INDIANAPOLIS — The existence of the nation’s public libraries as a virtual and physical place to meet emerging community needs makes them uniquely equipped to thrive in this new information-rich, knowledge-based society, according to a report by the Aspen Institute Dialogue on Public Libraries (www.aspeninstitute.org).
Concluding that public libraries are essential to success and progress in the digital age, the report by the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization projects a role for libraries similar to that envisioned by The Indianapolis Public Library in its new Strategic Plan. It calls for the Indy Library to adapt new spaces to become a center for local creativity and innovation, provide more access to technology, and engage citizens in their pursuit of knowledge.
A key component calls for better access to Library services in large unserved population areas of Marion County with the addition of several new or renovated branch locations. New or relocated branches are planned for Perry Township, the City of Lawrence, the North Michigan Road and West 38th Street corridors, and the Glendale and Brightwood areas. Renovations to modernize service capabilities are planned at the East Washington, Lawrence, Southport, Wayne and Warren branches, facilities constructed in the 1970s and ‘80s, except for the East Washington Branch, an original Carnegie Library built in 1909 that is not ADA accessible.
Separate bond issues totaling $58 million currently are being considered by the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council. The bond issues would be structured so that tax rates would not be increased for the Library.
The Indy Library’s plans are based on 18 months of citizen input that culminated in the approval of a Strategic Plan for the years 2015 — 2020 describing how the Library can help meet community needs in the areas of education, workforce readiness, early childhood literacy and business development.
To learn more about the Library’s Strategic Plan, go to www.indypl.org.