Allen County Public Library Receives $35,000 Grant from Google to Enhance Rolland Center Immersive Space

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is proud to announce that it has received a $35,000 grant from Google to fund upgrades to the immersive projection experience inside the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research located at the Main Library (900 Library Plaza). The investment comes as Google establishes its new data center in Fort Wayne, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting innovation, education, and community engagement in Allen County. 

“These enhancements will make the Rolland Center even more interactive and engaging for all, and especially for students and younger audiences,” said Curt Witcher, ACPL Director of Special Collections “It will make Lincoln’s legacy, and our vast collection of artifacts from his time, more accessible than ever. We are grateful to Google for their investment in the future of learning and discovery in our community.” 

The Rolland Center currently invites visitors to step inside large-scale historical and cultural images, surrounding them with projected visuals that bring the past to life. The grant will be used to refresh and expand visitors' engagement with the collection through immersive experiences. It will include technological upgrades to the existing content management system (CMS) and new hardware that will support the visitor experience. The upgrades will allow staff to customize tour experiences for educators and programs but will also allow visitors to explore on their own. It will reinforce the Center’s dedication to independent discovery, while also giving more tools for educators and researchers.  

“Google’s new data center in Fort Wayne is not just about technology—it’s about investing in the community,” said Google Community Development and Engagement Senior Manage representative Allyson Eastman. “The ACPL’s vision for the Rolland Center is the perfect example of how technology can be a tool to connect the lessons of the past to the potential of the future. We are excited to see how the community engages with this unique resource and to support the ACPL’s legacy of discovery.” 

The $35,000 grant marks an early partnership between ACPL and Google, with the goal of fostering curiosity, lifelong learning, and stronger community connections. It also aligns 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.  

For more information about the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, visit: www.acpl.info/rolland.