Indianapolis Public Library cuts ribbon on new Fort Ben branch
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The Indianapolis Public Library celebrated the grand opening of its newest branch over the weekend.
The Fort Ben Branch at 9330 E. 56th St. in Lawrence opened Saturday with speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Library officials say they expect the branch will bring in as many as 200,000 patrons a year, providing services to those living in a gap between the system’s Lawrence and Warren branches.
The new library is notable for its commitment to serving those on the autism spectrum. The branch is the first in the state to seek accreditation for autism services through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, and is sponsored by the Indy Autism Project and Easterseals Crossroads.
“I take immense pride in Fort Ben’s achievement of receiving international accreditation for autism, as it reinforces our commitment to promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and fostering meaningful connections that actively support the pursuit of knowledge,” Indianapolis Public Library CEO Gregory Hill said in a news release. “We strive to ensure that every member of the Indianapolis community feels truly welcome when they visit our branch. It is of utmost importance to us that our services, programs, and collections are accessible to all.”
The $14.3 million library was financed by municipal bonds at no increase to the library’s current tax rate, officials said.
It was designed by Ratio Architects and constructed by The Skillman Davis Team in an area of Lawrence being redeveloped by the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority following the decommissioning of the Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Base in the 1990s.
More information about the library’s new branch is available by clicking here.