StoryScape Early Learning Space Opens at ACPL’s Monroeville Branch

The Allen County Public Library has opened its newest StoryScape early learning location at the Monroeville Branch (115 Main St., Monroeville). A Grand Opening was held Tuesday, August 26 at 11 a.m. 

Monroeville’s StoryScape location builds on the success of similar spaces at the Main Library and the Grabill, Little Turtle, Pontiac, and Woodburn Branches. The custom-designed space will utilize hands-on learning tools and library materials to encourage young children to read, sing, write, talk, and play. StoryScape focuses on promoting early literacy with children ages 7 and younger.  

The Monroeville StoryScape is a “Farm to Table” theme with a miniature food truck, loft for climbing/crawling, a play kitchen, market stand, reading pods and more engaging features that encourage play and learning. The grand opening featured a ceremonial “sign flip” to announce the pretend food truck, and the StoryScape in general, were “open for business!” Students from St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Monroeville assisted with the ceremony.  

"StoryScapes are more than just beautifully designed areas for children—they are vital environments that build a foundation for a lifetime of reading and learning,” said ACPL Youth Services Manager Jacki Fulwood. “As a librarian, I’ve seen firsthand how these immersive spaces spark wonder in young minds, inviting them to explore stories not just through books, but through play, movement, and interaction. These experiences help children build critical cognitive, social, and emotional skills. When we invest in Storyscape spaces, we’re not just enriching our libraries—we’re nurturing the next generation of thinkers, readers, and dreamers."  

The Monroeville space was made possible in part through the Monroeville Branch’s agency endowment fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Originally established through Cornerstone Youth Center and matching dollars from the Foundation, this endowment will continue supporting innovative programs and services for the community. The ACPL combined these resources with Library reserve funds to develop a full StoryScape installation inside the Library.  

“We are so pleased to see these funds stay in Monroeville and continue to support youth services,” said Monroeville Branch Manager Chris Wiljer. “In our community, the library is where the community gathers – so it makes sense to invest here and meet people where they are. Whether you’re our longtime friends or haven’t had a chance to come see us yet, this is the perfect time to stop by and check out the new space!” 

The Library plans to expand StoryScape to the entire ACPL system in as part of the ACPL’s 2024-28 strategic plan “Allen County’s Windows to Lifelong Learning and Discovery.” StoryScapes are free and open during normal library hours.  For more information about StoryScape and other youth activities at the Allen County Public Library, visit www.acpl.info/storyscape.