ACPL Moves Forward with Facilities Master Plan Funding Hearing

Fort Wayne, IN – The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is excited to move forward in its vision for enhancing library facilities across the county. The ACPL Board of Trustees heard public comment at its September 26 regarding Phase 1 of its Facilities Master Plan (FMP). This plan includes critical infrastructure and facility upgrades to preserve and strengthen the community’s world-class and much-loved library system.

At the hearing, community members provided valuable feedback in the most recent example of the Library’s pursuit of direct community input. Since 2021, the ACPL has conducted multiple focus groups, surveys, and open hearings to ensure the plan is a true reflection of the community’s needs. Most recently the Library enlisted American Pulse, a nationally known polling company, to survey more than 500 Allen County residents representing a range of political ideologies and demographics. That poll showed overwhelming support for the plan and an understanding that delaying further will only result in higher costs down the road.

“We believe we’ve done our homework and have a solid plan that the community wants, needs, and deserves,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier. “This library is a beloved institution in Allen County with a long track record of service and excellence. The taxpayers continue to tell us they see the value in investing in our future, and they want that investment to happen as soon as possible.”

The Library – ever aware of the impact of large projects on the lives of Allen County taxpayers – has worked with community leaders to ensure the plan’s bond request is made at the appropriate time.

“We’ve reached the point where further delay will result in even higher construction costs, damage to our buildings, or potential closure of some locations,” said Baier. “That is unacceptable to our team and Board so we must move forward now and work with our County Council partners to secure these funds. We’re ready and we know our community is as well.”

The ACPL’s most recent tax bond was paid off in 2021 and it currently carries no bond debt. The Facilities Master Plan includes improvements at all locations funded by a combination of Library reserve funds and property tax bonds. The Board’s Capital Projects Committee has prioritized a first phase of projects at locations whose current facilities are not sustainable due to age, size, or severe structural problems.

Phase 1 of the FMP requires approval of a tax bond of 37 million dollars combined with more than 20 million dollars from the ACPL’s reserve funds. The estimated tax impact is $0.0165 per $100 of assessed home value. For context, a homeowner with an assessed value of $150,000 could anticipate an increase of $10.94 annually. The bonds would also be subject to the existing tax caps.

“This plan is an incredible value for the residents of Allen County,” said ACPL Board of Trustees President Ben Eisbart. “They will get world-class facilities, a collection of millions of titles, expert librarian assistance, and more – a true People’s Palace – all for the price of a fast food lunch!”

If the bond is secured – the ACPL will move forward with Phase 1 projects at the following locations:

• Aboite (built in 1990) and Shawnee (built in 1973, renovated in 2004): sale of the existing property and construction of a new branch nearby

• Dupont (built in 1990) and Georgetown (built in 2004): heavy renovation on the existing location

• Hessen Cassel (built in 1972, renovated in 2004): heavy renovation or property sale and build a new library nearby

• New Haven (built in 2003): medium renovation

• Main (built in 2007): select interior renovations funded by a portion of bond financing and roof/solar/chiller project funded by ACPL reserves (currently underway and qualifies for federal incentives for green energy).

When the plan was announced in 2022, the ACPL held a series of hearings along with a period when any resident or property owner could have triggered a community referendum. That requested referendum did not materialize, and at its most recent meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to submit a request to the Allen County Council to add the FMP to its November 13 agenda for review and vote.

According to Baier, support from the Allen County Council is absolutely crucial. “We are confident that with the Council’s backing, we’re protecting what we have and preparing for the future. County Council approval would bring our community modernized buildings, expanded accessibility, and a promise that the library they’ve loved for more than 125 years will be stronger than ever.”

For more information about the Facilities Master Plan or to provide additional feedback, please visit www.youracpl.org or contact librarydirector@acpl.info.

About the Allen County Public Library

The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 125 years. The ACPL consists of fourteen branches throughout Allen County, serving more than one million visitors per year. The ACPL’s collection includes more than 2.7 million items, with a circulation total of 4.2 million items borrowed annually. It also houses The Genealogy Center, the nation’s largest public genealogy research center, and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, consisting of more than 30,000 artifacts related to President Abraham Lincoln.