Allen County Public Library | Fort Wayne

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is one of the largest and most comprehensive public library systems in the United States, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1895, it serves the residents of Allen County through a network of 14 locations, including a sprawling Main Library in downtown Fort Wayne and 13 branch libraries strategically distributed across the county. The ACPL is renowned not only for its extensive collection and modern facilities but also for its role as a community hub offering diverse services, programs, and resources that enrich the lives of individuals and families across all age groups.

Main Library and Facilities

The Main Library, covering approximately 367,000 square feet, stands as a centerpiece of the ACPL system. Architecturally impressive and functionally designed, it offers a welcoming and versatile environment tailored to accommodate a wide variety of patrons and activities. The building houses:

Fred J. Reynolds Historical Genealogy Department:
This department is internationally recognized as having the largest public genealogy collection in the United States. It contains over 350,000 printed volumes and more than half a million items of microfilm and microfiche, including census records, family histories, newspapers, and immigration documents. This unparalleled resource draws genealogists, historians, and family researchers from across the globe.

Public Meeting Spaces and Study Rooms:
The Main Library provides five public meeting rooms with a combined capacity of up to 500 people, suitable for lectures, workshops, community forums, and special events. Additionally, there are six smaller group study rooms designed for collaborative learning or private meetings. A computer training room is also available for technology education and digital literacy classes.

Theater:
The library features a 230-seat theater used for lectures, film screenings, performances, and presentations, enhancing its role as a cultural center in the community.

Branch Libraries

ACPL’s 13 branch libraries extend the reach of the system to neighborhoods across Allen County. Each branch offers:

Collections tailored to community needs, including popular fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, and multimedia materials.

Public computers with internet access and printing services.

Meeting and programming spaces for local events and educational workshops.

Personalized services such as literacy support and technology assistance.

Digital Resources and Accessibility

The Allen County Public Library embraces modern technology to provide patrons with convenient, 24/7 access to a vast array of digital materials. Library cardholders can access:

eBooks and eAudiobooks: Available through platforms like OverDrive and Libby, covering a wide spectrum of genres and interests.

Streaming Media: Services such as Hoopla and Kanopy offer movies, documentaries, music, and educational videos.

Online Databases and Research Tools: Including scholarly articles, language learning resources, business databases, and consumer information.

Digital Language Learning: Resources such as Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone enable patrons to learn new languages from home or library locations.

Facilities across the system are fully ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for patrons with disabilities. Assistive technologies and services are also offered to support those with special needs.

Community Programs and Services

The ACPL plays a pivotal role in fostering lifelong learning and community engagement through a broad spectrum of programs:

Children and Youth Programs: Storytimes, summer reading challenges, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) workshops, and homework help encourage early literacy and educational success.

Adult Education: Classes in computer literacy, resume writing, financial planning, and citizenship preparation empower adults to develop skills for personal and professional growth.

Genealogy Workshops: Leveraging the vast resources of the Genealogy Department, the library offers workshops and expert assistance to help patrons trace their family histories.

Cultural Events and Lectures: The library hosts author talks, art exhibits, musical performances, and community discussions that enrich the cultural fabric of Fort Wayne and Allen County.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: In partnership with community organizations, ACPL helps provide free books to young children, fostering early literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

Unique Services

Access Fort Wayne (AFW): The library operates a public-access cable TV station broadcasting community programming across three channels. This service enhances local communication, civic engagement, and cultural outreach.

Audio Reading Service: This specialized service broadcasts readings of local newspapers, magazines, and cultural content 24/7 for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities that limit reading access.

WELT 95.7 FM: A community-driven non-commercial radio station providing news, political commentary, and music featuring local, regional, and national artists, further expanding the library’s outreach.

Impact and Statistics

In 2024, the Allen County Public Library system demonstrated significant community engagement and impact:

Over 1.7 million visitors walked through its doors.

More than 4.6 million items were circulated, including physical books, digital materials, and multimedia.

The library hosted approximately 6,700 programs, attracting around 168,000 participants.

A substantial increase of 24,000 new cardholders brought the total to nearly 200,000 registered patrons, representing about half of Allen County’s population.

These numbers reflect the library’s deep integration into the daily lives of the community, serving as a vital center for education, culture, information, and social connection.

Location and Accessibility

The Main Library is located downtown at 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, easily accessible by public transportation and surrounded by ample parking facilities. The branch locations are spread throughout the county, ensuring convenient access to library services for residents in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Summary

The Allen County Public Library stands as a dynamic institution dedicated to providing free, open access to knowledge, culture, and technology. Its extensive physical and digital collections, specialized services like the genealogy department, diverse programming, and community outreach initiatives establish it as an essential public resource. The library continually adapts to changing community needs, making it a cornerstone of Fort Wayne and Allen County’s educational and cultural landscape.