Indianapolis Public Library has branches across the city; however, some areas still have a service gap.

On Saturday, August 19, the Fort Ben Branch, located at 9330 East 56th Street, opened to the public, closing a service gap on Indy’s east side.

The facility is a 22,000-square-foot branch that is projected to serve nearly 200,000.

The grand opening included a formal presentation on the journey from conception to the branch’s opening. Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to poetry, music, have their face painted, as well as enjoying other entertainment.

Shelby Peak will be the branch manager. The Fort Ben Branch is the first library branch in Indiana to receive international accreditation for autism through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Via an announcement on IndyPL’s website, Indianapolis Public Library CEO Gregory Hill stated, “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.”