New Gateless Parking at the Main Library & Surface Lots
Coming soon ACPL will launch a new gateless parking system for the Main Library garage and nearby surface lots on Webster, Harrison, and Wayne Streets. Parking will be $1/hour with a $7 daily max. ACPL patrons will receive the first 3 free hours of parking for free. No apps. No tickets. No cash. Just check-in and go.
Please note: As the system rolls out, the ACPL and ABM are working closely to ensure visitors have the necessary time and flexibility to adjust to the new system. Library staff will be on site to assist with questions.
How it works for guests using the Library
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Park your vehicle in the garage or surface lot.
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Take note of your license plate number.
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Enter the library and scan the posted QR code.
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Follow prompts to enter your license plate number and basic contact info. No credit/debit card required.
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Enjoy your library visit and 3 free hours of parking. You’ll receive emails and texts as your parking session winds down. If you wish to remain at the library, or elsewhere downtown, you will need to start a new paid session following the process below.
How it works for guests NOT using the Library
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Park your vehicle in the garage or surface lot.
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Scan the posted QR code or text the number provided on signage.
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Enter your license plate number, basic contact info, credit or debit card number, (Apple Pay, and Google Pay are also accepted), and anticipated parking time to check in.
Why the change?
At many times over the years, and for most of 2025, the previous gated system experienced technical and mechanical issues that resulted in a lack of available parking for library users. To restore parking access and a reliable revenue stream for parking lot maintenance, the Library evaluated several modern gateless solutions.
After careful review, the ACPL Board of Trustees approved the installation of a new system from ABM Industries, Inc., a company with a local presence as managers of the City of Fort Wayne’s Civic Center Parking Garage and other local locations.
Benefits of the new system
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Prioritizes parking for library visitors using the library
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Ensures fiscal responsibility by generating funds for ongoing maintenance of library parking lots
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Allows non-library-users to park at a reasonable cost
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Reduces traffic backups by eliminating the need to pay upon exit
Look for signage on-site
New signage will guide you through the quick check-in process at each parking location. If you have questions or need assistance, our staff is happy to help.
Thank you for your support as we move forward with this improved system!
FAQs
What if I don’t have a credit/debit card?
Library visitors do not need a credit/debit card to access their 3 hours of free parking. If visitors remain beyond 3 hours in our lot, they will need to provide credit/debit card for payment.
If you are NOT visiting the library, you will need to provide a credit/debit card for payment.
There are also nearby metered spots operated by the City of Fort Wayne that accept cash for payment.
What if I don’t have a smartphone/cell phone?
Visitors can use a text-to-pay option if they do not have a smartphone. Or, you can see a library staff person at the Information Desk in the center of the Great Hall who can assist you with starting a session. You will still need your license plate number.
Who do I contact with questions or concerns?
Email ask@acpl.info for further assistance.
Who do I contact if I was wrongly charged?
Call 877-727-5452 for assistance directly from our parking partner, ABM.
Can I park overnight?
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Can I park and visit other downtown businesses, or activities?
Yes, you will be charged $1/hour up to a max of $7.
What if I need to leave earlier than I thought?
If you are visiting the library, and have stayed fewer than 3 hours, you don't need to do anything to leave early.
If you are NOT visiting the library, you will need to pay for a minimum of one hour of anticipated parking time which you will enter upon scanning the codes in the lots. You cannot end a session early, but you can add time if you park longer than your anticipated parking time.
What if my visit is taking longer than I anticipated?
The system will notify you when your time is almost up. You can adjust your parking session at that time.
How does ABM ensure that license plate numbers, credit/debit card info, and other personal information is secure?
ABM's privacy policy is available here.
How is the system enforced?
ABM employees will be monitoring the lots and confirming that all license plates have scanned either the library visitor code inside the library OR have begun a paid parking session. This is why it is important to take note of your license plate number.
Drivers who are not in compliance, will be issued a citation. Repeated citations may result in towing.
As the system rolls out, the ACPL and ABM are working closely to ensure visitors have the necessary time and flexibility to adjust to the new system. Library staff will be on site to assist with questions.
Parking at Main
Parking Instructions
LIBRARY CARD HOLDERS
You can now use your library card to access all ACPL parking lots for free! Simply scan your library card’s barcode at the parking gate to enter and use the ticket that is generated when you exit the lot. Parking is always free for Allen County Public Library cardholders.
VISITORS
Don’t have a library card? Parking is $1 per hour in ACPL lots, up to a max of $7 per day.
Payment Option #1
Pay with a credit card at the parking gate upon exiting.
Payment Option #2
Pay with cash at the kiosk inside the building. When you’re ready to leave take the ticket that was printed when you entered the parking lot and insert it into the kiosk to pay with cash.
Make sure you take your receipt to scan at the parking lot exit.
ACPL Main Branch Address:
900 Library Plaza
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(Map)
Phone:
260-421-1200