Glendale

"I remember going to the old Broad Ripple Library in the village and then leaving the northeast side for a while and coming back to raise my family. My husband and boys are here - raised them coming up through John Strange in the Washington Township schools and bringing them to the Glendale Library to introduce them to the incredible value that libraries provide our community and our families and our students and launching their lives of learning in our communities." - Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton

Building Highlights

The Broad Ripple community has enjoyed library service at various sites since 1930. The first stand-alone library opened in 1949 adjacent to School No. 80 and continued at that location until a larger branch opened in Broad Ripple Park in 1986. Facing a need for continued growth, the Glendale Branch was constructed in 2000 in Glendale Mall and became the country’s first full-service library located in a major shopping mall. In 2024, a new 24,800 square-foot Branch located at the site of the former John Strange Elementary School opened. The move into this new space began the next chapter of service to the vibrant Glendale community.

• The new 24,800 square-foot Branch is projected to welcome 225,000 – 250,000 patron visitors annually.
• The Branch has the second-largest collection of physical materials within The Indianapolis Public Library system, after Central Library, including various titles in Spanish, French, Korean, and a collection of Braille books.
• The building is designed for LEED Gold Certification, a credential given by the United States Green Building Council. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievements.
• In addition, the building has solar panels on the roof. The solar panels generate enough energy to cover 71% of the Glendale Branch’s energy costs.