ACPL Purchases Property for Facilities Master Plan’s New Shawnee Branch

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 facility will address the existing accessibility and structural challenges and add nearly 6,000 more square feet to provide significantly more space for collections, technology, meeting rooms, programming, and flexible study areas. The newly acquired parcel will allow for increased parking and enhanced outdoor programming spaces at the branch, addressing longstanding building concerns and improving accessibility for patrons.

The Shawnee Branch has been a vital neighborhood resource since it was built in 1973. The branch underwent a renovation in 2003, however, an extensive 2022 study of the Library's buildings rated Shawnee’s overall building condition as a 1 out of 5 and noted that a renovation alone would not meet the 10-year service demands of the community. Shawnee was therefore included in the first phase of Facilities Master Plan (FMP) projects. FMP Phase 1 funding was approved in 2025 by the Fort Wayne City Council and the Allen County Council.

“When we first announced our Facilities Master Plan, we heard loudly and clearly that the Shawnee Branch patrons deeply value their branch, its proximity to shopping and schools, and the service our team provides to the neighborhood,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier. “This purchase allows us to rebuild on the existing site in the neighborhood while modernizing the branch for future generations."

The decision will require a temporary closure of the Shawnee location to allow for construction. That timeline is not yet known, but the ACPL is committed to a continuation of service that will minimize impact to the Shawnee patrons. The ACPL’s project team will soon enter the design phase for the new Shawnee branch. Construction timelines will then follow, including any planned closures or impacts to patrons.

To learn more about the Facilities Master Plan, visit www.acpl.info/youracpl.