You can find nicer library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch.
You can find newer library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch.
You can certainly find bigger library branches in Indianapolis than the Irvington branch.
Yet, there's something about the Irvington Branch of Indianapolis Public Library that is simply dazzling. It's warm, inviting, comfortable, and just fits really well with the unique community that is Irvington.
This branch has served the Irvington area since 1903 when the Bona Thompson Library was donated to what was then Butler College (and was originally located in Irvington). It soon became a public library branch.
The branch relocated in 1914 and 1921. In 1956, a new facility was opened on East Washington Street and named for Hilton U. Brown (Hoosiers should recognize the name). He was also an Irvington resident.
The Brown Branch closed in 2001 and made way for the late 2001 opening of this 16,000-square foot branch.
The Irvington Branch is directly on East Washington Street, though parking is actually behind it. Accessible parking is easily available. While nearly all branches offer push-button automatic doors, Irvington has actual automatic doors. I was super impressed (and grateful - I was tired.). While I wouldn't call the Irvington Branch small, it's definitely smaller than most newer branches and definitely feels smaller. That said, it offers the usual amenities:
The meeting room here is actually still named for Hilton U. Brown. The branch also offers internet access, public computers with Microsoft Office, early learning computer stations, free wifi, meeting space, study area rooms, accessible work stations, self-checkout, color printer, color copy machine, document scanner, mobile printing, outgoing fax, exam proctoring, walk-up book return, and bike racks.
The bathrooms do offer accessibility. I did not see a family bathroom - which most new branches are offering.
The layout was very wheelchair friendly. I was easily able to get everywhere I wanted to get. The librarians were super friendly - I actually found a copy of my own book here and asked a librarian if she would take my photo with it. She did. In fact, she took three just to make sure. So kind.
The lighting here was rather dim and the atmosphere subdued. They offer a variety of community events. I will note that they are closed on Sundays. I also noted they had a memorial bench in their yard and a neat little plaza garden area that I really appreciated.
I'd been in this branch before, though it had been a while since I'm closer to Glendale and Fort Ben. However, I'll easily return to this location when I'm in the area. read more