This fall, the Allen County Public Library is creating a space where adults can take some of the awkwardness out of making new connections with two “Speed Friending” events.
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Allen County Public Library news release:
Looking for New Friends? ACPL Offers Adults a Place to Connect
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 15, 2026) – Making friends as an adult can be harder than it sounds. Between work, family responsibilities and increasingly busy schedules, many adults find themselves with fewer opportunities to meet new people. This fall, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is creating a space where adults can take some of the awkwardness out of making new connections with two “Speed Friending” events.
“Creating new friendships as an adult doesn’t always happen naturally, yet our friendships are among the most important relationships in our lives,” said ACPL Librarian Sarah Holmes. “The library has always been a place where people can come as they are and we’re one of the few “third places” left – so, we’re in the perfect position to make connections and foster friendships.”
Libraries are increasingly recognized as “third places” — welcoming spaces outside of home and work where people can spend time, participate in activities and encounter members of their community. ACPL’s Speed Friending events take that role one step further by making meeting new people the entire point of the program.
According to Holmes, “Speed Friending gives people an easy reason to walk through the door and start a conversation. Whether someone is new to Fort Wayne, or simply looking to expand their social circle, Speed Friending offers a chance to make that first connection.”
Participants will rotate through short conversations with other attendees, providing a structured way to meet a variety of people without the pressure of walking into a room full of strangers. Hot cocoa and tea will also be served.
Two sessions are planned this fall:
- Thursday, September 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Main Library (900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne)
- Tuesday, October 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Grabill Branch (13521 Grabill Rd, Grabill)
For more information and registration, visit ACPL’s event calendar at acpl.libnet.info.
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