Fort Ben

The 22,000 square foot Fort Ben Branch provides easy access to Library services and collections due to its location in a high-traffic community with access to public transportation. It includes community meeting spaces and study rooms, beautiful landscaping components, and walk-up, bike-up, and drive-up material return locations. Its roof-top solar photovoltaic system will provides 80% of the building's electricity needs. The Library was envisioned as part of a redevelopment plan since the land was decommissioned and transitioned from the U.S. military to the City of Indianapolis in the 1990s. Take a 3D tour of the Fort Ben Branch.

Certified Autism Center™

The Fort Ben Branch is the first library branch in the state of Indiana to become a Certified Autism Center™ by receiving an international autism accreditation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Fort Ben Branch staff are trained to better understand what autism is (and isn’t), how to empathize and understand how autistic and sensory sensitive individuals experience the world, communicate more effectively, and be aware of common sensitivities. Additionally, patrons at the Fort Ben Branch are able to see sensory guides upon entering the branch, have access to a quiet and low sensory Comfort Room, and are able to borrow a Sensory Kit for the duration of their visit. The Sensory kit contains noise dampening headphones (child or adult sizes are available), and assorted fidgets and soothers. Patrons may ask to use a kit at the “Ask Here” desk.

“The Indianapolis Public Library serves everyone—and that means not only creating a robust collection of relevant materials but also creating spaces where all people feel welcome and supported,” said Gregory Hill, CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library. “Our Fort Ben Branch was the first in Indiana to be recognized as a Certified Autism Center, and we’re on a path to renew that certification. The response from our community has been deeply affirming. I’m grateful to our staff for their ongoing commitment to the training that helps us be a destination for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.”

Dementia Friendly Certified

The Fort Ben staff completed Dementia Friendly Business Training to learn the basics of dementia and how to create an environment that supports those living with dementia and their care partners as individuals.