Allen County Public Library Celebrates One Year of The Studios at the Library

One year after unveiling a bold new vision for its Maker Labs, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is celebrating the first anniversary of The Studios at the Library. The reimagined creative spaces have quickly become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, artistry, and lifelong learning across Allen County.  

Launched in August 2024 with support from Library operating dollars and a grant from the Don Wood Foundation, The Studios at the Library represent a systemwide rebrand and expansion of ACPL’s maker-focused spaces. The Studio at Main, located in the renovated former Dunkin’ Donuts space, includes expanded program areas, collaborative project workspaces, a suite of new equipment including 3-D printers, laser engravers, and vinyl cutters, and a dedicated podcast recording booth. The upgraded space led to a feature in Fort Wayne Magazine’s annual “Best of” issue.  

From August 2024 through August 2025, the Studios at the Library have welcomed thousands of community members eager to explore hands-on learning, technology, and creativity. In that time, the five Studios have served more than 14,500 patrons through programs and open hours. The newest addition to the Studio at Main, the podcast booth, has seen 282 unique bookings serving 566 patrons in its first 6 months.  

“These numbers reflect not just usage, but the dedication to entrepreneurship, discovery, and creativity within our community,” said Kerstin Glaess, Manager of the Studios at the Library. “The Studios at the Library have become a destination where ideas turn into action, where people of all ages can experiment, learn, and create.” 

The success of the first year is aligned with ACPL’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, Allen County’s Window to Lifelong Learning and Discovery, which prioritizes leading through innovation and designing friendly, functional spaces. Looking ahead, ACPL plans to continue expanding programming and partnerships, ensuring that The Studios at the Library remain a place for discovery and growth for years to come. 

For more information about The Studios at the Library, visit: www.acpl.info/studios.