CENTRAL LIBRARY

The Transformed Central Library


CENTRAL LIBRARY - You'll love the ending.

The Central Library is the primary symbol of our community's commitment to the values of literacy, knowledge, self-improvement and open and equal access for everyone. The project, which began in 2001, preserves the 1917 buildings historic and architectural significance while creating a technology-rich 293,000 sq. ft. addition to meet the city's 21st Century information needs.

Why is the Central Library transformation project important to Indianapolis?
Central Library is the hub of the county's library system, providing support to its 22 branches and providing services such as bookmobiles, school activities and advanced technology to the entire Indianapolis community.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Completion of the Central Library Expansion Project


Facts About Your Library

Transformed Central Library
  • Every day an estimated 4,000 patrons will visit
  • Every year an estimated 1.8 million patrons will visit
Current Library System
  • 40 percent of branch patrons also use Central
  • 25 school and museum partners share the library's online resource
  • 46 million page views on the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Web site in 2004, where patrons can access Library information and services
  • Bookmobiles visit 63 neighborhood sites per week
  • Nearly 65,000 children and 400 teens participate in the summer reading program
  • More than 1,000 patrons annually utilize the Library's free computer classes
Transformed Central Library will provide:
  • Significant growth of collection to one million items
  • Full accessibility for people with disabilities - for the first time in the Library's history
  • Some 300 computers will be available to the public - more than four times the number available at old Central
  • Dynamic new childrens area that will encourage literacy and critical thinking and will accommodate class visits, family activities and traditional story hours and services
  • Up-to-date technology, information and services for the public
  • Safe, abundant off-street parking
  • An enhanced and enjoyable environment with:
    - Plenty of comfortable seating and meeting space
    - Quiet study rooms
    - Public café
    - Reading garden
    - Teen area
    - Modern heating and cooling system
    - Improved lighting
Why is completing Central quickly the best use of taxpayer money?
  • Delaying the project would result in an estimated additional $20 million in costs
  • Scaling back the project is not feasible because:
    - To lock-in lower costs, most materials and furnishings were purchased before construction defects, delaying the project, were discovered
    - Many of the areas are being funded by donated dollars. To not finish them may mean returning donations, which total $43 million
What needs to happen for the Central Library project to be completed quickly?
The Library must secure approval from the public to issue up to $45 million in bonds to complete the project.
  • The cost to owner of a $100,000 home is estimated to be $3.30-$4.30 per year
  • Bonds will be sold only when and as needed to minimize taxpayer cost
  • The Library is aggressively pursuing compensation from parties responsible for defects and delays

For more information, please contact:

Library Services Center
P.O. Box 211
Indianapolis, IN 46206-0211
317-275-4030