Allen County Public Library – Main Library

I’d heard of the Genealogy Center at the Library when doing research for regional travel stories at Midwest Guest, so I put it on my list of places I wanted to see when we visited Fort Wayne. Visit Fort Wayne hooked us up with the center’s manager, Curt Witcher who gave us a great tour of the place and its resources. Folks may not know (as I didn’t) that this is the largest public genealogy collection in the U.S. and second in size only to the privately-​owned Salt Lake City genealogy collection in the nation. Things seemed well-​organized, and the staff at the center seemed very interested in helping folks conduct their research. I’m not a genealogist myself, but I can also see how the center could really help researchers at all levels of genealogists (beginners to advanced), as well as for anyone researching subjects in regional history. Witcher’s enthusiasm for history and helping folks do research on their own families was pretty infectious… he and his staff really seemed interested in making sure visitors knew the resources available to them and helping people make the best use of them.

What an incredible place!!! If you are doing genealogy research, this is the place to go. We spent 4 hours there before a Tin Caps game, found a ton of stuff, and didn’t even get to 1/​100% of their resources. There are entire sections from every state and countless shelves devoted to veterans’ information going back to the Revolution. They also have computers available to supplement the collection. We will be back for 2-​day trips several times a year to continue our research.

HUGE library. Fort Wayne is very fortunate to have a place like this in the middle of downtown. A great coffee shop, genealogical records galore, areas for the kids to play and I kid you not when I say I’ve actually gotten lost in here. You’ve got to stop by when you get a chance!

We drove up to the library to attend a genealogical seminar for the weekend. We were not disappointed. This is the finest library for genealogy research other than the LDS in Salt Lake City. There are so many research opportunities that it would take months or even years to explore. The genealogy department has everything one would want if you were just starting out or a pro genealogist. They have banks of computers, film readers, printers. And the people behind the desk are eager to help. Everything is free except the copier and it’s only $.10 a copy. Parking is underground and only $ 7.00 a day for non-​library folks. We spent 3 days from open to close and only scratched the surface. I would highly recommend this beautiful facility to anyone. Can’t wait to go back.

Great cities are known for great architecture. The age of our young city means that not many buildings have old influence or a long story, but that just means that what we build today will leave its mark on our city tomorrow. And we alongside the aging edifices of our town, we can construct beautiful new buildings to enjoy.
So that’s the big picture. The small picture is this: The main Library is a gorgeous building that shows off Fort Wayne. It’s fantastically modern, open, light, airy and a pleasure to spend time in.
The library has a great collection of books, periodicals and DVDs. There have only been a handful of films I haven’t been able to find there and the staff was able to order them in for me at no charge.
Like the previous posters have mentioned, because of the open layout of the building, parts of it can get rather loud. If you are looking for a place to study, make sure you head to a private conference room or to the very back rooms.
Unlike Indianapolis, we have our building designed to be a beautiful example of modern architecture. The open atrium and front entry area are perfect for events or for just lounging around with a good book and a cup of coffee.
I believe that a lot of people are frustrated by Indianapolis’s the «Emperor’s New Clothes» saga they watch unfold before them in disbelief, unlike most everyone else on the planet that think it’s better than a free trip to Disneyland.
What has brought on my disdain of the Indianapolis library? First of all, I did ask a few who people tried to do research there. There is a vast collection of materials both in microfilm and behind bars in the «Indianapolis Room,» but getting to use these resources would try the patience of anyone.
Our «new» Fort Wayne design is practical and saves taxpayers gobs of money to heat and cool since it’s essentially a giant eco friendly design. And this after so much of the cost of building was federally funded. Our taxes where saved by this grossly under budget built (courtesy of the Tom Henry administration) design.
The most important advantage our library has? Free parking, featuring two lots. And free parking on the streets in the evenings and weekends.
And then they topped off Fort Wayne. The Indianapolis Public library will not even offer free ½ hour parking. The very genesis of the creation of libraries is being desecrated there. Way to go, Indianapolis – I didn’t think it was possible for me to dislike your library, but I was wrong!