UPDATE (October 6, 2023)
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Aboite Branch of the Allen County Public Library reopened Friday, October 6, to patron access with the exception of its community meeting space. The building, which had been closed since September 4, 2023, for roof repairs, is opening nearly two weeks ahead of its expected schedule.
ACPL representatives released the following:
“As you can imagine, construction schedules are fluid, but we have been lucky with good weather and great construction partners who have worked hard to get the branch back in order for our patrons,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier. “We are so excited to welcome our Aboite neighbors back to their home branch. We had thought we’d be looking at up to two months away, but here we are – just a few weeks later, ready to go!”
Beginning immediately, patrons may now access book browsing, study room, computers, holds pickups, curbside pickups, donation drop-offs, and book returns at the Aboite Branch. No other ACPL branches were affected by the construction.
The temporary closure was necessary to repair roof damage following a strong thunderstorm in Fort Wayne in the summer of 2022. Although the building is reopening, interior work is still being finalized on the meeting room.
The Aboite Branch is located at 5630 Coventry Lane in Fort Wayne and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If patrons have questions, or need assistance, they can visit acpl.info/aboite for more information or call (260) 421-1240.
ORIGINAL STORY:
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Aboite Branch of the Allen County Public Library will close for building construction beginning Monday, September 4, 2023. The temporary closure is anticipated to last six to eight weeks and is necessary to allow for extensive repair to the building’s roof and meeting room.
In the summer of 2022, a strong storm hit the southwest side of Fort Wayne resulting in significant damage to the Aboite Branch’s roof and meeting room. Since then, it has been unavailable to the public. The goal is to have construction finalized prior to the start of the winter weather season.
Representatives with the ACPL released the following:
During the closure, patrons and staff will have no access to the Aboite building. This includes book browsing, meeting rooms, study rooms, programs, computers, holds pickups, curbside pickups, donation drop-offs, or book returns. This affects only the Aboite Branch.
Patrons will still have full access to the Library’s books and materials by visiting other ACPL branches. They should search the catalog and place “holds” on the items for pick up at an alternative ACPL location. They can also return items to any other branch, regardless of where they check them out.
The virtual library is also available 24/7 and curbside pickup is available at all other locations for added convenience. If patrons currently have holds on file at Aboite, they call 260-421-1240 to request a transfer to another location.
ACPL librarians are planning events and programs at nearby libraries and throughout the Aboite area to maintain connections with the neighborhood during the temporary closure. More information about these activities will be available at acpl.lib.in.us/events. The Aboite Branch staff and many of the materials within the branch will be temporarily relocated across other ACPL locations. The materials that remain in the branch will be carefully preserved so as to prevent any damage from construction.
If patrons have questions, or need assistance, they can visit acpl.info/aboite for more information or call (260) 421-1240.
Comments