Hunger for Thousands of Local Kids
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is continuing its commitment to local families this summer through its annual partnership with Blessings in a Backpack, helping ensure children have reliable access to food even when school is out of session. On Fridays from June 5 through July 31, eight ACPL locations will serve as distribution sites for Blessings in a Backpack weekend meal bags. Each bag contains non-perishable food to help sustain a child over the weekend. This effort
amichael-keller
May 262 min read


ACPL’s Genealogy Center Hosts National Genealogical Society Conference Sessions & Extends Hours for Conference Visitors
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) will host numerous conference sessions and offer extended research hours in its renowned Genealogy Center during the upcoming National Genealogical Society Conference, taking place May 26–30, 2026. Hosted by the National Genealogical Society, the annual conference brings together more than 700 family historians, researchers, vendors and genealogists of all experience levels for a week of educational sessions, workshops, and networking. T
amichael-keller
May 202 min read


ACPL and FWCS Partner to Provide Free Lunch with Annual Summer Program
Fort Wayne Community Schools will kick off its annual free summer meal program at the Allen County Public Library with a community celebration on the Library Plaza. The free event is open to the public and will feature free food, giveaways, games, and children’s activities such as chalk art and face painting. What: Sun Meals “Dino-Mite Summer” Free Lunch Kick Off with FWCS When: Friday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Allen County Public Library Plaza (900 Library Pl
amichael-keller
May 192 min read


ACPL Highlights Community Impact in 2025 Report
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has released its 2025 Community Impact Report, showcasing another year of extraordinary service, growth, and community engagement. Most notably, the Library’s circulation reached 11.8 items per capita—nearly double the national average, underscoring the vital role ACPL plays in the daily lives of Allen County residents. This milestone reflects a community that not only values access to information but actively uses it. In total, more th
amichael-keller
May 122 min read


Indy 500 Festival Princess Brings 500 Spirit to Woodburn Library Storytime
The Woodburn Branch of the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) will welcome a special guest on Wednesday, May 13, as Indy 500 Festival Princess Hannah Dietel joins the branch’s storytime from 11 a.m. to noon for a racing-themed program celebrating one of Indiana’s most iconic traditions and the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event – the Indianapolis 500. Dietel, a Woodburn native and University of Saint Francis senior studying health and exercise science, was se
amichael-keller
May 111 min read


STAR Financial Bank Invests $2,000 in Early Literacy Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
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
amichael-keller
May 81 min read


STAR Financial Bank Presents $2,000 Gift to Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
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
amichael-keller
May 71 min read


Rock the Plaza Announces Extended Final Concert Celebration on July 18
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,
amichael-keller
May 52 min read


ACPL Expands Seed Library Program to Meet Growing Community Demand
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
amichael-keller
May 32 min read


Library Celebrates America 250 with Community Programming and History Exhibits
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
amichael-keller
Apr 283 min read


Dinosaurs Take Over ACPL’s Main Library with “Fossils Exposed”
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
amichael-keller
Apr 272 min read


ACPL Helps Young Readers Find Their “Library Joy” During Library Outreach Workers Day
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
amichael-keller
Apr 212 min read


“Find Your Joy” at the ACPL During National Library Week
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
amichael-keller
Apr 162 min read
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