Glendale

History

The Broad Ripple community has enjoyed library service at various sites since 1930. The first stand-alone library opened in 1949 adjacent to School No. 80 and continued at that location until a larger branch opened in Broad Ripple Park in 1986. Facing a need for continued growth, the Glendale Branch was constructed in 2000 in Glendale Mall and became the country’s first full-service library located in a major shopping mall. In 2024, a new 24,800 square-foot Branch located at the site of the former John Strange Elementary School opened. The move into this new space began the next chapter of service to the vibrant Glendale community.

"I remember going to the old Broad Ripple Library in the village and then leaving the northeast side for a while and coming back to raise my family. My husband and boys are here - raised them coming up through John Strange in the Washington Township schools and bringing them to the Glendale Library to introduce them to the incredible value that libraries provide our community and our families and our students and launching their lives of learning in our communities." - Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton

Dementia Aware Organization

The Glendale Branch staff completed Dementia Aware Organization 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.