ACPL Invites Community to Help Shape the Future of Its Libraries

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) 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. 

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.

“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.” 

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, visit acpl.info/youracpl.