ACPL Celebrates Progress in Year Two of Strategic Plan

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 joined the State’s Learn More, Earn More initiative, connecting residents to credentials, career pathways, and well-paying local jobs. Investments in Studios at the Library have expanded access to technology, digital media tools, and entrepreneurial support.

To bridge access gaps, ACPL partnered with Fort Wayne Community Schools to issue library

cards to more than 8,000 students, ensuring seamless access to books, digital materials,

technology, and online resources. The library also aimed to better reflect and serve Allen County through a Community Connections webpage bridging language gaps and introduced bilingual storytimes in German and Spanish.

ACPL strengthened its role as a community connector by launching an online program

suggestion form, expanding community feedback opportunities through surveys and focus

groups, and formalizing reciprocal marketing partnerships with local organizations. Service

improvements included updated staffing models, signage standards, enhanced customer

service training, and testing a new online chat reference service to increase real-time digital

assistance.

“These efforts reflect our continued commitment to removing barriers and focusing on literacy for all,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier. “We see ourselves as critical to lifelong learning and discovery in Allen County and our strategic plan has given us clear direction and goals. We’re listening to our patrons, engaging with our fellow leaders and community organizations, embracing new methods and technologies, making adjustments along the way, and planning for the future. It is an exciting time at the ACPL!”

For more information on the strategic plan’s progress, visit ACPL.info/strategic-plan