The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) proudly congratulates Visit Fort Wayne on receiving the Indiana Tourism Association’s (ITA) Best Meeting/Group Partnership Award for its work bringing the International Jewish Genealogical Society’s Annual Conference to Fort Wayne. The conference held August 10–14, 2025, brought together genealogists, researchers, and families from across the globe for educational sessions, networking, and access to ACPL’s unparalleled collections.  The

The Allen County Public Library’s Woodburn Branch will celebrate National Library Week with a special themed storytime inspired by a beloved children’s book series.  What:  Spotlight Storytime – “If You Give a Librarian a…”  When:  Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. – noon.   Where:  Woodburn Branch (4701 State Route 101 North, Woodburn)  Who:  Media are invited to take photos and conduct interviews with ACPL staff, participants, and their caregivers. Inspired by the classic cause-a

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is excited to announce a special series of Bilingual Storytimes designed to engage families in both English and Spanish. These interactive programs are presented in partnership with students studying Spanish at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW), providing a unique opportunity for children and caregivers to experience language learning in a fun, welcoming environment.  Each storytime will feature stories, songs, and activities presented

This week, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) proudly recognizes National Library Giving Day (April 1) and celebrates the generosity of the ACPL Foundation and the Friends of the ACPL in supporting programs and providing financial support that strengthens literacy, learning, and community connection. Through the two entities’ financial support, the ACPL continues to expand access to transformative library services across Allen County including signature initiatives: Dolly

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Allen County Public Library for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the 2024 fiscal year. This marks the 33rd consecutive year that the library has achieved this prestigious recognition.  The report was reviewed by an impartial panel of judges. According to Michele Mark Levine, Director of t

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is excited to announce the release of five new themed memory kits designed to support individuals living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive challenges — and to help their families, friends, and caregivers engage in meaningful activities together. All five kits will be available for patrons to check out immediately.  Memory kits are carefully curated collections of books, music, photos, puzzles, activity prompts, an

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is making it easier than ever for patrons to get help with a new Live Chat Reference service, now available on the library’s website. The free service connects users in real time with a network of trained librarians across the country who can answer questions, assist with accounts, and help patrons make the most of ACPL’s wide range of resources—without the need to call or visit in person.   Live Chat Reference offers extended hours of a

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is reporting significant progress in the second year of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, highlighting expanded literacy initiatives, increased access to technology, and strengthened community partnerships. As part of its commitment to celebrating reading and learning, ACPL expanded StoryScape early learning spaces to additional branch locations and led the successful “One County, One Book” community-wide reading initiative. The library also

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 f

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of WELT Community Radio (95.7 FM), a one-of-a-kind station that has spent the past decade informing, connecting, and amplifying voices across Fort Wayne and Allen County.  Launched in 2016, WELT is the only low-power FM radio station licensed to a public library. The station was created as an accessible platform for local music, culture, civic dialogue, and community storytelling and was given the name

This Valentine’s Day, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is encouraging readers to take a chance on something new with a creative and charming display at the Main Library: “Blind Date with a Book.”  The special display features a curated selection of books wrapped in paper, concealing the title and author. Instead of judging a book by its cover, patrons are invited to choose their next read based on a short teaser description hinting at the story inside. From heartfelt ro

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the opening of The Studio at Main, marking a year of creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning for the community. Since opening, Studio patrons have enjoyed more than 23,000 visitors, with free access to tools, technology, and experiences that empower patrons to learn new skills and bring ideas to life.    Located at the Main Library, The Studio at Main is open approximately 200 hours each

Young visitors to the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) will find even more to explore, imagine, and discover in StoryScape, as new toys have been added to refresh and enhance the popular early literacy play spaces. The updates replace well-loved and well-used toys, ensuring StoryScape continues to be a welcoming and engaging environment for children and families. The new items were made possible by a generous $5000 donation from the Friends of the Allen County Public Librar

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is celebrating Black History Month throughout February with a robust lineup of free programs for all ages, honoring Black history, culture, creativity, and community through art, hands-on learning, and shared experiences. “Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate the profound impact Black individuals and communities have had—and continue to have—on our shared history,” said Beth Boatright, ACPL Director of P

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) announces the addition of a new Community Album collection celebrating the impact and history of Fort Wayne’s Spanish-language newspaper El Mexicano  and the community it serves. This digital collection highlights an essential voice in Allen County history and the legacy of Fernando Zapari, founder and publisher of El Mexicano .  The ACPL Community Album is an ongoing digital archiving and access project led by the Library’s Special Coll

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is inviting families across Allen County to help celebrate the 80th birthday of music legend and literacy champion Dolly Parton with a special community-wide coloring project and a call to support early childhood literacy.  This week, ACPL branches are offering free Dolly Parton–themed coloring pages for children and families to enjoy in the library or by downloading and printing at home. Completed coloring pages can be left at any ACPL

The Allen County Public Library, in partnership with multiple national advocacy organizations, invites the public to reflect on the humanity, creativity, and lived experiences of people impacted by the prison system. The exhibit “Portraits of Lives Affected by Incarceration” is a powerful, multi-media exhibition on display at the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery at the Main Library from January 17 through March 14.    Blending visual art, poetry, and music, the exhibition brings toge

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is partnering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to offer free, in-person tax assistance and preparation for the 2026 tax season at select ACPL and community locations throughout Allen County. Free tax help will be available February 2 through April 15, 2026, provided by trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. Appointments are required. Community members can begin scheduling appointments by calling their local ACPL branch starting January 12, 2026.

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is pleased to announce the opening of “The Lincolns at Home,” a new, free exhibit in the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research at the Main Library running through the end of the year. This original exhibition offers visitors an intimate and compelling look at President Abraham Lincoln’s family life.  Drawing from the Lincoln family’s private photo album, which includes more than 600 historic photographs preserved in the Rolland Center’s co

Families across Allen County are invited to ring in the New Year a little early at the Allen County Public Library’s annual “Countdown to Noon” celebration—a festive, kid-friendly way for children to experience the excitement of New Year’s Eve without staying up past bedtime.  Designed for children from toddlers through 6th grade, this lively event features crafts, activities, and a community countdown to 12:00 noon, complete with all the joy and energy of a traditional New Y