Community Gathers for Glendale Library Groundbreaking

The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) broke ground on a new Glendale Branch Library, drawing an eager crowd of more than 150 community leaders, patrons, and stakeholders. The 24,800 square foot Branch, projected to open in the summer of 2023, will be located at the site of the former John Strange Elementary School at 3660 E. 62nd St.

“We are excited for this Branch to have a stand-alone building after being in the Glendale Shopping Center for more than 20 years,” said Judy Gray, Glendale’s branch manager. “It will increase access to our services and collections while eliminating the need to lease property.”

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 current Glendale Branch was constructed in 2000 and became the country’s first full-service Library in a major shopping mall. Constructing a stand-alone Branch will help The Library achieve its goal of owning all of its locations.

Before breaking ground on this Branch, the architects led virtual input meetings and conducted a survey to learn what services, amenities, and priorities meant the most to patrons. The Branch will have drive-up material returns, access to public transportation, a community meeting room with a capacity of 100 people, and LEEDv4 Silver Certification. IndyPL estimates that 225,000 – 250,000 patrons will visit the Branch annually.

“We delayed construction for a short while due to Covid, so our staff and patrons are excited to see this project get started,” said Mike Coghlan, capital projects manager with IndyPL. “This really is a community celebration, and we are looking forward to building a space that meets the needs of this community from the ground up.”

The $15.3 Million project is funded by bonds approved by the Indianapolis City-Council Council that will be assessed without any increase in IndyPL’s current debt service tax rate.

Powers & Sons Construction Co. is managing the construction and krM Architecture+ is the architect for the project. A grand opening is anticipated for Summer 2023.