The Allen County Public Library is taking the next step in its Facilities Master Plan, with a focused effort to engage the community through a series of drop-in Listening Sessions.
Allen County Public Library news release:
ACPL Seeks Community Input for Future Georgetown, New Haven, and Shawnee Branches
Fort Wayne, Indiana (April 15, 2026) – The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is taking the next step in its Facilities Master Plan, with a focused effort to engage the community through a series of drop-in Listening Sessions. These sessions are designed to gather input, answer questions, and ensure these libraries reflect the evolving needs of their neighborhoods.
ACPL Shawnee Branch. Photo courtesy of the Allen County Public Library.
Listening Sessions represent the next phase of work for Georgetown, New Haven, and Shawnee—three branches identified for meaningful improvements as part of Phase One of the Facilities Master Plan. Planned updates will enhance functionality, modernize spaces, and ensure each location remains a welcoming, relevant resource for years to come.
“This is an exciting next step for these three branches and the communities that support them,” said Susan P. Baier, ACPL Executive Director. “We’ve heard valuable input throughout this process, and we want to remain engaged with the community along the way. These sessions are an opportunity to see ideas taking shape, share feedback directly with the design team, and ensure each library truly reflects the people it serves.”
The listening sessions will include opportunities to connect with the design team, including representatives from Group 4 Architecture and Luminaut, ask questions, and provide feedback. Self-guided engagement boards will also be available at each location during open hours for those who prefer to participate at their convenience. The schedule will be as follows:
ACPL Georgetown Branch. Photo courtesy of the Allen County Public Library.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10 a.m.–11 a.m. at the Georgetown Branch (6600 E State Blvd, Fort Wayne)
Noon–1:30 p.m. at Blueberry Pancake House (6736 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne)
5:30–7 p.m. at Rack & Helen’s (525 Broadway St., New Haven). Free snacks provided!
Thursday, April 23, 2026
10–11:30 a.m. at the Shawnee Branch (5600 Noll Ave, Fort Wayne)
Noon–2 p.m. at Southgate Kroger (218 E. Pettit Ave., Fort Wayne)
3–4 p.m. at the New Haven Branch (648 Green St., New Haven)
If patrons are not able to attend one of the Listening Sessions, public Engagement Boards will be at the Georgetown, New Haven, and Shawnee branches through May 13. They’ll be available during library hours for patrons to share their ideas.
ACPL New Haven Branch. Photo courtesy of the Allen County Public Library.
For more details about the Facilities Master Plan and how ACPL is preparing for the future, visit acpl.info/youracpl.
About the Allen County Public Library
The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 135 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 3.9 million items, with a circulation total of 4.6 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.
